Many Kent Co. churches own unused land: Project aims to use it for housing
ICCF Community Homes on Wednesday launched its , a project that aims to raise $12 million to build much-needed affordable housing in Kent County.
The project has already received $10 million in commitments, including an anonymous donation that promises to match up to $6 million in funds.
The goal is to use those funds to help build 200 homes throughout the Kent County over the next two to five years.
$4.2M Grand Rapids project will add housing in mostly-vacant USPS building
'We know our community is in dire need of affordable housing,' ICCF Community Homes CEO Ryan VerWys told News 8. 'As we were thinking about how can we be part of the solution to that need for housing, we recognized that we have great partnerships with churches in our community.'
He noted that there's about 700 churches throughout the county, and several of those have extra real estate. One such church is Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church on MLK Jr Street near Union Avenue, which owns several unused lots near its building, senior pastor Darryl Gaddy said.
Gaddy moved to Grand Rapids about two and a half years ago to help revitalize the 97-year-old church. Part of that was finding a way to develop that extra property it owns, he said.
Through the Building With Faith campaign, ICCF is helping the church work through the pre-development stages. Once complete, the project is expected to build six to 10 housing units for those who are housing insecure, Gaddy said.
'In the church community, every day we having folks coming to us and they are housing insecure, they don't have a place to live,' Gaddy said. 'This is so exciting, because it provides those who are without an opportunity to come into a space where they can be at home.'
'It's just exciting to know … that God would use me to help catalyze a movement with a church that's been in this city and in this community for 97 years,' he later added. 'I'm just a small part of the building blocks of continuing to build a legacy for home ownership and for those in the community who need a safe place to stay, but also that need to be empowered through the spiritual and then the social tools. And so we are excited to work with ICCF in this mission.'
Grand Rapids named top 10 housing 'hot spot' going into 2025
Half of the 200 housing units ICCF aims to help create through the project will be rental units built on under-utilized church property, whether that's through building new units or redeveloping existing buildings.
The other half with be built for first-time homebuyers, built on land that will include properties donated or acquired from churches. The homes will be built on a land trust, meaning the homebuyers will buy the house, but not the land it sits on. That model both helps keep costs down for homebuyers, and can also control the sale price in the future.
'We are so encouraged by the generosity that we've experienced thus far,' VerWys said. 'We're passionate about addressing that critical need for housing in our community.'
Like most of the country, Kent County is in dire need for more housing. A Housing Next housing assessment from 2022 found that the county needed to add 35,000 housing units by 2027.
Costs are also skyrocketing to both own or rent a home. According to a data dashboard from Housing Kent, those earning a median wage in Kent County have not been able to afford buying an entry-level home since 2017: An average entry-level home in Kent County requires an income of $62,000, while the area's median annual wage is $42,740. The cost of rent is also rising faster than wages, and a typical apartment costs $1,196 a month, affordable to those making an income of $47,840.
