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Houghton County approves Chassell Mercantile Brownfield Plan to clear blight, add housing
Summary
The Houghton County Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution #2024-026 on Dec. 10 approving the Chassell Mercantile Redevelopment Brownfield Plan, a roughly $4.5 million project proposing 22 residential units, 2,000 sq. ft. of commercial space and covered parking.
The Houghton County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 10 adopted a brownfield redevelopment plan for the Chassell Mercantile project in Chassell Township that the board said advances blight removal and workforce housing in the county.
At a public hearing opened by Commissioner Gretchen Janssen, Jeff Ratcliffe, identified in the record as KEDA Director, described the redevelopment as a roughly $4.5 million project that would include 22 residential units, about 2,000 square feet of commercial space and covered parking; the developer has applied for grant funding to support the project. Keith Meyers said his board unanimously supported the project, and Jerry Wuorenmaa of the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region (WUPPDR) also voiced support.
The board adopted Resolution #2024-026, citing the Michigan Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act (Act 381, P.A. 1996) and finding the plan meets statutory requirements, including a description of eligible activities, an estimate of captured taxable value, and a financing method. The motion to adopt was moved by Commissioner Roy Britz, supported by Commissioner Glenn Anderson, and passed 5-0.
Why it matters: County minutes state the plan’s goals as blight removal, increased private investment and the addition of workforce housing. If the project proceeds, local tax-increment financing under Act 381 could be used to pay eligible environmental and redevelopment costs as described in the adopted plan.
What happened next: The minutes record no board conditions on approval; the plan record notes concurrence by the Chassell Township Board of Trustees and a prior recommendation from the Houghton County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. The public hearing was closed by voice vote after supportive remarks from local economic-development and planning officials.
Procedural note: The board’s resolution text cites Act 381 and standard Brownfield Plan requirements (cost estimates, captured value estimates, method of financing). The record does not specify the developer name, the grant program applied for, or a precise schedule for construction and capture. Those details were not provided in the meeting minutes.
The board adjourned routine business after approving the plan.
