Commission approves industrial development district for Steelcase-area project

The Kentwood City Commission voted to establish an Industrial Development District covering property on the Steelcase site north of the new building housing Proper Beverage, a move staff described as the first step in a possible tax-abatement process for prospective tenants.

At a public hearing, city staff said the district would allow future tax-abatement applications to be filed when the prospective companies are ready. "This is really the first step in the tax abatement process," a planning staff member told commissioners, adding that two companies had expressed interest.

An applicant representative told the commission lease and separation details remain under negotiation and that establishing the district now would allow the abatement process to proceed in parallel with finalizing letters of intent and leases.

Commissioner Arts moved to approve the resolution establishing the Industrial Development District; Commissioner Moseley supported the motion. The city clerk called the roll and the measure passed with affirmative votes.

City staff said the vote does not guarantee an abatement — each company must apply separately and come before the commission for subsequent approvals. The commission did not discuss specific abatement terms at the meeting.

The item is intended to facilitate redevelopment activity on the Steelcase property; staff identified 3rd Coast Development as the project facilitator. No public speakers addressed the hearing.