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The Battle Creek Enquirer
'Our blue light special has now begun': Housing project in Battle Creek getting $1.65M boost
By Liz Shepard, Battle Creek Enquirer,
2024-04-04
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan State Housing Development Authority in announcing new investments through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits awarded to 22 new construction and rehabilitation housing projects in 14 communities across the state Thursday.
The Blue Light project in Battle Creek received a credit award of $1.65 million. The project received its name because it will be on the site of the former Kmart, 200 Capital Ave. SW, said Mayor Mark Behnke.
"Our blue light special has now begun," Behnke said.
The project is being developed by Edison Community Partners, LLC and will create 48 affordable as well as 48 market rate units in Battle Creek, the governor's office said in a press release.
"A minimum of 15% of the units will be reserved for households that receive tenant-based rental assistance. This is a strategic first phase of multiple planned phases of development to support several local plans for revitalization in Battle Creek. Approximately 80 temporary construction jobs and 25 permanent jobs are expected to be created by this development," according to the release.
A call to Edison Community Partners, LLC was not immediately returned Thursday.
"They have been working very hard for at least five years to get a site in Battle Creek...We're very excited about this," Behnke said.
Ted Dearing, Battle Creek's assistant city manager, said he has been in recent talks with the developer.
"This is clearly a huge first step for the project," he said, noting they are experienced in this sort of development. "We’ve been trying to land a project with them here probably five or six years, so we’re obviously thrilled this one is coming to fruition."
Dearing said while there is more work to be done, the developers have a fairly aggressive timeline on getting work started.
“Housing is about so much more than a roof over your head — it’s the foundation for success at school, work, and in the community,” Whitmer said in a statement. “These investments will create more than a thousand new homes, expanding supply and driving down costs for working class Michiganders. This year, we are working together to make the largest investment to build housing in Michigan history, driven by our simple philosophy of ‘build, baby, build’. Building more affordable housing also creates thousands of good-paying jobs in the trades for pipefitters, carpenters, bricklayers, and roofers. Let’s keep leading the way on housing.”
Low-Income Housing Tax Credits are federal tax credits administered through MSHDA following a competitive application process. Developers who receive LIHTCs can claim credit against their tax liability annually for up to 10 years. This 9% LIHTC round is awarding $25,065,677 of tax credits, with a total value over the next 10 years of about $250 million.
“These investments will drive our state forward toward another record-setting year in the construction and rehabilitation of new homes for Michiganders,” Tony Lentych, MSHDA chief housing investment officer, said in a statement. “We will continue moving quickly with solutions, but we can’t do it alone. We’re grateful to our partners in development and construction for making these deals happen, helping build communities our neighbors are proud to call home.”
"After years of hard work by many strong Battle Creek partners, families finally can begin rediscovering the Kalamazoo River waterfront,” said state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D- Battle Creek). “This housing plan along with the re-naturalization of the nearby concrete channel means families will be living, working and shopping in the area again soon.”
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