Coldwater council introduces 30‑day offer to Allen Edwyn Homes for 17‑acre parcel; public review to follow
May 11, 2026 | Coldwater, Branch County, Michigan
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The Coldwater City Council on May 11 introduced a draft purchase agreement that would allow Allen Edwyn Homes to purchase roughly 17 acres of city‑owned land off South Willowbrook Road for development.
City Manager Keith Baker said the parcel was acquired by tax foreclosure in 2000 and has sat vacant; the city completed title work and received an offer of $180,000 from Allen Edwyn Homes. Under the charter and city practice, any offer for public land must be presented and remain on the table for 30 days to allow other offers and public input before final action.
Greg Bird, who identified himself as a program manager for workforce housing with Allen Edwyn Homes, told the council the firm envisions about 36 single‑family units (1,600–2,200 square feet) with a mix of owner‑occupied market, ‘missing middle’ or workforce housing and market‑rate rental units. Bird said buildout would likely be phased (he estimated roughly seven to 10 homes per year) and that the final mix would depend on market conditions and negotiation with the city.
Staff said the proposed agreement includes a one‑year investigation period during which the project would still require separate public approvals (brownfield board, planning commission, and other reviews) and opportunities for public comment. Engineering and infrastructure work — including road and sewer construction — was expected to be phased and could cost the city approximately $2 million or more to construct if the city financed the improvements rather than having the developer undertake them.
Councilmember Scott (first name not stated in transcript) moved to introduce Resolution 26‑49 and Agreement 26‑07; the motion received support and a roll call vote recorded yes votes from Council Members Johnson, Kanak, Houts, Hazelbeaker, Petzgold and Mayor Kramer. The motion carried and the agreement will be on the table for 30 days; staff said the item would return for formal consideration on June 22, 2026.
City Manager Keith Baker said the parcel was acquired by tax foreclosure in 2000 and has sat vacant; the city completed title work and received an offer of $180,000 from Allen Edwyn Homes. Under the charter and city practice, any offer for public land must be presented and remain on the table for 30 days to allow other offers and public input before final action.
Greg Bird, who identified himself as a program manager for workforce housing with Allen Edwyn Homes, told the council the firm envisions about 36 single‑family units (1,600–2,200 square feet) with a mix of owner‑occupied market, ‘missing middle’ or workforce housing and market‑rate rental units. Bird said buildout would likely be phased (he estimated roughly seven to 10 homes per year) and that the final mix would depend on market conditions and negotiation with the city.
Staff said the proposed agreement includes a one‑year investigation period during which the project would still require separate public approvals (brownfield board, planning commission, and other reviews) and opportunities for public comment. Engineering and infrastructure work — including road and sewer construction — was expected to be phased and could cost the city approximately $2 million or more to construct if the city financed the improvements rather than having the developer undertake them.
Councilmember Scott (first name not stated in transcript) moved to introduce Resolution 26‑49 and Agreement 26‑07; the motion received support and a roll call vote recorded yes votes from Council Members Johnson, Kanak, Houts, Hazelbeaker, Petzgold and Mayor Kramer. The motion carried and the agreement will be on the table for 30 days; staff said the item would return for formal consideration on June 22, 2026.
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