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Commission approves New Market Commons PILOT ordinance and sends letter of support to state agency; one commissioner abstains
Summary
The Bay City Commission voted March 16 to adopt an ordinance amendment creating a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) for New Market Commons and approved a city-manager letter of support to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority; Commissioner Kubiak abstained on related votes.
The Bay City Commission on March 16 adopted an ordinance amendment to Chapter 46 of the municipal code establishing Division 6, New Market Commons, to allow a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) for a Bay City Housing Commission affordable housing project at 501 Columbus Avenue.
Commissioner Duette moved to approve the ordinance amendment; Commissioner Cochley seconded. During discussion Commissioner Duette sought clarification about the pilot’s duration and applicability, noting the ordinance language allows up to 40 years. A staff clarification was offered on how the PILOT applies to properties held by the Housing Commission.
Roll call for the ordinance amendment showed seven votes in favor and one recorded abstention by Commissioner Kubiak; the motion passed. The commission also approved a city‑manager letter of support for the Michigan State Housing Development Authority application for New Market Commons, with Commissioner Tenney moving and Commissioner Morris seconding; Commissioner Kubiak likewise recorded an abstention on the related votes.
Commissioners and commenters at the meeting generally described New Market Commons as an affordable housing development that could increase residential density on Columbus Avenue; Chelsea Anderson and others urged the commission to consider complementary retail and services for new residents and to examine use of CDBG and HOME funds for neighborhood amenities.
The ordinance language discussed allows a PILOT of up to 40 years for projects controlled by the Bay City Housing Commission; the commission recorded the vote and adopted the amendment and related agenda items.
Next procedural steps: the ordinance amendment was adopted as recorded and the letter of support will be sent to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority as approved by the commission.
