On July 28, Sable Homes, along with leaders from the City of Belding and Ionia County, celebrated the opening of the new Knightstead Estates workforce housing expansion in Belding with a ribbon cutting and hard hat tour. 

The Rockford-based home builder utilized Housing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to complete long-planned infrastructure and create 17 new single-family home sites that will connect Gooding Street to the existing Crooks Avenue neighborhood. Located on a 3.4-acre platted, but unfinished parcel in the City of Belding off Gooding Street, Knightstead Estates will be served by city water and sewer, with electric service provided by Consumers Energy and natural gas by DTE Energy. Home prices are expected to start at approximately $260,000.

Knightstead Estates will bring much-needed attainable workforce housing to the Belding community by using a Housing TIF approach to close a construction funding gap and support long-term community growth.

“Knightstead Estates is a great example of how public-private partnerships can help move stalled developments forward in a way that benefits the entire community,” said Sable Homes Land Development Vice President Andrew Bitely. “The parcel was already platted, but the infrastructure needed to make it viable created a financial gap. Through the Housing TIF process, Sable Homes will front the cost of that infrastructure and be repaid over time through future tax revenues, allowing us to deliver homes that better align with the workforce housing needs in Belding.”

As part of the Housing TIF funding structure, Sable Homes will front the funds necessary for site preparation and infrastructure improvements. Those costs will be reimbursed over time through future tax increment revenues generated by the completed homes, rather than requiring upfront public investment.

“Knightstead Estates will address a critical need for attainable housing in Belding,” said Belding Zoning Administrator and Police Lieutenant Marci Cooper. “Completing this section of the neighborhood has been a goal for the City of Belding for many years. Sable Homes came to us with a plan that allowed us to finish this area of the city, extend existing streets and utilities, and add quality attainable housing that supports residents who want to live and work here. This project is transforming a long-planned, unfinished parcel into a neighborhood that will bring new families, new energy, and new opportunities to our city. We’re grateful to Sable Homes and partnering organizations for making this vision a reality, and we’re excited to have new residents move into these 17 new homes and call Belding home.”

In addition to working with Belding leaders, Sable Homes worked closely with Ionia County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority to develop the Knightstead Estates property responsibly for the community and future home owners.

“For many years, this wooded property sat empty without any plans for future development. It wasn’t until John Bitely of Sable Homes came to us with an idea of how to turn this vacant site around,” said Ryan Wilson, member of the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and executive director of the Ionia County Economic Alliance. “Sable Homes’ new Knightstead Estates community will not only create long-term economic benefits for the City of Belding, but it will extend that reach throughout all of Ionia County. We are proud to have been part of the Knightstead Estates project and see first-hand how responsible housing development and community collaboration positively impact our local communities within Ionia County.”

Belding Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Andy Feuerstein added: “This is a great day for our community. The need for attainable housing is more important than ever. When families can find a home within their budget and close to where they work, it strengthens our workforce, schools, businesses, and our entire community.

“Knightstead Estates gives individuals and families the opportunity to build their future and make memories in Belding,” he added. “Belding is a great place to live and work, and we’re excited for new residents to experience our small-town charm. We’re grateful to Sable Homes for investing in Belding and working with the city and community partners to bring this project forward.”

The Knightstead Estates community in Belding offers many floor plans to choose from, access to Lightning Bend Park, and doesn't require a HOA. Families may also qualify for the Ionia County Guarantee program through Montcalm Community College. To learn more about Knightstead Estates, call: 616-866-3913 or email: info@sablehomes.com