Plan to build worker housing called “Chipp” in Chippewa Square | News, Sports, Vacancies

MARQUETTE — The Marquette City Commission recently voted to approve a housing plan at 710 Chippewa Square called Chipp.

Under the plan, the housing would consist of 14 units and serve qualified families with incomes at or below 120% of the area median income.

Marquette Mayor Sally Davis says this will be one way the commission will work to address the city’s housing needs.

A proposed plan to redevelop the abandoned property, currently used as an office park, from commercial to residential to house workers, called Chipp, is being developed by Marquette-based SLA Property, LLC. A public hearing was held by the City Commission on Oct. 28 before approving plans for the abandoned property.

The brownfield plan approval would provide reimbursement for activities that meet environmental and housing requirements, including environmental due diligence and the difference between construction revenue and apartment rents for eligible households with incomes of 120% of the area median income or less.

“We as a commission hear constantly about the need for affordable housing in Marquette and how expensive it is to live in Marquette.” – said Davis. “This is an opportunity for us to provide affordable workforce housing.”

An unnamed Chippewa Square business owner said during the public hearing:

“I am concerned about housing being moved into the business district. I am concerned about the safety of children playing in and around a busy parking lot. We also carry out snow removal after hours. I understand the need for housing in Marquette. But we have not been given any information about what this project will entail.”

An area resident also asked about taxes on the brownfield project.

“I don’t know if it’s true or just rumors,” he said. unnamed person said: “But we heard that this project will receive a 20-year tax abatement. This is too long”.

Commissioner Cody Mayer said half of the tax revenue comes from state taxes.

“And the fact that we refuse will help pay for the project. This is an investment. We are already collecting taxes, we are not starting from scratch. The tax amount will increase as the situation improves.”

Deputy City Manager Sean Hobbins clarified that this is not a price reduction.

“It’s tax incremental funding.” – he said. “Half of the proceeds are government taxes. We’ll take our share to pay for the due diligence.”

Commissioner Michael Larson said the smaller 14-unit project makes sense as Marquette’s first step in the state’s creative affordable housing program.

Mayor Sally Davis said: “I like that it’s a reconstruction. I wish we didn’t have budget problems. Fifty percent of our urban land is untaxed for water, university, DDA and low-income housing. We have a small part of the city doing the hard work of providing our services. In 10 years we will be able to build larger projects. I think our future is bright, but we still need to clean up our streets.”

The Chippa Brownfield redevelopment project was approved by the City Commission on a 4-2 vote.

Mayor and Commissioner Jermey Ottaway voted no. Commissioner Paul Schlögel abstained due to his personal connection to the project.

In other business, commissioners and some people in the audience sent well wishes to Commissioner and former Mayor Jenna Smith, who is retiring from the commission.