News Summary
Wyoming City has approved a tax break to enhance the Pinery Park Apartments, focused on providing affordable housing for low-income residents and the elderly. This decision allows for a $5.5 million renovation of the existing facility, which houses 105 units primarily for residents earning below $25,000 per year. Furthermore, an additional building with 37 units is planned to increase low-income housing availability. Funding will be bolstered through a property tax exemption, aligning with community goals for affordable housing.
Wyoming City has approved a tax break aimed at enhancing the Pinery Park Apartments, a residential facility focused on serving low-income individuals and the elderly. This resolution was passed by the Wyoming City Commission on September 15, which includes a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) ordinance and a municipal services agreement (MSA).
The Pinery Park Apartments, located at 2300 Newstead Ave. SW, is primarily occupied by residents with low incomes, with more than 90% earning less than $25,000 annually. The approval comes as the facility seeks to renovate its existing 105-unit building, originally constructed in 1979, which caters to elderly and disabled residents. According to city officials, 24% of the residents fall into both the elderly and disabled categories, while 45% are elderly and 30% are disabled. The median age of residents at Pinery Park is reported to be 66 years.
The renovations are expected to cost approximately $5.5 million and will involve comprehensive upgrades, including the installation of new roofing, siding, windows, kitchen cabinets, appliances, bathroom fixtures, flooring, lighting, and air conditioning units, alongside enhancements to common areas. Additionally, the parking lot will be resurfaced as part of the improvements.
Expansion Plans
As part of the redevelopment efforts, there are plans to replace four townhouse buildings that comprise 20 units with a new multifamily building containing 37 units, which is projected to cost over $12 million. The expansion will increase housing availability by adding 17 low-income units designated for residents earning at or below 80% of the area median income. The current median age of residents in the townhouse units is 37, with 41% classified as elderly or disabled.
Funding and Financial Implications
Funding for these significant renovations and the construction of the new building will be supported through a property tax exemption along with assistance from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). Under the terms of the PILOT resolution, the developers will be required to pay a fixed rate to the city instead of traditional property tax. Specifically, Pinery Park will pay the city 1% of total rents in lieu of taxes and 3% of total shelter rents in accordance with the MSA.
The tax exemption tied to this agreement will remain effective for as long as the 45-year MSHDA funding agreement is active. Without this exemption, the property would have faced a substantial property tax of $213,310 in 2025, resulting in a revenue of $40,063 for the city. However, under the PILOT and MSA terms, Pinery Park will instead contribute $57,305 in 2026, leading to a net gain of $45,694 for the city.
Community Impact and Goals
City officials highlight that these renovations are in line with the community’s goals surrounding affordable housing, representing a beneficial situation for both residents and the broader community. Maintaining the existing affordable housing in a well-kept condition contributes positively to the living standards of all involved.
The approval of this tax break not only aims to enhance the quality of life for the residents of the Pinery Park Apartments but also serves as a strategic approach to address the ongoing need for affordable housing resources in Wyoming City.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- MLive: Wyoming OKs Tax Break for Low-Income Senior Housing Project
- WZZM13: New Wyoming Housing Project Aims to End Homelessness with Health Services
- Fox17: Kentwood Approves $30 Million Housing Development with Affordable Units
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- MLive: Affordable Housing Meets Healthcare in Grand Rapids Suburb
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Social Housing
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
