Baldwin House SLUP, PILOT talks continue
By Grace Lovins
Deliberations over a proposed special land use permit (SLUP) and PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreement for Baldwin House Senior Living, located on 200 Chester Street, continued during the Monday, October 28, Birmingham City Commission meeting.
The commission previously discussed the item during the Monday, October 7, meeting, during which commissioners heard four different contract options to consider. Commissioners favored two options – referred to as options three and four in the meeting packet – that would maintain 53 affordable units and would require 25 units at 100 percent of the surrounding area median income (AMI).
Both the options, as stated in the meeting packet, also allow an increase in rental rates from historical regulations for the 53 units, considered by-right units. Between October 7 and Monday night’s meeting, Baldwin House told city staff they are amenable to option three.
Option three, according to city planner Brooks Cowan, would include 13 units at 30 percent AMI, which is an income of $20,000 or less and a monthly rate of $504. There would also be 40 units at 50 percent AMI, which is an annual income of $33,600 and a monthly rate of $840, Cowan said.
This option also included 25 units at 100 percent AMI, at $1,680 per month as well as 53 uncapped units. Cowan noted the purpose for these units would be to make it economically feasible for the city.
A significant update also came to Baldwin House prior to the start of the meeting. Cowan explained that Baldwin House has the opportunity to refinance their loan with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, which is currently in the works. If they are able to refinance, it could reduce the AMI cap for 25 units which would offer more affordable units to residents.
While commissioners expressed their optimism for the progress being made, attention was drawn to the concerns brought up by current Baldwin House residents. Linda Buchanan, vice president of the Baldwin House Board of Directors, addressed the commission saying the board has been ‘sidelined’ by the current management for the past five years.
Buchanan asked the city to support the development of a resident advocate board made up of residents and one or two members of the community, for which some commissioners expressed their support.
The city has received complaints and concerns from various residents about diminished amenities and services. Commissioners briefly discussed Baldwin House taking accountability for supporting their residents and improving services to meet their residents’ needs.
Commissioners voted 6-0 to direct city staff to draft the agreements and continue the public hearing during the Monday, November 18, regular meeting. Mayor Elaine McLain was absent from the meeting and mayor pro tem Katie Schafer served as interim mayor.
