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Woodbridge developers seek NEZ for 50‑unit 12th & Forest plan; residents split on benefits
Summary
X Y Z Developments asked the committee to establish an NEZ district to support a three‑phase project with 50 units (4 for sale, 46 rentals), 20% set aside at 80% AMI, green features and 62 parking spaces; the committee agreed to return the item on Nov. 20 for further review.
Developers and city staff presented a multi‑phase Neighborhood Enterprise Zone request for the Woodbridge area — the “12th & Forest” proposal — during the Sept. 18 Planning & Economic Development committee meeting.
David Howell (DGC) described a multi‑phase project led by Phil Lockwood of X Y Z Developments that would transform 11 land‑bank parcels into 50 housing units across four buildings, with a total projected investment that presenters quoted in the $16.5M–$18.7M range across phases. Lockwood said 20% of rental units would be offered at 80% AMI and that many additional units are expected to be naturally affordable in the market context; the project also includes commercial space, stormwater bioswales, EV charging and a commitment to target Detroiters for construction hiring.
Project details presented included: 4 for‑sale condominiums in phase 1; approximately 46 rental units in subsequent phases; a projected 62 parking spaces (accessed from alleys behind buildings to preserve walkability); and an estimated developer tax savings via the NEZ in the low millions (presenters gave a projected tax savings figure for the developer of roughly $1.7M across the abatement term and a city net benefit estimate of approximately $1.13M across jurisdictions). Presenters said phase 1 is shovel‑ready with ground breaking targeted for spring of the next year and later phases expected to complete by 2028.
Public comment included supporters from the Woodbridge Citizens Council and residents who said cleanups and developer engagement had been authentic; others urged more family‑sized units, clarity on AMI definitions and long‑term impacts on the general fund.
Outcome: The committee moved to bring this NEZ back as a line item for the Nov. 20 meeting (60 days). No formal NEZ certificate was granted at the Sept. 18 hearing.
Representative quote: “This project truly strives to provide something for everyone, with a diversity of housing options,” Philip Lockwood said. Garrett Burton, president of the Woodbridge Citizens Council, said the project would revitalize a largely vacant portion of the neighborhood.
Next steps: The committee asked staff and developers to provide more detailed timelines, affordability breakdowns and any land‑bank obligations when the item returns.
