By Lisa Carolin
It’s been 15 years since Chelsea has had as many residential units available as the number that are currently in the pipeline.
That’s according to Chelsea Community Development Director Julia Upfal who anticipates 212 units will soon be on the market in the City of Chelsea.
“We’re trying to be careful and sensible about where the growth is happening and the impact on services, roads, and parks,” said Upfal.
She is referring to a variety of housing types that are facing everything from preliminary site plan approvals to applications for essential grants.
On the Aug. 17 Chelsea Planning Commission agenda will be a preliminary site plan for 25 single family homes on Machnik Drive near the Arctic Coliseum.
“A lot of land will have to be preserved as wetlands for that site to be approved,” said Upfal.
Another preliminary site plan that may be facing the planning commission in the upcoming months is for 96 apartment units near Westchester Farms on Cavanaugh Lake Road.
There are also 51 apartment units proposed within the existing structure of the Rockwell Building, located at 301 N. East Street in downtown Chelsea. Upfal says construction could start as early as the spring of 2022 on those apartments, which are dependent on grants.
In addition, Heritage Farms has received final site plan approval for 40 single family homes, which would be built on vacant land off Dexter-Chelsea Road as a continuation of the Heritage Pointe neighborhood. Upfal says the developer just needs a few more permits before construction can begin.
“I’ve heard from residents in Chelsea who want to see more housing diversity,” said Upfal. “Anything that helps drive young families and young people to build roots in Chelsea will help make sure we have a multi-generational community.”
Upfal is also excited about the DeerRidge Villas, additional senior housing that Silver Maples is currently building.
“The housing market in Chelsea is moving quickly,” said Upfal. “We have a lot to offer here – job opportunities nearby and in the city, a great downtown, excellent schools, cultural enrichment. Everything is a short walk away, and that’s what gives Chelsea its small-town feel.”
Anyone with questions should contact the Community Development Department at 734-475-1771, ext. 210 of email Upfal at [email protected].
