City of Lathrup Village. City Council Study Session. October 19, 2026.

The City of Lathrup Village City Council held a study session on October 19, 2026, to continue discussion of a proposed amendment to the pilot ordinance for a housing redevelopment project involving Cernow. The central issue was extending the pilot tax abatement from 30 to 40 years without periodic council review, as requested in connection with financing through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). Council members discussed estimated city revenue of roughly $30,000–$35,000 annually during the initial period, potentially rising to about $70,000, and debated the fiscal tradeoffs, project viability, workforce-housing requirements, enforcement provisions, and the lack of guaranteed review points. A possible written agreement for separate community benefits was raised, but no terms were finalized; participants noted that such benefits cannot be included in the pilot ordinance itself.

No vote or contract award occurred during the study session. Council discussed whether to bring the amendment forward for a first reading at a regular meeting, while residents offered public comment both supporting redevelopment and objecting to the proposed 40-year term, the project’s financial terms, and impacts on the historic property and city services. The discussion also covered whether additional oversight or enforceable commitments could be negotiated; the matter remained unresolved.