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Ferndale delays vote on 56‑unit 1200 W. 9 Mile housing project to finalize community benefits
Summary
Council members postponed consideration of a payment‑in‑lieu‑of‑taxes (PILOT) and community benefits agreement for a proposed 56‑unit attainable housing project at 1200 W. 9 Mile, citing the need to finalize contract language; staff described unit mix, community contributions, and a 15‑year affordability cap.
Ferndale city staff told the council they have refined a proposed payment‑in‑lieu‑of‑taxes (PILOT) package and community benefits agreement for a 56‑unit housing development at 1200 W. 9 Mile but asked the council to postpone a vote so final contract language can be completed.
Staff described the proposed project as 56 units of attainable housing located just west of Savvy Sliders and south of Gary Park. The unit mix was reported as 17 units at 80% area median income (AMI), 18 at 100% AMI and 21 at 120% AMI; staff also said the developer agreed to add an additional 80% AMI unit during negotiations. The community benefits package as presented includes $160,000 for 9 Mile Road improvements, three ADA‑accessible units, a public‑art mural, a bike‑share station, a $30,000 contribution to Gary Park, a $25,000 contribution to Renaissance Vineyard Church, a decorative fence, a clawback provision, and a $10,000 administrative fee. Staff estimated the aggregate community contributions and administrative items total roughly $300,000, and said affordability and rent caps would run for 15 years.
A motion to defer consideration until the Jan. 26 council meeting passed by roll call (council members called and recorded as voting 'Yes' when asked). The mayor and staff emphasized that the PILOT does not “cut a check” to the developer; rather it reduces tax payments to allow lower rents and caps housing costs by income level for the agreement term.
Why it matters: The project would add attainable apartments within walking distance of downtown and is presented as targeted to local workers (construction laborers, teachers, plumbers and similar occupations according to staff). The PILOT and community benefits package would shape infrastructure improvements, public‑realm investments and long‑term affordability obligations if approved.
What happens next: Staff and the developer will finalize contract language; the item is scheduled for further council consideration on Jan. 26.
