Developers and city staff pitch rehabilitation of 2231 West Willow under OPRA district

Council member Garza introduced a proposal to establish an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) district for 2231 West Willow on behalf of AM Land Holdings LLC.

Chris Klein of the Lansing Economic Development Corporation said the current request was to establish the OPRA district (the certificate would follow later) and described the project as redevelopment of a long‑vacant industrial property into a fleet vehicle service and repair facility. Klein summarized the financial picture: the applicants previously estimated roughly $700,000 in building renovations with additional vapor mitigation costs of about $150,000–$250,000 due to soil and historical contamination.

Developer Joseph Brooks said he and his partner are local business owners investing in the site and described the structure as “very blighted” with a long history in the automotive industry. Brooks said the project will occupy about 33,000 square feet and operate two businesses—a paint/body shop and a specialized body repair shop—forecasting roughly 30 new full‑time jobs when the build‑out is complete.

Klein added that when acquisition, exterior and lot improvements are included the total investment is expected to be north of $2 million. He also said the Lansing EDC intends to support the project through an application for a brownfield remediation grant (the committee record cites an almost $350,000 figure to help with remediation and a necessary vapor mitigation system to ensure indoor air quality).

Council asked no substantive questions during the presentation and the item was referred to the Committee on Development and Planning for further review of the district and the subsequent certificate and abatement steps.

No certificate or tax‑abatement was authorized at the meeting; council’s action was a referral to committee.