Study Takes Aim at Home-Grown Marijuana Market

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Much of Michigan’s marijuana industry is outside mainstream retail outlets. The Michigan Cannabis Manufacturers Association commissioned a study says that millions in taxes and fees could be captured from illicit marijuana markets. While there is no current legislation concerning home cultivation, the information from the study will be used to inform legislators in Lansing. It’s speculated that the MCMA may seek to change the state law passed in 2018 in order to upend the home cultivation rules. The interest is in bulking up the legal retail market and tax revenue.

 

Harper Woods Shopping Mall Proposed for Industrial Development

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Harper Woods’ city planning commission is considering a proposal that would turn the struggling Eastland Center shopping mall into a new industrial/warehouse development. NorthPoint Development LLC is asking for a planned unit development that would raze the enclosed mall and build about 1.03 million square feet of industrial/warehouse space across three buildings on the site.  A 514,000 square-foot building would be built on 36 acres of the site. Another 310,000 square feet would be built on 24.1 acres, and 207,000 square feet would be built on 18.8 acres. 15 acres would remain undeveloped.

Investors Add to Competitive Housing Market

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With limited housing inventory, homebuyers are already over a barrel when shopping for a new home. But add investors into the mix and the market becomes even tougher. Nationally, Metro Detroit has experienced the second-highest increase in the number of investor-purchased homes year over year. Investors are cash buyers who can close more quickly which makes it even harder for buyers getting a mortgage. But for the seller, cash is king and a cash sale allows a seller to move on with their future.

Former Site of Detroit Country Day School Purchased

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The historic former Detroit Country Day School building has sold. The 38,500-square-foot building has sold to JCJ Development LLC which is registered to Jordan Jonna. JCJ Development will convert the original school building into a residence. In 2017, Detroit Country Day announced a $30 million campus expansion and vacated the building. The building received a $2.9 million purchase offer from the Troy-based Kensington Church in 2019. The church withdrew its offer after community protest.

 

 

Vacant Farmington Hills Property Flip Flops…Again

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The property at 30250 Grand River Avenue in Farmington Hills will flip flop, once again. Formerly an auto dealership, the property most recently housed a school, Steppingstone School for gifted children. The school moved on in 2018, leaving the building empty. A Farmington Hills developer will revive the property and bring it back to its auto dealership days. However, the lot will be used for online sales instead of in-person sales. The city needs to approve the site plan since the use is once again changing.

Short-term Home Rentals Create Debate

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Two Michigan bills that address short-term home rentals have created intense debate about who will determine how to regulate dwellings like Airbnb or vacation rentals. The Ann Arbor-based Michigan Municipal League and Lansing-based Michigan Association of Realtors are on opposite sides with each asking its constituents to email, call and write to their local legislators about the bills. Under the bills, a short-term rental would be a residential use of property. It would be a permitted use in all residential zones. It would not require a special use or conditional use permit, and it would not be a commercial use of property. Opponents of the bills call them a “cookie-cutter approach” to legislation that ignores the different needs of Michigan communities.

 

Michigan Legislature May Nix Short-Term Rental Laws

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Bills in the Michigan legislature that have bipartisan support would nix local laws that ban or limit short-term rentals through zoning. The bills are controversial and have garnered heated debate. Proponents like Airbnb, realtors, and lawmakers from both parties say the proposed changes to state law are about personal property rights and do not prevent cities from regulating short-term rentals. Opponents, which include leaders from cities all over the state and hoteliers, say they do not support an outright ban on short-term rentals. They feel that local leaders should have the power to decide what rules are most effective for their communities.

Farmington Hills Council Denies Housing Development Proposal

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Farmington Hills Council denied a 26-home development because of concerns about the property’s density. The development was proposed for the former Piemontese Social Club site and would’ve been geared toward senior citizens wanting to downsize. Both council and neighboring community members expressed concerns about the closeness of the homes to each other. The ranch-style homes would have sat on 10 acres.

Human Migratory Habits Change Post Pandemic

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Although offices are beginning to reopen as vaccinations climb, many employers are still allowing employees to work remotely from home indefinitely. Those who are able to continue working remotely at least part of the time are heading for greener pastures, literally. Real estate company Redfin reported this month that online searching for homes in suburbs and rural areas has increased since the first quarter of 2020 in most major U.S. metro areas. Before the pandemic, a bigger house might not have seemed worth the commute, but if that commute is cut down to 1-2 days a week, the story changes.

Developers Adding to Auburn Hills Business District

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Developers are building about 400 new apartments and nearly 50,000 square feet of office, restaurant, retail and commercial space. The main business district has about $55 million in new buildings that are under construction or recently completed. Interest in increasing more foot traffic and growing a walkable community are driving the developments. The hope is that by providing more residential housing options, people will realize the benefits of living in Auburn Hills.