Tax Incentive Plan Proposed for Raven Townhomes on 5 Mile Road

fact_check Key facts

• The project is a 24-unit rental townhome development at 3144 5 Mile Road NE.
• The developer is requesting a Brownfield Plan that would capture an estimated $978,201 in new tax revenue over 15 years.
• The plan would reimburse the developer up to $655,505 for a 'financing gap'.
• The developer would commit to maintaining 5 of the 24 units as 'workforce housing affordable' for 10 years, available to households earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income.
• The Plainfield Charter Township Brownfield Redevelopment Authority reviewed the plan on April 16, 2026, and unanimously recommended its approval to the Township Board.
• A public hearing on the plan is scheduled for the Township Board meeting on May 11, 2026.

tune Discretion or exceptions

• The property is eligible for a brownfield plan under Michigan's Act 381 because its end use is housing, which the state allows as a basis for creating this type of incentive.
• The Plainfield Township Board of Trustees has the authority to approve or deny the resolution creating the plan. The township's Brownfield Redevelopment Authority reviewed the plan on April 16, 2026, and unanimously recommended that the Board approve it.

groups Who could be affected

• The developer, Raven Townhomes, LLC
• Renters seeking housing in the area, particularly those who may qualify for the workforce housing units
• Taxpayers in Plainfield Township and other jurisdictions (like the county) that levy taxes on the property, as new tax revenue would be diverted for up to 15 years

compare_arrows What could change

• An estimated total of $978,201 in new property tax revenue generated by the project would be captured over a 15-year period. This includes 10 years of capture for developer reimbursement and an additional 5 years of capture for the Local Brownfield Revolving Fund.
• The developer would be reimbursed up to $655,505 for a "financing gap" associated with the housing project.
• Five of the 24 rental units would be reserved as 'workforce housing' for a period of 10 years. These units would be for households earning no more than 120% of the Kent County Area Median Income (AMI).
• Other captured funds would pay for plan implementation, work plan preparation, a Township administrative fee, and a payment to the State Brownfield Redevelopment Fund.

visibility What to watch

The Township Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed Brownfield plan during its meeting on May 11, 2026. This hearing provides an opportunity for public comment. The board may vote on the plan following the hearing.

• How is the developer's 'financing gap' of $655,505 calculated, especially since construction on the project has already started?
• What are the expected rental rates for the market-rate units and the five workforce housing units?
• What is the estimated net impact on tax revenue for the township, county, library, and other taxing jurisdictions if the plan is approved versus if it is not?
• What are the enforcement mechanisms to ensure the five units remain as workforce housing for the full 10-year period?