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The Houghton Planning Commission’s Master Plan subcommittee met Monday afternoon to look at how to strategically increase population density closer to Michigan Tech’s campus. The thought is that if students move closer to the university, that will free up the neighborhoods throughout the rest of the city to revert back to single-family residences. That would increase the housing stock without actually committing to new building, as Houghton is nearing full development.
Manager Eric Waara talked about the creation of the R-4 zoning category in 2017, but said few property owners have modified their properties.
Chairman Bill Leder said it would be prudent to look at how Houghton is incentivizing landlords to utilize the loosened restrictions. With the creation of the city’s rental code, routine inspections will help ensure that safety is kept a priority even as more people are allowed into each structure.
The R-4 district starts near Flagstar Bank and runs between Ruby Avenue and Houghton Avenue from US-41 to near Agate Street.
