Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Low Street Sale topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Allegan council authorizes sale of contaminated Low Street parcel to Woda Cooper Companies LLC
Summary
The City of Allegan authorized a purchase-and-development agreement with Woda Cooper Companies LLC for a 53-unit, three‑story apartment project on Low Street, despite council concerns about site contamination and complaints linked to the developer's property-management operations. Council approved authorization by voice vote.
The Allegan City Council on Jan. 12 authorized the sale of a contaminated parcel on Low Street to Woda Cooper Companies LLC and approved a purchase-and-development agreement that allows the developer to pursue state funding and complete long due‑diligence and remediation work. City Manager Joel Dye told council the city had solicited proposals under direction from an Oct. 13 council action and received a single proposal from Woda Cooper for a 53-unit, three‑story apartment complex with associated parking.
"We received 1 proposal from Moda Cooper Companies LLC out of Columbus, Ohio," Joel Dye said while introducing the item and explained the parcel is "heavily contaminated," requiring environmental cleanup and potentially a vapor barrier. He told council a recommended sale price was low to reflect remediation obligations and that the developer would apply to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority for state funding.
The public hearing on the sale produced no public comments. Several council members raised questions about the developer’s reputation. Council Member Walker cited multiple consumer complaints and a six‑page Better Business Bureau record and pressed staff on whether the complaints resulted in fines or legal judgments. "They have several open with the rental management side," Walker said, noting many complaints appeared tied to property management rather than construction.
Dye and other staff said some complaints stem from income‑restricted occupancy rules and that cities where Woda has projects reported no systemic issues. Dye also said the city would consult the regional Fair Housing Centers and monitor fair‑housing and legal complaints as the developer proceeds through state funding and remediation steps. He estimated remediation costs mentioned by council members ranged from about $30,000 to $150,000 depending on scope.
After additional questions about who would manage the property and the timeline for state funding decisions, a councilmember moved to authorize the sale and to allow the mayor and clerk to sign the purchase‑and‑development agreement; another councilmember seconded the motion. Council adopted the motion by voice vote; the meeting record does not include a roll‑call tally.
What happens next: the developer will pursue state funding and complete due diligence and environmental remediation work before site work begins. Staff told council the Michigan State Housing Development Authority application is due April 1 and that, if awarded, it could be roughly nine months before construction begins.
