Dwelling Place Secures Boost for Overton Development in South Haven

City Council approves tax exemption pilot to help affordable housing project move forward

Mar. 22, 2026 at 5:00am

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The South Haven City Council has approved a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement with the Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids to support the development of a 53-unit affordable housing project at the former Overton industrial site. The PILOT is critical for the Dwelling Place to apply for low-income housing tax credits from the state, which has a looming application deadline. The city council also provided a letter of support for the project, which aims to keep the units affordable.

Why it matters

The Overton site has sat vacant for years, and the city has been seeking a use for the former industrial property. The Dwelling Place's affordable housing proposal aligns with South Haven's goal of increasing access to quality, low-cost housing options for residents. The project's success in securing state tax credits could serve as a model for future developments in the city.

The details

The Dwelling Place's plan calls for a three-story, 40,000 square foot apartment building with 53 units. The PILOT agreement approved by the city council will provide tax exemptions established under the Michigan Housing Development Authority Act, which the Dwelling Place says is critical to keeping the project's budget balanced and making it eligible for the state's low-income housing tax credits. The deadline to apply for those credits is April 1, so the timing of the city's approval was key.

  • The South Haven City Council approved the PILOT agreement this past week.
  • The deadline to apply for the state's low-income housing tax credits is April 1, 2026.

The players

Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids

A nonprofit affordable housing developer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Nathan Poel

Real Estate Development Director for the Dwelling Place.

Annie Brown

Mayor of South Haven, Michigan.

Joey Andrews

State Representative representing the South Haven area.

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What they’re saying

“The pilot, as proposed, allows us to keep a balanced budget for the first 19 years on our operational projections on our pro forma. If we have a higher pilot, makes it more difficult. Doesn't make it impossible, but it does mean that we're going to have a gap that we'll have to fill.”

— Nathan Poel, Real Estate Development Director, Dwelling Place

“I just wanted to tell you how much we have enjoyed working with you and we are so grateful to the Dwelling Place for choosing us and choosing South Haven. We are a pro-housing city council.”

— Annie Brown, Mayor, South Haven

What’s next

State Representative Joey Andrews is being asked to provide a letter of support for the Dwelling Place's Overton development project, which could further bolster its application for the state's low-income housing tax credits.

The takeaway

South Haven's approval of a tax exemption pilot for the Dwelling Place's affordable housing project at the former Overton site demonstrates the city's commitment to increasing access to quality, low-cost housing options for residents. If successful in securing state tax credits, the project could serve as a model for future developments aimed at meeting the community's housing needs.