Comstock Township’s planning commission learned this month that a $50,000 state grant funding its master plan and zoning update has lapsed out of compliance, risking repayment of funds already spent.
Supervisor Benjamin Martin read correspondence from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) explaining that the grant expired January 22 after a required contract amendment was never signed, a step that fell through under the township’s previous community development leadership. The township has received $20,000 of the $50,000 grant and has already spent about $40,000 on a housing study conducted by the W.E. Upjohn Institute, intended to inform the township’s master plan and zoning ordinance. MSHDA also flagged that the township hasn’t submitted required quarterly progress updates since the end of 2025.
Officials said MSHDA could seek repayment of funds already disbursed if the township doesn’t resolve the compliance issues or formally continue the project. Commissioners discussed whether recent work — including a planned unit development (PUD) ordinance and an R-1C zoning text amendment aimed at increasing affordable housing — might count toward satisfying the grant’s requirements. Township Attorney Robert Thall is reviewing the original grant agreement, and officials said they intend to determine next steps before deciding whether to continue the project.
