Tax credit approved for Holland affordable housing project

HOLLAND — A new affordable housing development on Holland's southside is moving forward after being awarded a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.

The project is a joint venture between Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids, Community Action House of Holland and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. It's a scattered-site development of 57 units located on properties owned by Community Action House, the City of Holland and Hope Church.

The first phase includes two sites: an estimated 39 units at 345 W. 14th St. and 13 units on W. 10th St.

A second phase at Kollen Park Drive and 15th Street would include five three-bedroom townhomes.

The project has been in the works for some time, and has received widespread approval from Holland City Council.

“The city is very excited about this news, as it moves forward a continuing council priority of providing more affordable housing in our community,” City Manager Keith Van Beek wrote in a release.

Community Action House CEO Scott Rumpsa said the project comes following advice from Housing Next and is meant to address the local housing shortage in Holland.

In 2022, the Ottawa County Housing Needs Assessment determined nearly 4,400 rental units were needed to accommodate population growth in the area.

“We’re incredibly grateful to see this project move forward, and for the health and stability it will make possible for families in our community,” Rumpsa said.

Holland City Council most recently discussed the project in March, when they approved a plan to sell surplus property at 345 Kollen Park Drive to Dwelling Place and Community Action House.

The city-owned property was sold at 65% of its appraised value.

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Groundbreaking for the project is expected this winter. Construction is expected to last 12-14 months.

“We’re building more than homes,” said Jeremy DeRoo, CEO at Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids. “We’re creating opportunities for residents to thrive in a vibrant, diverse neighborhood. … This development, encompassing both three-story and two-story buildings, is a crucial step towards meeting our community’s housing needs.”

— Contact reporter Austin Metz at ametz@hollandsentinel.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Tax credit approved for Holland affordable housing project