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Council approves brownfield plan for 72‑unit 'LOL Flats' at 1160 West Main
Summary
The council approved a brownfield plan and a housing TIF for a 72‑unit infill project at 1160 West Main (referred to as 'LOL Flats'), with the developer proposing that ~50% of units be income‑qualified for 10 years and reimbursement of developer costs over a ~23‑year plan.
The Lowell City Council voted to approve a brownfield plan for 1160 West Main — a proposed three‑building, 72‑unit infill project the development team referred to as "LOL Flats." The approval sends the proposal back to the Brownfield Authority for final negotiations and reimbursement details.
Attorney Jared Belalco, representing the development team, described the project as seeking a housing‑focused brownfield/TIF approach created by a 2023 amendment to the Michigan Brownfield Act to help close financing gaps for housing development. Belalco said the program targets households at roughly 80–120% of area median income and that the development proposes that approximately 50% of the units (about 36 units) be income‑qualified and held at that affordability level for a 10‑year period to reimburse infrastructure costs.
Belalco also summarized the proposed financial structure: the developer would be reimbursed over an approximately 23‑year plan using incremental property taxes generated by the development; he said the current taxable value on the property is roughly $325,000 and that post‑development estimates put taxable value near $3 million. He emphasized that brownfield capture applies only to increment and does not take debt millage revenues.
Council members asked for clarifications about accessible units (code minimums discussed and convertible units noted), the one/two‑bedroom breakdown of affordable units (the program formula yields 25% two‑bedrooms and 75% one‑bedrooms), and traffic/entrances off Maine with an emergency entrance noted. A resident at public hearing suggested exploring smaller housing unit types.
A motion to approve the brownfield plan (listed on the agenda as "381 Brownfield for 1160 West Main") was moved, seconded and passed with recorded affirmative votes from multiple council members. Staff said the Brownfield Authority, which has jurisdiction for final terms, will negotiate the detailed reimbursement agreement with the developer.
Next steps: the Brownfield Authority will finalize the developer reimbursement agreement and determine whether to capture part of the increment to seed a local revolving fund.
