Jackson, Mich. (WKHM, Luke Moorehead) — The City of Jackson hosted a groundbreaking event for housing developments on Jackson’s east side Tuesday morning at a vacant lot at the corner of N. Van Dorn and Detroit Streets. That vacant lot is one of 32 parcels that will soon receive new homes from private and public investors. Multiple members of State congress, city officials, and Jackson Mayor Daniel Mahoney were among the speakers at the event. Mayor Mahoney vocalized his support for the developments.
“This is one of those things that I definitely support and it is just an honor to be here this morning. It’s an honor to welcome you and it is an honor to thank all of our partners in being able to make this happen here today” – City of Jackson Mayor Daniel Mahoney.
A total of 94 new housing units are planned in the health district, which is a neighborhood along East Michigan Avenue between downtown Jackson and Henry Ford Hospital. State Senator Sue Shink discussed some of the specific financial details.
“So I was asked to talk about some specific figures. So I voted for a budget that provided $100 million to construct more affordable housing. Building on a $1.4 billion investment to build and rehabilitate almost 10,000 homes across Michigan. So what’s happening here today in Jackson is also happening across the state. There’s an additional $50 million set aside for affordable housing and more than $15 million to reduce and combat homelessness, which includes $12 million for TANF programming and DHHS for vet homelessness and $2.5 million specifically to support veterans who are unhoused. $3.3 million for the Housing Readiness Incentive Grant Program to provide grants to local communities to cover the cost associated with master plan updates, zoning amendments and other actions to increase housing supply and affordability. This is statewide policy coming home to roost in a public private partnership that is going to make a huge difference for us each and every day going forward” – Michigan State Senator Sue Shink.
While the majority of the new housing will be single family homes, apartments have also been figured into the plan. The former Allen Elementary School on E. Pearl Street is being converted into 62 market-rate apartments and commercial space. Renamed the Allen Lofts, the city says this revitalization is bringing a $15 million investment from Design Build Detroit. State Representative Kathy Schmaltz was also at the event. She commended the teamwork that has been shown by all parties involved.
“It’s a team effort between the city, between the community, between developers, everybody. I mean, that’s what makes everything work. And I want to applaud city officials and the developers and everyone for coming together to make this happen. And again, this is just the first of many” – Michigan State Representative Kathy Schmaltz.
