A new senior housing project in Alpena has the potential to significantly impact the local housing market while offering quality living options for seniors.
The proposed $48 million development, named The Gardens of Alpena Senior Living Community, is still in the early planning stages but has already generated excitement within the community. If approved, the project would be located on a portion of city-owned property off U.S.-23 North and would include 128 apartments across two structures.
A Vision for Senior Living in Alpena
The Gardens of Alpena is designed to provide a blend of assisted and independent living spaces, catering to the diverse needs of the senior population in the area. The project also aims to create a vibrant community atmosphere with a variety of amenities and recreational offerings. In addition to enhancing the quality of life for seniors, the facility would require approximately 100 staff members, boosting local employment.
To support the development, the city has agreed to sell the land for a nominal $1. However, the developers have committed to funding essential infrastructure improvements, including the extension of the road and the installation of water and sewer lines from the city’s mains to the property.
Financing and Economic Impact
One of the key factors for the project’s success is the approval of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan, which the developers have identified as critical. TIF is a financial tool used by local governments to support economic development by allocating a portion of property tax revenues back to developers. This plan would help offset the costs of the project and incentivize the significant investment required to bring The Gardens of Alpena to life.
Mike Mahler, Economic Development Director of the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the potential impact of the project on Alpena. He urged the community to be patient as the project is still in its early stages, but he expressed optimism about its future. “A project of this size and scope would be huge for Alpena,” Mahler said.
Ripple Effect on Local Housing Market
One of the most promising aspects of The Gardens of Alpena is its potential to alleviate some of the housing challenges in the area. Mahler explained that as seniors move into the new facility, their current homes and apartments would become available, increasing the overall housing inventory in Alpena.
“It would help to open up additional housing and help solve some of the housing problems we have here, for sure,” Mahler said. This increase in available housing could provide much-needed relief to those seeking affordable living options in the community.
Looking Ahead
While the Alpena Municipal Council has yet to set a date to vote on the TIF plan, Mahler assured that efforts are ongoing to support the developers and bring the project to fruition. “They are super excited about Alpena and really want to do this,” he said. “This is a big project and would be great for the area.”
As the project progresses, the community will be watching closely, hopeful that The Gardens of Alpena will not only provide exceptional living spaces for seniors but also contribute to the broader goal of improving housing availability in Alpena.
