Lansing, MI– A massive redevelopment project in downtown Lansing received a significant boost this week, as the Lansing City Council approved Brownfield Development Tax Credits to support the transformation of several key properties into 573 new housing units.
The New Visions Lansing project, which has already secured $256 million in private financing, aims to revitalize multiple locations in the heart of the city. Among the sites to be redeveloped are a 30-story apartment building at 217 S. Grand Ave., a new structure at 201 N. Walnut St. near the State Capitol, and the redevelopment of the Samuel Ingham Building, a historic structure at 116 W. Ottawa St. The project also includes plans to transform a parking lot along the Grand River in Old Town into additional residential units.
The state of Michigan has allocated $40 million from the 2023-2024 state budget to support the project, making it a crucial part of Lansing’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its downtown and attract more residents. The development is also expected to play a key role in the city’s long-term economic growth, as new housing options near the State Capitol and city government offices could appeal to lawmakers and state employees.
Despite the positive momentum, the project has drawn mixed reactions from Lansing’s City Council members. At-Large Councilmember Peter Spadafore, who initially expressed skepticism, said he was now excited about the potential of the project. After meeting with developers and reviewing their plans, Spadafore voiced his support, stating, “I’m excited for this. Can’t wait to see the structures go vertical and residents move in.”
However, Councilmember Brian Jackson, who represents the city’s Fourth Ward, raised concerns over the project’s impact on low-income residents. Jackson, who voted against the tax credit approval, pointed out that none of the 573 new housing units would be designated for low-income residents or individuals with Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8). He argued that the city’s efforts to revitalize downtown should not overlook the housing needs of the most vulnerable populations.
“I can’t fully support it because out of those 573 new units, none are for voucher holders or Section 8 holders,” Jackson said during the council meeting. He acknowledged that developers had assured him they would accept Housing Choice Voucher holders in the new units, but he questioned whether affordable housing had been given enough consideration in the project’s initial planning.
Jackson’s stance reflects a broader debate about the balance between economic development and affordable housing. While the New Visions Lansing project is seen by many as a transformative opportunity for the city, Jackson’s opposition highlights ongoing concerns about gentrification and the potential displacement of low-income residents in Lansing’s downtown core.
The approval of Brownfield Development Tax Credits marks a significant milestone for the New Visions Lansing project, but it also raises important questions about how the city plans to address the housing needs of all its residents, not just those in higher-income brackets.
As construction is set to begin in the coming months, the future of the project will likely continue to stir debate within the community. The redevelopment promises to reshape Lansing’s skyline and offer new living options, but whether it will truly be inclusive of all residents remains to be seen.
