Posts

BARC hopes to build workforce housing with recycled materials

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From the outside, it may seem surprising that a recycling company would be interested in building homes. But for Andy Gale, President of Bay Area Recycling for Charities (BARC) in Traverse City, the move makes complete sense. Not only is it an opportunity for their organization to step up the “reuse” portion of the “3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,” but it also enables Gale to return to his roots in construction. And, perhaps most notably, it could offer access to more affordable housing that northern Michigan desperately needs.

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Leelanau’s housing shortage—a symptom of low wages and larger societal problems

The ever-widening gap between the wealthy and the working class is probably the greatest cause of Leelanau County’s affordable housing crisis, says Timothy Young. We are never going to solve the housing crisis until we solve the labor pay scale.

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Housing shortage “epidemic” impacts our workforce

If you have been to the Empire Village Inn in the last two years, you have likely noticed some changes. The menu has been revamped, the beer menu has expanded, and the bar has been rebuilt, all thanks to the newest general manager, Riley Scott, who was hired by owner Frank Lerchen in the fall of 2017. Scott had been working in the restaurant industry in Grand Rapids, and moved north when offered a management position to help make some changes to the establishment.

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A little house in Empire: one couple’s small housing solution

The topic of housing in Leelanau County––and the lack of affordable housing––is one that seems to come up often for those who live here. Among my peers––entrepreneurs and workers in their late-20s to early-30s––housing discussions are often filled with a bit of discouragement.

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Glen Arbor Arts Center’s “New Views” examines housing shortage

How does a shortage of housing in Northwest Michigan take its toll on residents and businesses? That question is the focus of an hour-long panel discussion June 11, 10:30 am at the Glen Arbor Arts Center, 6031 S. Lake St., Glen Arbor. This program is open to the public without charge.

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Cherry Republic teams up with Leelanau School on workforce housing solution

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A shortage of low-cost housing led Cherry Republic and The Leelanau School to enter into a beneficial partnership in recent days. The Cochran Dormitory on Leelanau School’s campus is being renovated through a $30,000 donation from Cherry Republic which will turn it into a desirable and affordable summer lodging option for employees who work for Cherry Republic and other area businesses.

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Overcrowding, lack of workers, forces Cherry Republic expansion

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Cherry Republic’s Bob Sutherland plans add new retail with attainable housing units upstairs, more parking and a septic field in 2019 to accommodate Glen Arbor’s growth.

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