City leaders consider residential development

A Columbus, Ohio real estate firm is proposing to build a low income residential development along the Clinton River in downtown Mount Clemens that would change the look of the city if approved.

Woda Cooper Companies wants to construct Edison Crossing 1 along at 110 Northbound Gratiot, a mostly wooded site between Terry Street and Crocker Boulevard.

The multi-million dollar project be four stories high and contain 30 units.

Its central selling point would be how close it is to downtown Mount Clemens, including the U.S. Post Office, Mount Clemens Public Library, recreational areas, and a walking path near the Clinton River, according to a project narrative.

“An abundance of employment opportunities surrounds the site with entry level jobs, full and part time retail service jobs as well as several volunteer opportunities,” the company said in its narrative.

The company has secured a purchase agreement from the current property owners, Mineral Springs Development and its representative Edward Schollenberger. It has also received approval for $800,000 in tax credits from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.

The city’s Planning Commission approved a site plan back in March.

The proposal comes at a time when a number of new businesses are expected to open in the downtown area when the pandemic surge is over.

But the city manager has concerns about the financial setup being proposed to go along with the project.

Woda Cooper is asking for a 6% payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) and a $30,000 municipal services agreement, instead of the standard use of property taxes.

In a letter to the commission, City Manager Donald Johnson said he is “not particularly fond of this project.”

“The company claims the City of Mount Clemens will receive more revenue with the PILOT and municipal services agreement than we would through ad valorem taxes,” Johnson wrote. “This certainly appears to be true. In fact, the city will receive almost twice as much revenue if this request is approved. However, other taxing jurisdictions we collect for will receive much less.”

The City Commission is scheduled to hold a work session at 6 p.m. today and then vote on the proposal at its regular 7 p.m. meeting.