Michigan Real Estate News

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Affordable Housing Options Scarce in Michigan

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According to a report released by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, a two-bedroom apartment in Michigan is unaffordable for minimum wage renters…unless they work 77 hours a week. Affordable housing was an issue prior to the pandemic, and the economic upheaval has only made it worse. Lawmakers are doling out billions of dollars in emergency rent aid, but experts agree that this is only a short-term fix. Communities need more affordable housing options. With the eviction moratorium expiring, evictions are expected to increase, making it tougher still for displaced tenants to find a place to live. Governor Whitmer plans to use $100 million in federal COVID-19 relief dollars to create 2,000 new affordable rental homes, with funds going toward grants and loans for development, preservation of existing housing and security deposit assistance.

 

 

 

Southfield Homeowners Level Accusations of Exploitation

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Former homeowners are accusing Southfield and the Southfield Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative LLC of exploitation. They assert that the company made millions from tax-foreclosed homes over a three year period of time. The company made as much as $10 million from 138 properties after paying more than $2 million in back taxes to acquire the properties. The city has partnered with the company to take homes in the foreclosure process before they go to county auction. A class-action lawsuit in Detroit’s federal court accuses the company and the city of Southfield of taking equity away from former homeowners without reparations.

 

Detroit’s Clark Park to Receive Facelift

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As part of Mayor Mike Duggan’s Strategic Neighborhood Fund initiative, Southwest Detroit’s Clark Park is slated for $3.3 million in upgrades. Improvements will include a new entryway along Vernor Highway, new walkways, paths, a playground, a splash pad and a plaza. Improvements will also be made to the recreational and fitness fields. The makeover will start in August and wrap up in the summer of 2022.