Inside WOODTV.com: Housing crisis in West Michigan
'We know the housing market is hot right now. … If you're renting, you're seeing your rents rise rapidly, your housing is something of insecurity. And we really dream of a time where housing is something that every family can experience a place of security,' VerWys said. 'We're thrilled that the community is coming together around this campaign to add a bunch of much needed affordable housing.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
a day ago
- Forbes
Moving? Address Change? Properly Notify IRS (Especially If Abroad)
It is imperative to keep IRS informed of a change of address. Taxpayers need to do it correctly, and understand what can go wrong if they don't, including tax penalties, IRS levies, and passport revocation. Americans abroad face special U.S. tax issues and it is especially critical for this group who often rely on foreign mail services to understand the nuances of notifying IRS of address changes. getty It's summer and many people move to a new home while school is out for a few months. This is especially true in the expat community where changes in work location occur with regularity. Moving can be chaotic, and amid all the packing and logistics, it's easy to forget one critical task—properly advising the IRS of your new address. Skip this step, and you risk missing key correspondence, such as a Notice of Deficiency which can trigger tax assessments, penalties, collection activity and even a passport revocation if you fall into 'seriously delinquent tax debt.' This article explains the imperative of updating your IRS address, how to do it correctly, and what can go wrong if you don't. Many Americans are moving abroad. This group faces various U.S. tax issues and it is especially critical for Americans overseas who rely on foreign mail services to understand the nuances of notifying IRS of address changes. Overseas Americans know all too well the extreme challenges faced by frequent relocations for work and sometimes unreliable foreign postal services. Making sure the IRS is properly notified must be at the top of the moving 'to-do' list. A notice from the IRS is generally deemed valid if it is sent by certified or registered mail to what is called the taxpayer's 'last known address.' If the notice was properly mailed to that address, actual receipt by the taxpayer is immaterial. The address listed on the taxpayer's most recently filed and properly processed tax return is the 'last known address', unless a taxpayer has provided the IRS with clear and concise notice of a new address. Notifying a third party, such as a different government agency, of a change-of-address is not considered clear and concise notification for tax purposes. In Phillips v. Commissioner (T.C. Memo 2024‑44), decided in July 2024, the Tax Court rejected the IRS' claim that it had properly updated its records using the United States Postal Service National Change of Address system. The IRS could not convince the Tax Court that the new address was properly matched under special procedures, leading the court to invalidate the entire notice of deficiency. This case highlights the importance of relying on the USPS's NCOA database. It is understandable that taxpayers might assume that filing a change-of-address with the USPS is enough. While the IRS receives weekly updates from the USPS NCOA database and cross-checks it against taxpayer records, the process is not foolproof. In Phillips the taxpayer's son shared his father's name, and it was the son who had filed a change-of-address with the USPS. The IRS system mistakenly applied the son's new address to the father's tax record and sent a deficiency notice there. The court held the notice invalid because it was not sent to the taxpayer's true last known address. The case is a reminder that while the NCOA system can be very helpful, it can also cause errors for both the IRS and the taxpayer. While notifying the U.S. Postal Service can ensure mail forwarding, this method does not necessarily update IRS records and should not be exclusively relied upon when it comes to U.S. tax matters. The surest way to update the IRS is through means detailed below, filing a Form 8822 or by a direct written notice. In Davis v. Commissioner , T.C. Memo. 2025-72 (July 10, 2025) the Tax Court decided a case involving a taxpayer who moved in 2021 but failed to update the IRS. Even though the taxpayer provided a handwritten letter and claimed to have spoken to IRS agents about the address change, she lacked proof of mailing or official IRS acknowledgment. The court held that because the IRS records still showed the old address, the notice of deficiency sent to her old address was valid. As a result, the petition she had filed with the Tax Court was treated as untimely and her case was dismissed. The lesson is clear: verbal claims and informal letters concerning a change of address just don't cut it. Without verifiable proof, the courts will uphold the IRS if its notice was sent to the 'last known address.' If your move occurs before filing your tax return, simply list your current address on your return. Once processed, the IRS will update its records. Tax returns should always be sent through a method permitting verification (proof of mailing or electronic submission) so that it can be established that the return and updated address was properly delivered. Another option is to file Form 8822 for individuals or Form 8822‑B for businesses. Both of these forms must be processed, which IRS estimates will take four to six weeks' time. They should be sent by certified or registered mail, with proof of mailing retained. You may also write a letter to the IRS that includes your full name, both the old and new addresses, Social Security Number, and signature. If you filed a joint tax return, then the information and signatures for both spouses must be included. Send the written address change information to the IRS processing center that handles your tax return. Again, use registered or certified mail to send in the form and retain the proof. The IRS also permits taxpayers to call and inform the agency that their address is changing. However, this method is not nearly as reliable as written communication backed up by verifiable proof of mailing. Foreign postal systems can be unreliable. If you are living abroad, the rules become complex when it comes to the tax law and acceptance of foreign postmarks. The tax code itself does not recognize foreign postmarks, but, fortunately, the IRS has had a long-standing policy on accepting official foreign postmarks for federal tax returns, refund claims, statements, or other documents. It is highly recommended that a taxpayer use the foreign country's version of certified or registered mail because the receipt can serve as proof of timely mailing/filing. Keep in mind, however, that private couriers such as FedEx or DHL are not covered by this rule unless they are specifically designated as IRS-approved private delivery services. Address changes may feel like a minor administrative detail, but when it comes to U.S. tax matters, making sure that all address changes are properly reported to the IRS is imperative. By updating your address properly, through your tax return, Form 8822 or 8822‑B, or a properly mailed written notice, you protect yourself from missed IRS correspondence and notices, unanticipated penalties, and even messy passport issues. Take care of this step early, especially if you're moving abroad, and keep proof of your notification. Having the proper proof could save you from a bureaucratic nightmare later on. Stay on top of tax matters around the globe. Reach me at vljeker@ Visit my US tax blog NO ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP OR LEGAL ADVICE This communication is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute tax advice or a recommended course of action. Professional tax advice should be sought as the information here is not intended to be, and should not be, relied upon by the reader in making a decision.
