Marquette Township Workforce Housing Proposal Stalled Again
MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A proposal for a workforce housing development in Marquette Township has once again stalled. This marks over two years of discussions between the Marquette Charter Township Board and Renovare, LLC regarding the sale of a five-acre plot of land intended for a 48-unit workforce housing community.
Original Proposal and TIF
Originally, Renovare had proposed a 30-year Tax Increment Financing (TIF) arrangement. Under this model, all tax revenues generated from the housing development would be directed back toward Renovare’s purchase payment, rather than contributing to Marquette Township revenue.
Latest Offer and Board Decision
At a regular meeting held Wednesday evening, Renovare presented a revised offer: a 10-year TIF. However, this new proposal stipulated that only 13 of the 48 planned homes would qualify as workforce housing.
Ultimately, the motion for this revised proposal failed, with five votes against and two in favor.
Township’s Perspective and Future Outlook
Marquette Township Supervisor Lyn Durant confirmed that this vote effectively halts the development. Durant elaborated on the Board’s decision, emphasizing their responsibility:
“The definition of a trustee is that we’re responsible for the fiduciary assets of the township,” Durant stated. “That’s what we’re looking out for. That’s why we didn’t want to do 30 years because that commits future generations and future boards to not have those tax monies available.”
Durant indicated that while Renovare could potentially return with another offer, for the time being, the land is likely to be put back on sale.
