Committee recommends Epic Health commercial rehabilitation certificate for formal approval

The committee voted to send the Epic Health commercial rehabilitation exemption certificate request to formal with a recommendation to approve after a Sept. 18 public hearing.

Nicole Scott (DEGC) and representatives for Epic Health presented a request to certify a new 7,000‑square‑foot primary care facility at 4303–4330 East Davidson. Presenters said the project will cost about $3.4 million, will be built on jointly held parcels (including land to be acquired from the Detroit Land Bank Authority where needed), and will replace a dilapidated repair facility with a one‑story clinic offering primary care, lab services, x‑ray, video consultation and behavioral health.

Epic Health representatives said the clinic will be ADA‑compliant, include accessible reception and bathroom designs and provide interpretation services as required; they committed to community engagement events and said the facility will add 11 full‑time positions to 14 existing Detroit employees associated with their operations, for a total projected 25 staff at the site.

DEGC and HRD said the assessor determined the project meets eligibility requirements for the Commercial Rehabilitation Act and recommended a 10‑year certificate based on underwriting and demonstrated financial need. Presenters also emphasized the project’s net fiscal benefit to the city over the abatement term.

Outcome: A member moved to send line item 7 (the Epic Health certificate) to formal with a recommendation to approve; the motion passed with no objections, sending the item forward for final action.

Representative quotes: “We have been very diligent in making sure the community is aware of this project,” Brooke Booth (developer counsel) said; DEGC added that the tax‑exemption mechanism is a discount on future taxes that would not materialize without the project.

The committee did not vote on the final certificate at this meeting; the item will move to formal committee next.