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Charlevoix’s New Ordinance Inhibits Blight
/in Northern Michigan /by Tracy WillisCharlevoix City Council has approved a property maintenance code to address declining properties before they reach blight status. The international Property Maintenance Code Ordinance is designed to supplement the Dangerous Buildings Ordinance. According to zoning administrator Jonathan Scheel, the city didn’t have any type of property maintenance code to prevent a building from becoming dilapidated. The new code will give the city the ability to intervene and require deteriorating structures to be corrected before they become unfixable issues.
Habitat for Humanity Awarded Grant Monies
/in Northern Michigan /by Tracy WillisMichigan’s Habitat for Humanity received a $2 million federal grant. The grant will cover home repair needs for 160 low-income families. Grant funding comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Healthy Homes Production Grant Program. It’s part of $104 million plus awarded from HUD to 60 nonprofit organizations and government agencies. With the addition of this grant, Habitat for Humanity will increase its current repair program by 50%.
City Ordinance Supports Construction of Accessory Dwelling Units
/in Northern Michigan /by Tracy WillisCharlevoix’s city officials are searching for solutions to the area’s affordable housing shortage. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are small outbuildings that can be used for a variety of purposes, from guest apartments to home offices. At a January 10 meeting, Charlevoix’s planning commission recommended approval of regulations that would make ADUs easier to build in residential areas. The ADUs increase property usage in residential districts, provide extra space for families, and allow space for multi-generational homes that support familial caretaking. They create income sources when they serve as rentals. The accessory units also increase property values.