HUD Articles

Updated: May. 30, 2024, 8:55 a.m.|

Published: May. 30, 2024, 8:55 a.m.

By   Mitchell Kukulka

JACKSON, MI - A program aimed at providing new homes for low- and middle-income families in Jackson just got more real estate to work with.

Jackson City Council members unanimously approved a resolution to exercise the city’s right of first refusal to add six foreclosed lots to the “100 Homes” program. Launched in 2023, the program is constructing new single-family homes on vacant lots by providing $25,000 in down payment assistance and connecting buyers to home builders.

The six new lots were among a total of 43 parcels foreclosed on by the Jackson County Treasurer in April 2024 for non-payment of 2021 and prior property taxes, according to board documents.

Applicants to the program chose the lot they want their house to be built on, leading to development sites being sprinkled throughout the city, said City Manager Jonathan Greene. Though the six new lots might not be in demand now, city officials chose to add them to the city’s inventory since their size and location make them good candidates for potential development.

“When we evaluated all the parcels that we could take, those six seemed to make the most sense, and would be the most buildable for our 100 Home program,” Greene said.

Since June 2023, 27 new homes have begun construction in Jackson - 16 of which have been designated as part of the 100 Homes program, Jackson Director of Community Development Shane LaPorte said in a letter to the board. As of May 2024, the program has approved 23 applications, with almost 70 still under qualification review.