More Apartments Needed, Fewer Homes–Study Focuses On Housing Market

What is the future of housing in Hancock?

A recent Target Market Analysis completed for all 15 Upper Peninsula counties looked at the region’s residential markets.

City Manager Glenn Anderson said it was the first time such a study had included Hancock.

Speaking at the council’s work session on Wednesday, Anderson shared the results of the survey which described the Predominate Lifestyle Cluster for Hancock as True Grit Americans.

That was followed by those described as Bohemian Groove and then Colleges and Cafes—which was Houghton’s largest category.

The study projects future housing needs based on an Aggressive Scenario…an estimate useful to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority for grant allocations.

Hancock is said to be in need of more small to large mid-sized and larger multiplex apartment units, but having an over abundance of single-family homes.

The trend reflects the area’s growing college and temporary resident populations.

Developers would use this information in considering possible housing construction projects.

The Target Market Analysis is available on the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region’s website.

In other business, the council approved a new club license and Sunday PM sales permit for the Alfred Erickson Post #186 in Hancock. A representative of the VFW said this will allow them to host up to 12 events per year where alcohol could be sold. The request is part of the VFW’s plan to do more local community outreach by holding social events that benefit veterans and the community at large.

A joint public hearing with the cities of Hancock and Houghton was set for October 17th. The purpose of the hearing is to consider extending the MTEC Smartzone Tax Increment Financing and Development Plan for 2018 to 2033. The hearing will be held at the Lakeshore Center in Houghton.