Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee - 2026-03-25
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee approved multiple infrastructure and development items including a $5.5 million bond notice of intent for Pontiac's Woodward Loop sewer improvements coordinated with MDOT's road conversion project, a Brownfield Redevelopment Plan for the 28 N Saginaw (Oakland Town Center) mixed-use residential conversion in Pontiac, and a lease agreement with Marathon Health LLC for a new employee health clinic at Oak Point office building. The committee also established a normal lake level for Stiff's Mill Pond in Holly and approved lease agreements for harm reduction services and Sheriff's Office training facilities.
Key Decisions (8)
Notice of Intent to Issue Bonds for Pontiac Woodward Loop Sewer Improvements
Approved NOI not to exceed $5.5 million for sewer system improvements in Pontiac's Woodward Loop area, coordinated with MDOT's project to convert Woodward Ave from one-way to two-way. Work includes abandoning and rerouting an 18-inch sanitary sewer underneath the 'bad zone' on M-59 east of southbound Woodward Lane. Project timeline 2-3 years.
Establishing Normal Lake Level for Stiff's Mill Pond
Approved petition from residents to establish legal lake level for Stiff's Mill Pond in Village of Holly. The lake was drained by DNR due to dam condition; establishing legal lake level enables dam repair and lake restoration. Community has approximately $150,000 set aside for study and repairs. Required two-thirds majority of benefiting property owners obtained.
Marathon Health LLC Employee Health Clinic Lease Agreement
Approved lease agreement for approximately 5,000 square feet at Oak Point office building on Elizabeth Lake Rd for near-site employee health clinic operated by Marathon Health. Clinic will offer primary care, mental health services, physical therapy, and wellness programming. Investment expected to break even by year 3 and return initial investment by year 5.
28 N Saginaw Brownfield Redevelopment Plan - Oakland Town Center
Approved Brownfield Redevelopment Plan for 28 N Saginaw (former Pontiac State Bank), a 16-story building in downtown Pontiac. Project converts vacant office building to mixed-use with 114 apartments. 70 units at 120% AMI or below; 14 units (20%) at 80% AMI or below for 30 years per community benefits agreement. Total investment $12 million; TIF reimbursement $6.6 million over 30 years. Previously approved by Oakland County Brownfield Authority (Feb 17, 2026) and Pontiac City Council (March 3, 2026).
Harm Reduction Program Lease at 48980 Woodward Ave, Pontiac
Approved lease with Oakland Integrated Healthcare Network for harm reduction program at 48980 Woodward Ave, Pontiac. Space is 1,057 square feet with zero rent. County provides furniture, equipment, and internet; reimburses for custodial, snow removal, and related costs. Tenant has occupied space since August 2025.
Sheriff's Office Training Center Lease Amendment - Brandon Township
Approved amendment number two with DLD Enterprises LLC (Bedrock) for Sheriff's Office Training Center at 300 S Street, Brandon Township. Extends lease two years with rent increase from $1.80 to $4.50 per square foot. County now responsible for snow, ice, and landscape maintenance costs (reimbursed to landlord). Facility has been in use for almost five years with significant sheriff's office build-out including simulated courthouse.
CAPS Study Group Application Review Guidelines
Approved application review guidelines for Oakland County Community Place and Public Spaces (CAPS) Study Group. Study group reviews applications for $200,000 in matching grant funds appropriated in FY26 budget for MEDC/Patronicity placemaking program. Guidelines establish evaluation criteria for projects including park enhancements, bike paths, public Wi-Fi, art developments, and streetscape improvements.
Tri-Party Road Improvement Program Appropriation - Rose Township
Approved fiscal year 2026 appropriation with Rose Township for Tri-Party Road Improvement Program, project number 58341.
Development Activity (6)
Oakland Town Center (28 N Saginaw)
Conversion of 16-story former Pontiac State Bank building to mixed-use with 114 apartments. 70 units at 120% AMI or below; 14 units at 80% AMI or below. $12 million total investment.
Woodward Loop Infrastructure Improvements
Conversion of Woodward Ave from one-way to two-way road with coordinated sewer system improvements. Includes rerouting 18-inch sanitary sewer from beneath building on M-59. $5.5 million bond for sewer work.
Marathon Health Employee Clinic
Approximately 5,000 square feet near-site employee health clinic offering primary care, mental health, physical therapy, and wellness services for county employees and interlocal partners.
Huron Rouge Sanitary Drain Pipe Rehab
Three continuous miles of 36-inch pipe rehabilitation using cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) trenchless method due to hydrogen sulfide damage. Nearing completion.
Village of Lake Orion Pump Station Upgrade
Upgrade of 16 small sewer pump stations with new equipment, piping, and instrumentation. Two pressurized pipes replaced using horizontal directional drilling under lake bed.
Georgetown Retention Treatment Basin Green Infrastructure
Parking lot expansion with 24 spaces, 18 native trees, bioretention rain garden capturing 22,000 gallons per rainfall, and 3+ acres turfgrass conversion to native prairie. Partially funded by $95,000 SEMCOG grant.
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Downtown Pontiac seeing residential conversion activity with 114-unit project at former Pontiac State Bank building, suggesting investor confidence in urban residential demand following county's major investment in the area.
Infrastructure
Oakland County has $21 billion worth of water infrastructure requiring reinvestment, with over 150 active projects representing $570 million in 2025, indicating significant ongoing infrastructure spending.
Commercial Demand
Oakland County ranked 3rd nationally for foreign direct investment at $208 million last year, behind only Austin, Texas and Fulton County (Atlanta), signaling strong international investor interest.
Sentiment
County officials noted that the Oakland Town Center residential conversion likely benefited from Oakland County's substantial investment in downtown Pontiac, suggesting public investment is catalyzing private development.
Infrastructure
Much of Oakland County's water infrastructure was built in the 1950s-60s and is aging, with the Water Resource Commissioner shifting priorities from new construction to maintenance and reinvestment.