Because there is a critical workforce housing shortage in Leelanau and Benzie Counties!
According to Flywheel, Leelanau County has a projected workforce housing gap of 2,335 units, both for sale and rentals, through 2027. Closing the gap in workforce housing is critical in preserving the services we have come to rely upon.
Without workforce housing, essential services may diminish, which may affect the safety, as well as the charm and character of towns and villages where we live.
An Innovative Solution to Workforce Housing
However, the Glen Lake Community Schools (GLCS) have been given a rare opportunity to facilitate the development of both rental and homeownership opportunities for a diverse group of workforce families and households, such as teachers, firefighters, law enforcement, road commission, and other public sector employees.
The steps that have been taken thus far include:
- Development of an innovative housing concept by the Harvard University Graduate School of Design.
- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has proposed a process that would allow the GLCS an opportunity to potentially use approximately 40 acres of a 180-acre parcel gifted to the school district in 1941 for attainable housing.
The proposed use of the property would allow the development of a high-quality, diverse housing community. To view the site map and a conceptual development plan, click here, and click here to view the GLCS Presentation.
How Can You Help?
There are several things you can do now to help SBGC in our efforts to mitigate the crisis in workforce housing in our gateway communities:
1. Click here to forward this signed support letter (or one of your own) to Jason Misner, Superintendent of Glen Lake Community Schools. Please don’t forget to sign your name to the bottom of the letter!
To the Board of Trustees,
I want to express my support for the innovative workforce housing concept on a small portion of the school’s forest property developed in conjunction with The Harvard University Graduate School of Design and the Sleeping Bear Gateways Council. I also understand that the school district does not desire to be the developer. Considering this, I believe a community and school district oversight committee should be established to investigate the viability of this opportunity.
I would appreciate your positive support in endorsing this important initiative to preserve the charm and character of our community.
Signed,
(Please type your name here)
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