Brownfield Redevelopment Authority 101: Community Benefits & Recent Legislation

The Plainfield Township Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (PCTBRA) was established by the Township Board of Trustees, pursuant to state law, as a means to provide financial incentives to encourage economic development.

The Brownfield Authority uses a specific financial tool called “Tax Increment Financing” that is able to reimburse developers for specific project costs by capturing the growth in taxes that the project creates and reimbursing developers for costs over time. The property owners continue to pay taxes each year which then are used to reimburse developers for eligible costs that might otherwise be a barrier to being able to complete a project. By providing this “gap-funding” from the increased value of the property, the Township is better able to attract growth and redevelopment.

Recently, the State made changes to Public Act 381 which expands the use of the program to include housing, where it previously only authorized incentives for environmental remediation costs primarily related to commercial and industrial properties. The intent of these changes is to assist in housing development and rehabilitation to address housing shortages across the State. A recent study by Bowen National Research found that over the next five years, in Kent County alone, there will be a demand for nearly 35,000 new housing units (rentals and for-sale properties). To meet this demand financial incentives such as the Brownfield program have the potential to incentivize development in areas that might otherwise be overlooked due to enhanced project costs.

At the last meeting of the Brownfield Authority, the committee adopted guidelines to assist developers in qualifying for Brownfield incentives for eligible projects. These guidelines could offer the use of tax-increment financing for up to 25-years and for up to 80% of the project costs depending upon various criteria. The amount each project is eligible for is based upon specific criteria. For example, a project located in the Reimagine Plainfield Plan area could receive an incentive. In addition, projects that include the following could also be incentivized through the TIF:

• Projects that provide pedestrian-oriented, transit-friendly amenities
• Utilize sustainable, high-end building materials and practices
• Balance the natural environment with the built environment through preservation efforts and best-practice stormwater management tools.
• Increase the number and diversity of high-quality jobs in the Township.
• Remediates blight within a commercial or industrial area.
• Provides infrastructure extension/improvements that benefit the community other than the subject property.

This expanded ability to utilize the TIF for housing costs offers the Township a significant opportunity to partner with developers to encourage growth and redevelopment in our community.

In short, We Are Open for Business!

Get Involved
Plainfield is actively seeking volunteers to join the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. This is a unique opportunity for residents to play a direct role in shaping the future of their community. Click here for details on each position and to submit your application.

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To learn more about the Plainfield Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, click here or contact the Community Development Department at communitydevelopment@plainfieldmi.org.