Chelsea Milling Brownfield Status: Initial OK

Following a public hearing on the proposal, Washtenaw County commissioners have voted unanimously to give initial approval to a proposed brownfield plan by the Chelsea Milling Co., makers of Jiffy Mix. The action took place at the county board’s Oct. 16, 2013 meeting. [.pdf of brownfield plan]

The plan relates to a renovation of an abandoned 77,700-square-foot warehouse at 140 Buchanan in the city of Chelsea. The company plans to invest more than $4 million in the project, according to a staff memo that accompanied the Oct. 16 resolution.

If the project is given brownfield status, it would allow the company to be reimbursed for up to $376,805 in eligible activities through tax increment financing (TIF). The total amount to be captured through TIF over 16 years is $580,677, which includes fees paid to the county brownfield program administration and the county’s local site revolving remediation fund.

The public hearing took place after midnight and only one person – a representative from the project – spoke briefly. She indicated that two company officials had been at the meeting but left around 11:30 p.m.

A final vote is expected on Nov. 6.

This brief was filed from the boardroom of the county administration building at 220 N. Main St. in Ann Arbor, where the board of commissioners holds its meetings. A more detailed report will follow: [link]