South State Street Corridor Plan inspires affordable housing proposal

With affordable housing projects underway in 25 communities around the United States, Ann Arbor's McKinley is no stranger to the concept – they just haven't had the opportunity to bring one to fruition locally, at least not yet. 

 

The proposed changes to zoning included in the new South State Street Corridor Plan, however, could finally open the door for an affordable housing project to happen on a McKinley-owned parcel on State St. Should staff recommendations be approved, the area including that property would change from light industrial to an office zoning designation that would allow for multi-family residential use.

 

"It would be great to do this in Ann Arbor," says McKinley CEO Albert Berriz. "We hope we get the opportunity to do this. With all the setbacks affordable housing has had here, this would be a fun thing to see come to life."

 

Berriz clarifies that the target market for the affordable housing project would be those at around 60 percent of the area median income level. The current area median income is $59,737. 

 

"This is the [demographic] that is least talked about," says Berriz. "They talk about homeless housing, but there's no effort in the area of workforce housing."

 

The S. State St. location is ideal for workforce housing, adds Berriz, because of its proximity to bus lines, as well as employment opportunities throughout the corridor, including Briarwood Mall. 

 

No plans have yet been released about the number of units the affordable housing project could include, or the amount McKinley plans to invest in the development. Berriz plans to utilize the Michigan State Housing Development Authority's Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, but says no local or county assistance will be required for the project. McKinley plans to proceed with the development immediately upon approval of the South State Street Corridor Plan's zoning changes.