Commerce Township brownfield plan cleared for 284‑unit Springs at 5 development, 100 workforce‑attainable units

County economic-development staff briefed the Finance Committee on the Springs at 5 brownfield plan in Commerce Township, a proposed 12.27-acre development with three three‑story buildings and 284 units. The developer and the township negotiated a set-aside of 100 workforce‑attainable units capped at 120% area median income (AMI) for a 10‑year period, and staff said the brownfield TIF-eligible activities — which total about $13 million over 30 years — are intended to address unforeseen site-infrastructure costs rather than cover operating shortfalls related to the attainable units.

Presenters explained the 2023 amendment to Michigan brownfield rules that allows certain housing projects that meet attainable‑housing criteria to qualify for brownfield incentives even when the site is not contaminated. Commissioners asked whether the site is contaminated; staff confirmed there is no contamination on this site. The county’s brownfield review and the Commerce Township DDA recommended the plan; state school-tax capture will be used to reimburse the TIF-eligible costs, an arrangement staff said the state approved because the township had already invested significantly in infrastructure.

Supporters said the plan would anchor Commerce TownePlace and add workforce housing; some commissioners expressed support and asked staff to ensure clear public communication that affordable/attainable housing under the brownfield framework does not mean housing is being put on contaminated land. The committee approved the plan.