Washington Gardner PILOT: Facts and Perspectives
This page provides background documents, public statements, and key details about the proposed Washington Gardner School redevelopment and the upcoming Albion City Council vote on the PILOT ordinance. It includes the Community Housing Network presentation, the full text of the ordinance, and links to relevant Michigan Department of Treasury resources. Scroll down or use the table of contents to navigate.
Table of Contents
Upcoming Public Session
The City Council will hold a study session on Monday, August 11, from 6–8 p.m. at Tennant Hall (First United Methodist Church, near Goodrich Chapel). This gathering offers residents a chance to ask questions and share feedback ahead of the council’s final vote on Monday, August 18.
What’s Being Proposed
Community Housing Network (CHN) plans to transform the vacant Washington Gardner School, currently owned by Albion College, into approximately 61 mixed-income housing units, complete with wellness and community programming.
The project, estimated at around $25 million, includes partnerships with Zero Day and financing by Cinnaire.
Below is a PDF presentation prepared by Community Housing Network, the developer proposing the Washington Gardner project, and outlines their plans, projected timelines, and financial details for consideration.
The discussion of the City Council centers on an ordinance for the new owners to be allowed Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) This ordinance which is under review would allow lower service-based payments instead of traditional property taxes to make the project financially viable for the new owners.
Voices from the Community
Resident Andy French emphasized the importance of reviewing official documents before reaching conclusions, noting misinformation circulating online.
Council Member Vivian Davis encouraged residents to attend and form their own views.
Council Member C.J. Frost added: “We need to be more discerning about what types of developments are best suited… We need a proactive approach to attracting opportunities that benefit the long-term needs of every resident.”
CHN Director C.J. Felton noted, “We are unable to establish a preference for any particular group of people… Seniors are certainly welcome; the idea of downsizing and freeing up for-sale housing has been proven to work in other communities.”
Albion College President Wayne Webster stated: “If CHN withdraws, I’m not optimistic that another organization capable of investing more than $25 million… will emerge—especially given the many unsuccessful attempts over the past 15 years… If no qualified alternative presents itself, I believe we must seriously consider demolition as a responsible next step.”
Financial Perspective
For comparison: The City of Albion’s total annual revenue in 2023 was about $18 million (all funds)
The proposed $25 million investment is about 40% greater than that amount. Albion College’s budget is significantly larger. These figures underscore the scale of this proposed external investment in the Albion community.
Next Steps
A final vote on the PILOT ordinance is scheduled for Monday, August 18, at Marshall Opportunity School, due to an out-of-service elevator at City Hall.
Notes
City of Albion 2022 Budget: https://cms1files.revize.com/albion/document_center/Forms/2022%20Budget%20FINAL.pdf
City of Albion 2023 – Total Revenues: Michigan Department of Treasury’s Community -Financial Dashboard – City of Albion
City of Albion links: Albion Resource Index
Includes City Council Agendas, minutes, YouTube Channel and City Website links
Community Housing Network project presentation PDF
The following presentation was prepared by Community Housing Network, the developer proposing the Washington Gardner project, and outlines their plans, projected timelines, and financial details for consideration.