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CASSOPOLIS — Signs of progress are appearing at Don Horne Park in Cassopolis as the village continues working to increase housing opportunities.

According to Village Manager Emilie LaGrow, answering the housing need has been ongoing in the village as a part of their current master plan. The need has been regularly emphasized by community feedback, both during the 2019 Master Plan process, as well as in general calls by residents, potential residents, and employers.

“One of the things the village has been working on has been to address some of the housing needs,” she said, referring to a multipronged approach to increase the number of available single family homes and rental units while utilizing empty or blighted properties for infill housing.

The Don Horne project focuses on the former, with the goal of adding thirty-four lots meant for mid-range single family homes to the village. The village will sell the lots in small groups over time as the project continues, with the intent to be able to adapt to any changes that may arise in the development.

Utilizing Revitalization and Placemaking grants offered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Village of Cassopolis has developed the land and added the infrastructure to allow a developer to purchase lots in small chunks for building and selling homes. With infrastructure work planned to be finished by the end of April, the village could see homes begin to go up as early as this summer.

“All of the pieces are in place,” said LaGrow.

Among the final items to be complete is approval of a land split ordinance, first read at last week’s regular village council meeting. A special meeting for the second reading of that ordinance and its approval is scheduled for April 28, in conjunction with the council workshop meeting.

Beyond Don Horne, Cassopolis continues increasing housing in other areas. Multiple properties have been utilized for infill housing after demolishing blighted homes and attaining empty lots or properties available via tax foreclosure. The Old Village Hall at 117 South Broadway is also being converted into seven market-rate upstairs apartments. Village staff has sought grants through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and other sources to help fund them.

“Years ago we said, if we don’t invest in ourselves, no one will invest in us,” said LaGrow. “I think we’ve done a really great job of investing in ourselves and drawing in outside investments”

As the housing plans progress, the village is looking ahead at future projects. Community conversations will begin soon to create the next master plan for Cassopolis. According to LaGrow, feedback from residents will drive much of that new vision.

“Our ability to grow and change started with listening to what they wanted and what they dreamed of for their community,” she said. “We’re excited to get ready to do that again.”