For a number of years, Dowagiac has successfully worked with property owners and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) downtown housing grant program to rehabilitate second and third floors in many downtown buildings.

There has been significant new investment, with occupancy near 100 percent.

The city has continued to work with a number of property owners and potential property owners and it is reasonable to believe that 10 to 11 more downtown apartments could be constructed if MSHDA funds are made available.

MSHDA announced the opening of a relatively short window for grant applications not to exceed $500,000 that extends from April 19 through April 30.

Monday night Dowagiac City Council called for a public hearing at its April 26 meeting regarding new projects and to authorize Marilyn Smith to move forward with a grant application on the city’s behalf.