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Commission approves listing of 318 S. Third and purchase-transfer of tax‑foreclosed lot to housing commission amid zoning questions
Summary
Big Rapids approved listing city-owned property at 318 South Third Street for sale and authorized purchase of a tax‑foreclosed lot at 126 South Craft Avenue from the state with an immediate plan to transfer it to the Big Rapids Housing Commission; staff noted the Craft Avenue parcel is currently zoned industrial, which will require rezoning before residential use.
The commission approved two related real‑estate actions: listing city property at 318 South Third Street for public sale and moving to purchase a tax‑foreclosed lot at 126 South Craft Avenue from the state with an intent to transfer the parcel to the Big Rapids Housing Commission.
Staff said the listing for 318 South Third will preserve an easement for access and an existing storm‑water pipe; staff reminded commissioners of the required 30‑day waiting period before accepting offers. The commission voted to list the parcel.
On the tax‑foreclosed lot, staff reported they had identified a vacant parcel immediately south of ProTurf that seemed suitable for housing, and that Michelle and staff had contacted Linda Miller of the Big Rapids Housing Commission to gauge interest. However, staff discovered the parcel had been rezoned to industrial in 2022, meaning it is not currently zoned for residential uses. Commissioners discussed rezoning procedures — beginning with the planning commission and neighbor notification — and agreed the transfer could proceed but that rezoning would be required to enable residential development. Because transfers to a housing commission qualify as intergovernmental transfers, staff explained the city can sell directly to the housing commission rather than conduct a public bid process.
The commission approved purchase of the parcel from the state and an amended resolution to sell it to the Housing Commission (amendments removed an erroneous R‑1 reference and an explicit partner mention). Linda Miller said the Housing Commission might coordinate with MacArthur Intermediate School District for future programming but would not be held to that plan in the sale.
Staff noted timing constraints for state payment and that planning and rezoning steps would follow if the Housing Commission pursues residential development.
