Community Housing Network updates board on Newberry senior project, plans to resubmit St. Ignace preservation application
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Summary
Community Housing Network told the Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action board it will resubmit a reindication application to MSHDA this October and is advancing a 16-unit senior housing proposal in Newberry while pursuing renovations and bundling proposals for multiple apartment complexes.
The Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Human Resources Authority board heard a briefing Feb. 19 from Community Housing Network about several regional affordable-housing initiatives, including a 16-unit senior housing proposal in Newberry and plans to strengthen a previously unsuccessful reindication application for St. Ignace Senior Development.
Joe Nolan, executive director of Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action, introduced CJ Felton of Community Housing Network, who joined by Zoom and described CHN’s work across the upper peninsula. Felton said the group’s October application to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to reindicate St. Ignace Senior Development and add six units “fell just short of being funded,” and CHN will revise its approach and resubmit the preservation application this October.
Felton outlined a separate Newberry senior housing opportunity: a proposed 16-unit development made up of 12 one-bedroom and four two-bedroom units. He said CHN is also pursuing reindication funding for Avery Square and West Bridge Apartments to support needed renovations, and is evaluating bundling those properties with Woodcreek Apartments and Park Place—together roughly 159 units—to strengthen applications for rehabilitation funds.
Board members asked about costs and local market demand for the Newberry expansion. Nolan and Felton said CHN has commissioned a market study to determine feasible rents and that KMG will be engaged to manage the properties. Nolan noted prior local outreach, including a study by Tammy Henry of the EDC, and said the organizations are coordinating to align studies and funding strategies.
Felton described CHN as an active developer in the region and cited recent projects in the Upper Peninsula, and he said the partnership with CLMCA includes exploring multiple packaging options and financing pathways aimed at preserving and expanding affordable senior housing.
The board did not take formal action on the presented projects during the meeting; Felton and staff indicated next steps include completing the market study, finalizing financing strategies, and preparing a resubmission to MSHDA in October. CHN and CLM staff will continue to update the board as proposals and funding plans develop.