Society Hill Housing Project Proposal Revived in Novi

News Summary

The Society Hill housing development project in Novi, Michigan, is back on after 25 years. The proposal includes 463 housing units, including apartments and townhomes, which aims to meet community needs. Despite some concerns from local council members and residents, the city is moving forward with plans, including a public meeting for further discussion on July 26.

Exciting Developments in Novi: The Society Hill Housing Project is Back!

Novi residents have something big to talk about this summer as a long-discussed housing development, known as Society Hill, is being put back on the table after 25 years! This development could transform a large plot of land and give new housing options to the community, with planners eyeing a whopping 34 acres located just west of Novi Road and south of 12½ Mile Road.

A Vision for the Future

The new plan proposes a total of 463 housing units, which is an impressive increase of 33% compared to what was previously suggested. If everything goes according to plan, future residents could choose from 363 apartments in five attractive buildings, each standing up to five stories high. Additionally, there would be 100 townhomes nestled in 16 buildings that come complete with garages for residents’ convenience.

Out of the planned townhomes, a majority—80, to be exact—will be in sleek three-story buildings, while 20 will be cozy 2½-story structures. This mix of accommodations aims to provide diverse living options for everyone!

City Council Meeting: It’s a Mixed Bag!

July 8, 2023. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Councilman Matt Heintz had some reservations about the increased density and voiced concerns during the discussions. His worries resulted in him being the only one to vote ‘no’ against a 6-1 decision to amend a consent judgment originally established back in 2001.

The amended judgment will allow a maximum of 1,359 rooms, equating to about 463 multiple-family units. But before construction kicks off, there are conditions that must be met. This includes performing soil borings, conducting a traffic analysis, and ensuring the preservation of local wetlands and woodlands to keep the environment intact. There are also plans for a dedicated right-of-way along 12½ Mile Road and tree surveys to ensure everything aligns with local regulations.

Challenges Over the Years

This isn’t the first attempt at developing Society Hill. The original proposal all the way back in 1999 aimed for 312 housing units with a maximum height of three stories. Unfortunately, the plan encountered multiple roadblocks, including economic downturns like the recession in the early 2000s and the financial crisis later on.

Now, E & M Holdings’ representative, Jordan Sasson, assures that the new housing units will reflect current market rates, with construction possibly kicking off in either 2025 or 2026. And for those worried about parking woes, the updated proposal boosts parking availability to a grand total of 942 spaces.

Community Voices: Concerns and Criticisms

What’s Next for Novi?

July 26, where residents can learn more about planned construction projects on Novi Road, set to launch in 2025-2026.

It’s worth noting that the Road Commission for Oakland County is partnering with the cities of Novi and Northville for improvements in the northern region. Construction will be rolled out in phases, beginning with a significant overhaul of road curves in fall 2025, followed by further enhancements in 2026. The overall budget for these construction efforts is estimated to be around $6.7 million, largely funded through federal and local contributions.

So, whether you’re excited about new housing options or anxious about changes in your community, it’s clear that the Society Hill development proposal is sparking lively conversations in Novi!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

• Hometown Life: Society Hill Housing Development Update
• Wikipedia: Novi, Michigan
• CBS Detroit: Novi Road Project Delays
• Google Search: Novi Road construction
• Detroit News: Local News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Novi