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Muskegon initiative begins to fight blight, build new homes

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MUSKEGON, Mich. - An ongoing initiative in Muskegon is aiming to diversify the city by ridding it of some unsafe eyesores.

The first step takes place Tuesday at a City Commission meeting. The city wants to make way for new housing and are hoping for the type of resident that can benefit from living in this area.

The commission will vote whether or not to demolish six homes and three garages that have already been condemned.  The lots that the structures sit on could be very lucrative.  The sites are just minutes away from downtown Muskegon and perfect for the buyer who wants a suburban locale with easy access to downtown.

The New Housing Initiative was rolled out in the city's budget in May.  The plan is to start with taking a vacant lot that is close to downtown and building nine houses there.  From there, the project will branch out to other areas.

The city is planning on paying for the demolitions out of its general fund. Homeowners will have the option to put down a deposit of about $5,000 while they make long-term plans to fix the property.