“Cannot be overstated how significant this development is.”
Muskegon Mayor Ken Johnson and his colleagues on the city commission unanimously support a transformational brownfield designation for the proposed redevelopment of the former Shaw Walker furniture factory into a mixed use 600-unit residential retail complex
“It certainly is a transformation, and we cannot wait for it to be done.”
Muskegon development analyst Contessa Alexander says If the transformational brownfield classification is now approved by the state,
“It has to have a true transformational impact on the city.”
Developer Jon Rooks can capture property tax, employee income tax, and construction material sales tax to offset his investment. At no risk to the public.
“If the project doesn’t forward it wouldn’t generate the income that is going to be captured but because it is moving forward it captures the income.”
The Michigan Strategic fund board will now consider the application for a transformational brownfield classification. City Commissioner Rachel Gorman is urging approval.
“We have to make a lot of difficult decisions, and this is not one so I’m thrilled to be able to vote yes.”
