Affordable housing will likely be included in the redevelopment of Washtenaw County's old Juvenile Center on Platt Road.
The County Commissioners Ways and Means Committee Wednesday night gave initial approval of a recommendation to use a community design process for the 13.5 acre site. The recommendation came from a Community Advisory Committee.
County Commissioner Andy LaBarre says a more specific recommendation for the property will be developed through greater community engagement thanks to a Michigan State Housing Development Authority grant. The state grant requires some affordable housing in the final project.
LaBarre says the property is uniquely located near County Farm Park, a residential neighborhood and commercial properties along Washtenaw Avenue.
The former Juvenile Center is located at 2270 and 2260 Platt
The Ways and Means Committee also approved the development of a dental clinic to serve residents on Medicaid or without dental insurance. Nearly 60,000 county residents would be eligible. County officials believe that through reimbursements over the life of the contract with Michigan Community Dental Clinics the project will be cost-neutral.
— Andrew Cluley is the Ann Arbor beat reporter, and anchor for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him acluley@emich.edu.
