COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – On a 7-1 vote, the Coldwater City Council Monday approved a contract with Milnes Plaza Limited Dividend Housing Association for the sale of the Milnes Plaza parking lot. Scott Houtz cast the only no vote. A proposed 50 unit apartment development project is planned for the property which is contingent upon funding from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
Five audience members expressed various concerns about the proposed project including Coldwater Downtown Development Authority.Board Chair Brad Rockey.
Mayor Tom Kramer said the project will provide affordable housing.
Kramer pointed out this is not a done deal and there are more hoops to go through. The developers have to submit an application to MISHDA by next Monday and they will be in competition with other developments for funding. The Council also passed a resolution and an agreement for a Payment In Lieu of Taxes policy for the project.
In other business, the Council approved a $300,000 Michigan Department of Natural Resources grant application for the Coldwater to Quincy Linear Trail.
The Treat Avenue project was awarded to Michigan Paving and Materials who submitted the low bid of just under $176,000. The action was taken after Council Member Jim Knaack received the warranty status he was seeking on the project.
The first phase of the rebuilding of the Chandler Plaza was awarded to Parrish Excavating of Quincy which submitted the second lowest bid of $55,684. The low bidder, RJT Construction of Jackson, had a bid amount of $52,480. Since there was such a small difference between the two bids, the Council opted to stay local.
