The Lansing City Council recently declined to offer a tax break to a developer wanting to create low income housing in Old Town. We ask a city council member why she voted against the tax break and about the possibility of legal action.
A $5.7-million plan to create low-income housing in Old Town is hung up after the Lansing City Council recently refused to grant a tax break to the developer.
Opponents say the proposal, which involves a so-called PILOT, or that’s payments in lieu of taxes, would deprive the city of legitimate revenue. Supporters of the plan, which include Mayor Virg Bernero, four council members and neighborhood leaders and organizations, say the council’s move may violate the federal Fair Housing Act by discriminating against minorities and poor people. They say they may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Current State speaks with with Lansing City Council President Judi Brown-Clarke.