Brownfield plan back in motion

By Emily Wilkins
Kickin’ it Old Town Staff Writer

It’s taken five amendments, three different pieces of legislation and two developers.

The city of Lansing still is working to approve a development project in East Village. The development would affect the area between Pennsylvania Avenue and Marshall Street on Saginaw Street.

The Brownfield Development Plan will provide new homes to the city, but could place the city deeper in debt.

An example of a single-family home built by Allen Edwin Homes, who have purchased the space in the Brownfield Development Plan. Allen Edwin has already invested $10 million into the space. In addition to finishing 10 buildings left incomplete from the former builder, Allen Edwin will build 52 single-family homes. Photo Credit: Allen Edwin

At-Large Councilman Brian Jeffries presented the sixth amendment to the Brownfield Development Plan at the Lansing City Council’s Feb. 14 meeting. At the meeting, Jeffries acknowledged the lengthy history of attempting to develop the area. Most problems were caused when the first developer of the property foreclosed, leaving the city to pick up the $1.63 million tab.

However, Jeffries announced that Allen Edwin Homes, a development firm, plans to put $10 million into the site in order to build six townhouses and 52 single-family detached homes. The firm also will complete 10 properties that the former developer left unfinished.

“It’s fair to say this is a work in progress,” Jeffries said.

Karl Dorshimer, vice president of the Lansing Economic Development Corp. said going forward with Allen Edwin Homes will be beneficial for the community.

“This would not only pay back the city, but pay back the city with interest,” Dorshimer said. “It’s a really good move financially.”

Jim Sanderson, vice president of Allen Edwin, said he has seen a positive reaction to the plan.

“The excitement with the people we’re talking to is encouraging,” Sanderson said. “We’ve had great support from the city.”

Sanderson said the firm would change a few aspects of the production including moving from multi-family to single-family homes with the remaining sites on the property. Sanderson said the switch would aid the current financial situation of the city and the economy.

Thus far, three people have committed to buying a home, Sanderson said. And those three corresponding sold signs mean a great deal to East Village resident Jody Washington.

“I cannot tell you how exciting it is to come home and see three ‘sold’ signs,” Washington said.

Washington said she has spoken to enough of the residents in East Village to confidently say the residents of East Village are supportive of the plan.

However, not all residents are pleased with the plan. During the meeting, John Pollard, a Lansing resident, noted that housing vacancies in Lansing have risen from 3,654 in 2000 and 6,447 in 2009,

“We are dealing with record foreclosures that are just no beginning to hit the books,” Pollard said.

Pollard expressed concern that giving residents of the new homes a 50 percent break on their property taxes would lead to a 25.5 percent increase for other Lansing residents whose homes have depreciated throughout time.

Lansing resident Darnell Oldham said the city needed to focus on its debt before building housing that is not attracting residents.

“When you find yourself in a hole, you should stop digging,” Oldham said. “Build it and they will come. The upscale young professionals will come. How many other locations around this city has that philosophy been applied to?” Oldham asked. “Have they come? Where are they?”

If approved, the Brownfield Development Plan has a 14-year term.