PORTAGE, Michigan — Following a decision by the Portage City Council on Tuesday evening, work will soon begin on the construction of new apartment buildings in Portage.
The $15 million project, developed by Allen Edwin Homes, is slated for construction on Creekside Drive, off Centre Avenue.
The project includes the construction of a private street with 46 rental townhouses and other single-family homes geared toward working residents.
Some council members expressed concern about a potential increase in traffic at the intersection of Centre Avenue and Shaver Road, while others expressed their belief that the city needs more housing options in light of the nationwide housing crisis.
Council member Chris Burns said that while he was concerned about the declining homeownership rate, he believed that implementing such a measure could benefit those who might not necessarily qualify for a mid-range mortgage but could afford the monthly rent for a unit with comparable amenities.
“I understand the notion that we don’t want to have too many single-family homes for rent if that hinders the opportunity for homeownership,” Burns said. “But we’re at a pretty crisis level of home affordability in this country… We want to be careful that homeownership remains an option for people, but right now I’m very much in favor of giving people more opportunities to get housing and have access to all the wonderful amenities that we love about Portage.”
Officials currently assume that construction of these houses could begin in spring 2026.
