Commission approves two downtown tax‑exemption packages for building rehabs

The Bay City Commission approved two downtown rehabilitation incentives and the creation of an obsolete‑property district aimed at encouraging reuse of older buildings.

Commissioners voted to create the rehabilitation district for 103 North Walnut and approved a 12‑year obsolete‑property rehabilitation exemption certificate for Let's Try Everything LLC, a project packet said would house the Botanist Cafe and a second‑floor conversion to two residential units. The exemption for Let's Try Everything is listed at $168,729 spread across the 12‑year certificate; the packet notes the city will still receive an estimated $104,198 in taxes over that period.

The commission also approved a 12‑year obsolete‑property rehabilitation exemption for Rooftop Investments LLC at 816–822 Washington Avenue for $159,580, with the city projected to receive $98,547 over the certificate term. A commissioner noted a typographical error in the packet describing the building’s corner and the clerk corrected it during discussion.

Both motions were moved, seconded and passed by roll call with all recorded commissioners voting yes. Supporters said the projects would rehabilitate older buildings in the Mill and Street historic district and add residential options; opponents did not request roll‑call changes during the public hearing on those items.

The city’s packet described the Walnut Street project as ground‑floor beverage service and event space with upstairs residential units and a basement event venue; commissioners urged staff to monitor compliance with rehabilitation timelines and stated they would continue to track projected tax receipts against actual returns.

The clerk recorded the approvals and the projects will proceed to the permitting and inspection phases under the city’s development rules.