By JOHN EBY
Dowagiac Daily News

City Council this week amended Dowagiac’s Feb. 9, 2009, brownfield redevelopment plan in response to needs and opportunities not anticipated at that time.

“Brownfield law changed a number of years ago,” City Manager Kevin Anderson said June 14. “It doesn’t just relate to environmental cleanup. It can deal with functional obsolecence” such as 225-227 S. Front St., municipally-owned property just south of City Hall which includes the former doughnut shop and pet store.

“This can help with financing improvements. Since it’s already in a TIF (tax-increment financing) district, what this really does is create an incentive for someone who would buy that who could receive state income tax credits when it comes down to the development. It allows for that private developer to receive state credits on taxes,” Anderson said.

The council held a public hearing prior to its action.

The amendment was set in motion April 15 by the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority’s recommendation of the proposal to the council. June 14 the council also conducted a joint public hearing on two properties, 311 W. Railroad St. and 409 Maple St., it concludes pose a public nuisance. The city’s boarding ordinance requires property owners to get building permits and to initiate repairs within 15 days and to complete those repairs within 60 days or the condemned properties will be abated by demolition.