Michigan Real Estate News

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Washtenaw County Clerk Discovers Racial Restriction Policies

Washtenaw County’s county clerk, Larry Kestenbaum, has been researching county property records for over 17 years. He has found evidence of racially restrictive covenants all over the county. These policies kept people of color from living in many neighborhoods unless they were in-service for white families. A group called Justice InDeed, along with the Civil Rights Litigation Initiative at the University of Michigan  have decided to get involved with the project. Together with Kestenbaum’s office, they filed paperwork to officially repeal and replace the 1947 whites-only policy for the Hannah subdivision in Ann Arbor. Although the restrictions haven’t been legal or enforceable for years, repealing them will affirm the neighborhood’s welcoming inclusivity.

 

Nonprofit Partnership Plans New Multifamily Housing

CHN Housing Partners, a Cleveland-based nonprofit, is partnering with nonprofit Detroit Blight Busters to build new multifamily housing by Detroit’s Old Redford Neighborhood. The two nonprofits were approved to rezone the property for the project, but still need site plan approval from the city. They plan to build 48 one- to three-bedroom rental units. A “Kid’s Camp” will also be constructed for Blight Busters programs on youth fitness and nutrition. Construction is expected to start in 2023.

 

 

Fairlane Town Center Sale Expected Soon

New York city-based company is expected to close next month on the Fairlane Town Center shopping mall in Dearborn. Should the sale fall through with the undisclosed buyer, a back-up buyer is ready to sign a contract and move forward. Fairlane Town Center was built in 1976 and has had financial struggles in recent years. The current ownership is behind on its debts.