Council backs study of converting former Westland House into affordable senior housing

Westland City Council on May 18 approved a master services agreement with Living Forward (a division of Plante Moran Realpoint) to study and advance a proposal to convert the former Westland House (near Carlson and Marquette) into independent affordable senior housing. The agreement authorizes consultant work up to a not‑to‑exceed amount of $315,000, but the city’s consultant and staff stressed that the project depends on a viable capital stack that includes state funding and private investment.

The city attorney and consultants told the council HUD has signaled willingness to facilitate roughly a 50% reduction in the HUD loan on the property, which would materially affect feasibility. Officials said successful pursuit of Michigan State Housing Development Authority funding (referred to in the transcript as "MISTA") and low‑income tax credits purchased by developers are key to assembling the financing.

The attorney framed the master services agreement as an early, exploratory step. He explained that the immediate next step is a notice of intent to the state housing authority to indicate Westland’s interest; a formal application would follow only if the state invited Westland into a funded cohort. He cautioned council members that, without state selection, the project is unlikely to move forward despite local need.

Joan Campbell (referenced by staff) and the consultants described the project as independent affordable senior housing, not assisted living, and said the Westland Housing Commission could manage independent units. The consultants also noted examples of nearby municipalities pursuing similar publicly managed affordable senior housing models.

Public comments from Mr. Warren described local low‑cost homebuilding activity in subdivisions and criticized the city’s anniversary celebration for not reflecting all residents; the council read a written comment from Charles Blackwell alleging a relationship between Mayor Coleman and a former state representative and referencing a past arrest (the allegation was presented as a resident’s written public comment and was not substantiated in the meeting). The council acknowledged the written submission and noted disability accommodation for the author.

What happens next: If the state indicates interest, the city will proceed with detailed application steps, refine the financing plan (including low‑income tax credit timing and state funding requests), and work with HUD and Living Forward to assemble the capital stack. If the state does not select the project, consultants said the proposed work will not advance to development.

Actions: The council authorized the master services agreement with Living Forward (Plante Moran Realpoint), not to exceed $315,000, and directed staff to proceed with early‑stage application steps (notice of intent to the state housing authority).