KALAMAZOO, MI. Kalamazoo County commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday to adopt a brownfield redevelopment plan that could unlock up to $39.6 million in tax increment financing for a 444-unit housing and retail development planned for Oshtemo Township.
The West Main Villages project, proposed by West Main 1, LLC with Ferlito Construction of Detroit as the developer, would be built on roughly 48.5 acres of vacant land along West Main Street between 9th Street and US-131, directly across from the headquarters of Advia Credit Union.
County planning documents describe the project as 108 for-sale duplex-style homes and 336 multi-family rental units. Sixty-six of the rental units, an estimated mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, would be income-restricted for residents making at or below 80 percent of the area median income for 12 years.
The development would also add 50,000 square feet of new commercial space. Planned amenities include a shared "Central Park" with a clubhouse, swimming pool, pickleball courts, and walking paths.
County Brownfield Redevelopment Administrator Macy Rose Walters said the project would increase the taxable value of the parcel from $1.4 million to more than $70 million and could grow Oshtemo Township's population by 5 to 10 percent.
Joe Agostinelli, founder of Miller Johnson Growth Advisors, told commissioners the project represents a total capital investment of more than $115 million and that it would not be economically viable without the county's financial support. A third-party financial review reached the same conclusion, according to county documents, which put the total estimated investment at $117 million.
Under the brownfield plan adopted by the commission, the developer would be reimbursed through tax increment financing over a 30-year period. Construction is expected to begin this fall, with full build-out by summer 2029, according to county documents.
Commissioners had previously pressed developers to accept local housing vouchers the county is planning to issue to low-income residents next year. Agostinelli said the developers might be interested in accepting the vouchers but would like to see the specifics of the plan first.
The project now must receive final approval from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority before the financing can move forward.
On the same day, the commission also approved a project plan and up to $100 million in Economic Development Corporation bonds for a separate senior living project proposed by Heritage Community of Kalamazoo in Texas Township and the city of Kalamazoo.