Big Changes on the Horizon for Novi Housing Development
Novi, a community bustling with growth and development, may be on the brink of a major transformation. A proposal to build a massive housing development known as Society Hill, which dates back 25 years, is making a comeback—and it’s not coming back alone. The newly reimagined plan, officially presented during a recent city council meeting, aims to build 463 housing units across approximately 34 acres of land just west of Novi Road and south of 12½ Mile Road.
What’s in the New Plan?
This revamped blueprint includes a variety of housing options. It proposes constructing five five-story apartment buildings that will house a total of 363 apartments, along with 100 townhomes spread out over 16 separate buildings, some of which will come with garages. The proposed townhomes are set to add a touch of variety, featuring 80 three-story units and 20 two and a half-story units. That’s a whopping 33% increase in unit count compared to earlier proposals!
City Council’s Mixed Feelings
During the July 8 city council meeting, Councilman Matt Heintz voiced his concerns about the increasing density of the area. He cast the lone “no” vote in a decision that authorized the city attorney to draft an amendment to a long-standing agreement tied to the development. He stated, “The continued push on increased density has me a little concerned.”
The amended agreement caps the maximum allowable units at 1,359 rooms, which translates to about 463 multiple-family units. Along with this, the council outlined several conditions that must be met before final site approval, including ensuring proper soil borings, conducting traffic analyses, and preserving local wetlands and woodlands.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
It’s hard to believe that the Society Hill concept was first introduced in 1999 by E & M Inc., which initially proposed building 312 units with a maximum height of three stories. Fast forward to now, and the plan is looking entirely different. Jordan Sasson from E & M Holdings indicated that past economic downturns, including the great financial crisis, had delayed progress. Yet, he reassured the council that the updated housing isn’t what one might call “cookie cutter.”
Sasson hopes to begin construction by 2025 or 2026, with the unit rates reflecting the local market. “This isn’t just a piece of paper and approval. There will be a lot of effort between now and the finish line. We’re committed, and we’re excited about this development,” he said passionately.
Community Response
Despite the excitement from developers, not everyone is on board with this ambitious project. Several residents voiced their concerns at the public hearing. Brittany Magee stated, “Allowing an additional 150 units will increase traffic on our already congested roads and consume our public resources.” Rachel Sines echoed her concerns, arguing that density levels were already too high and calling for the buildings to be limited to two or three stories for better aesthetic integration into the existing landscape.
These objections highlight a growing unease among residents about the development’s potential impact on traffic and the local environment. And with good reason—city staff noted that there were 19 points in the plan that didn’t line up with city ordinances, particularly concerning building length and wetland impacts.
Next Steps
As conversations continue, one key aspect looms large: traffic management. The developers’ proposal includes two access points on Novi Road, prompting a deeper analysis of how this could affect local travel. Fortunately, Sasson is moving quickly, promising to start the traffic study immediately.
City Councilmember Dave Staudt emphasized the need for town officials to collaborate with the developers to refine the plan instead of reverting to the outdated original proposal. He remarked, “Let’s move forward with a conversation.”
Novi is clearly at a crossroads, balancing the need for housing against community concerns and environmental impact. As this story unfolds, residents will keep a watchful eye on how their voices shape the future of Society Hill.
