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Board hears Leeward Ventures’ preliminary 'Bison Preserve' housing concept for district land
Summary
Leeward Ventures presented a preliminary plan to build mixed residential housing called the Bison Preserve on roughly 10 acres owned by New Buffalo Area Schools; the developer and board discussed TIF financing, wetlands protection, traffic, and using building-trades lots as educational opportunities.
Leeward Ventures presented a preliminary concept for the "Bison Preserve," a mixed residential development on about 10 western acres of property owned by New Buffalo Area Schools. Brian Papke said the project would combine clustered housing types, attainable workforce units, and buildable lots tied to the district’s Building Trades program.
Board members asked detailed questions about financing, phasing and environmental safeguards. Vanessa Thun asked about income limits tied to the proposed Tax Increment Financing (TIF): "With the TIF is this income based? If you make too much money you will not qualify, correct." Papke replied, "That is correct." Papke estimated the project cost at about "31 million, 3 million for roads and utilities" and said the TIF is a driver to keep prices down.
Papke described plans to preserve wetlands and mature trees where possible and said environmental and engineering studies are in progress. Superintendent Adam Bowen emphasized the educational link: the plan would provide built-for-purpose lots for the district’s Building Trades program and, Bowen said in remarks to the board, the project "allows us to continue educating students that want to pursue the trades as a career for the next 15 years by building quality homes." The superintendent outlined next steps: finalize a development agreement, approve a site plan, begin the township PUD process and initiate TIF applications.
The board did not take any formal action on the proposal at the meeting. Members said they would continue receiving input from the public and staff before any binding approvals.
