During a recent city council meeting in Allegan, officials discussed several key initiatives aimed at revitalizing the downtown area and addressing housing challenges within the community.

One of the primary topics was the potential for downtown Allegan to regain its role as a hub for local events and activities, particularly through the acquisition of liquor licenses. Council members noted that the city currently has a population of approximately 5,022, which is just below the threshold needed to purchase a liquor license for the Griswold Auditorium. Efforts are underway to engage state representatives to advocate for the removal of this arbitrary population limit, which could enhance revenue opportunities for the city.

In addition to liquor licensing, the council provided an update on housing initiatives. A new full-time employee from the Community and Economic Development Association of Michigan will focus on housing issues for the next 15 months, supported by a grant from the Algonquin County Community Foundation. This initiative aims to address critical home repairs for low to moderate-income homeowners, with $400,000 secured for this purpose through a partnership with Lakeshore Habitat.

The council also discussed a forthcoming presentation on housing strategies, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with local foundations and agencies to tackle the housing crisis. A significant development project is on the horizon, with plans for 42 single-family homes on Delano Street, designed to meet the needs of families in the area. This project aligns with the city’s master plan and aims to provide affordable housing options.

Concerns were raised about the rising costs of new construction, which currently average around $200 per square foot. The council is exploring tax increment financing (TIF) options to help offset these costs for developers, thereby making housing more affordable for residents.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the city council's commitment to enhancing downtown Allegan and addressing housing shortages, with a focus on collaboration and strategic planning to meet the community's needs.