Washington Post
2 days ago
- Washington Post
Republicans look to make a U-turn on federal commitment to electric vehicles for the Postal Service
WASHINGTON — A year after being lauded for its plan to replace thousands of aging, gas-powered mail trucks with a mostly electric fleet , the U.S. Postal Service is facing congressional attempts to strip billions in federal EV funding. In June, the Senate parliamentarian blocked a Republican proposal in a major tax-and-spending bill to sell off the agency's new electric vehicles and infrastructure and revoke remaining federal money. But efforts to halt the fleet's shift to clean energy continue in the name of cost savings.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Republicans look to make a U-turn on federal commitment to electric vehicles for the Postal Service
WASHINGTON (AP) — A year after being lauded for its plan to replace thousands of aging, gas-powered mail trucks with a mostly electric fleet, the U.S. Postal Service is facing congressional attempts to strip billions in federal EV funding. In June, the Senate parliamentarian blocked a Republican proposal in a major tax-and-spending bill to sell off the agency's new electric vehicles and infrastructure and revoke remaining federal money. But efforts to halt the fleet's shift to clean energy continue in the name of cost savings. Donald Maston, president of the National Rural Letter Carriers' Association, said canceling the program now would have the opposite effect, squandering millions of dollars. 'I think it would be shortsighted for Congress to now suddenly decide they're going to try to go backwards and take the money away for the EVs or stop that process because that's just going to be a bunch of money on infrastructure that's been wasted," he said. Beyond that, many in the scientific community fear the government could pass on an opportunity to reduce carbon emissions that contribute to global warming when urgent action is needed. Electrified vehicles reduce emissions A 2022 University of Michigan study found the new electric postal vehicles could cut total greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20 million tons over the predicted, cumulative 20-year lifetime of the trucks. That's a fraction of the more than 6,000 million metric tons emitted annually in the United States, said professor Gregory A. Keoleian, co-director of the university's Center for Sustainable Systems. But he said the push toward electric vehicles is critical and needs to accelerate, given the intensifying impacts of climate change. 'We're already falling short of goals for reducing emissions,' Keoleian said. 'We've been making progress, but the actions being taken or proposed will really reverse decarbonization progress that has been made to date.' Many GOP lawmakers share President Donald Trump's criticism of the Biden-era green energy push and say the Postal Service should stick to delivering mail. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said 'it didn't make sense for the Postal Service to invest so heavily in an all-electric force." She said she will pursue legislation to rescind what is left of the $3 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act allocated to help cover the $10 billion cost of new postal vehicles. Ernst has called the EV initiative a 'boondoggle' and "a textbook example of waste,' citing delays, high costs and concerns over cold-weather performance. 'You always evaluate the programs, see if they are working. But the rate at which the company that's providing those vehicles is able to produce them, they are so far behind schedule, they will never be able to fulfill that contract," Ernst said during a recent appearance at the Iowa State Fair, referring to Wisconsin-based Oshkosh Defense. 'For now,' she added, "gas-powered vehicles — use some ethanol in them — I think is wonderful.' Corn-based ethanol is a boon to Iowa's farmers, but the effort to reverse course has other Republican support. Rep. Michael Cloud, R-Texas, a co-sponsor of the rollback effort, has said the EV order should be canceled because the project "has delivered nothing but delays, defective trucks, and skyrocketing costs.' The Postal Service maintains that the production delay of the Next Generation Delivery Vehicles, or NGDVs, was 'very modest" and not unexpected. 'The production quantity ramp-up was planned for and intended to be very gradual in the early months to allow time for potential modest production or supplier issues to be successfully resolved,' spokesperson Kim Frum said. EVs help in modernization effort The independent, self-funded federal agency, which is paid for mostly by postage and product sales, is in the middle of a $40 billion, 10-year modernization and financial stabilization plan. The EV effort had the full backing of Democratic President Joe Biden, who pledged to move toward an all-electric federal fleet of car and trucks. The 'Deliver for America' plan calls for modernizing the ground fleet, notably the Grumman Long Life Vehicle, which dates back to 1987 and is fuel-inefficient at 9 mpg. The vehicles are well past their projected 24-year lifespan and are prone to breakdowns and even fires. 'Our mechanics are miracle workers,' said Mark Dimondstein, president of the American Postal Workers Union. 'The parts are not available. They fabricate them. They do the best they can.' The Postal Service announced in 2022 it would deploy at least 66,000 electric vehicles by 2028, including commercial off-the-shelf models, after years of deliberation and criticism it was moving too slowly to reduce emissions. By 2024, the agency was awarded a Presidential Sustainability Award for its efforts to electrify the largest fleet in the federal government. Building new postal trucks In 2021, Oshkosh Defense was awarded a contract for up to 165,000 battery electric and internal combustion engine Next Generation vehicles over 10 years. The first of the odd-looking trucks, with hoods resembling a duck's bill, began service in Georgia last year. Designed for greater package capacity, the trucks are equipped with airbags, blind-spot monitoring, collision sensors, 360-degree cameras and antilock brakes. There's also a new creature comfort: air conditioning. Douglas Lape, special assistant to the president of the National Association of Letter Carriers and a former carrier, is among numerous postal employees who have had a say in the new design. He marvels at how Oshkosh designed and built a new vehicle, transforming an old North Carolina warehouse into a factory along the way. 'I was in that building when it was nothing but shelving,' he said. 'And now, being a completely functioning plant where everything is built in-house — they press the bodies in there, they do all of the assembly — it's really amazing in my opinion.' Where things stand now The agency has so far ordered 51,500 NGDVs, including 35,000 battery-powered vehicles. To date, it has received 300 battery vehicles and 1,000 gas-powered ones. Former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said in 2022 the agency expected to purchase chiefly zero-emissions delivery vehicles by 2026. It still needs some internal combustion engine vehicles that travel longer distances. Frum, the Postal Service spokesperson, said the planned NGDV purchases were "carefully considered from a business perspective' and are being deployed to routes and facilities where they will save money. The agency has also received more than 8,200 of 9,250 Ford E-Transit electric vehicles it has ordered, she said. Ernst said it's fine for the Postal Service to use EVs already purchased. 'But you know what? We need to be smart about the way we are providing services through the federal government,' she said. 'And that was not a smart move.' Maxwell Woody, lead author of the University of Michigan study, made the opposite case. Postal vehicles, he said, have low average speeds and a high number of stops and starts that enable regenerative braking. Routes average under 30 miles and are known in advance, making planning easier. 'It's the perfect application for an electric vehicle," he said, 'and it's a particularly inefficient application for an internal combustion engine vehicle.' ____ Associated Press writer Hannah Fingerhut in Des Moines, Iowa, contributed to this report. Susan Haigh, The Associated Press Effettua l'accesso per consultare il tuo portafoglio
