The Antrim County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 to approve a 30-year $7.8 million tax break for a Grand Rapids developer who will build 138 apartment suites on 19 acres located at 6621 Bellaire Highway.

Commissioner Jarris Rubingh was the only “no” vote, while Commissioners William Hefferan, Dawn LaVanway, Terry VanAlstine and Jason Helwig voted yes. 

Residents packed the public hearing, which consisted of a presentation by the Brownfield Consultants followed by opinions and questions from members of the public.

The public spoke overwhelmingly against the tax breaks for a variety of reasons. However, some local business owners started out the meeting by speaking in favor of the tax incentives, as they hope the apartments will help them find more employees.

Now that the project has been approved by all of the local authorities, the developers will have their application reviewed by the state of Michigan and it’s housing development authority this winter. If approved, the townhomes will be constructed off-site and shipped to Bellaire in the spring. They hope for occupancy by late spring/early summer 2024, in time for the tourist season.

For a video tape of the public hearing and meeting, click here.

To read more details about the project, see Public Hearing for 30-Year Tax Break for New Bellaire Apartments.