Goodrich- The first look at the Goodrich Haven was presented to the village council on Monday night.
Phase one of a building to house 52 one or two bedroom apartments for individuals 55-years-old and up will be located on six and one half acres on the northeast corner of M-15 and Hegel Road. The property was purchased by the developer about five years ago from the Goodrich United Methodist Church.
The apartments will be targeted toward low-income senior citizens who are capable of independent living. Unit sizes range from about 725 square feet for a one bedroom to 1,083 square feet for a two bedroom. A total of 39 units will be one bedroom and 13 units will be two bedrooms. According to the development strategy, a total of four phases of apartments are possible. Goodrich Haven will also include a senior center open to the community.
The project was spearheaded by long-time area resident Emery Bennett, who says the idea has been in the works for many years.
‘We felt there was a growing need for affordable housing for seniors and it was becoming more and more evident as our population ages,? said Bennett. ‘We are committed to getting (the project) off the ground in the next 12-16 months. So far there are about 43 individuals, including some couples, who have expressed interest in renting affordable senior housing? even before we put a shovel in the ground.?
The project was presented to the village council by John Hambrick, of JGH Consulting, LLC.
Hambrick said funding for the project comes from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority who, once the project is approved, will issue low income housing tax credits to investors to build the affordable rental housing. The corporations, banking institutions, or individuals then claim a credit against their tax liability annually for a period of 10 years.
‘We are looking for Goodrich municipal support for the project,? Hambrick said to the council. ‘After ten years we will look to refinance the project for renovations.?
The proposal sets aside all of the units for residents earning 30, 40, or 60 percent or less of the Genesee County Area Median Income using the Michigan State Housing Development Authority Low Income Housing Tax Credit. The division is six units at 30 percent area median income; 16 units at 40 percent AMI; and 30 units at 60 percent AMI. The 2015 median income for Genesee County is $53,800.
‘We are also asking for a possible tax abatement from the village,? added Hambrick. ‘Thirty percent of the employees that build the project will come from Atlas Township.?
The project will now go to the village planning commission in January 2016.
Village Manager Jakki Sidge said there are enough sewer tap-ins available for the first phase of the project, but additional tap-ins may have to be purchased.
‘The senior center would be a great addition to the community,? she said. ‘However, just who will take care of it and manage the facility would be a concern.?
The project will be presented at 5:30 p.m., Dec. 21 at the Atlas Township Board of Trustees meeting.