In a time when going green is becoming increasingly common for individuals, it’s important to know that communities and governments as a whole are making efforts to be conscious of the environment as well.
Saulius Mikalonis, senior attorney for Plunkett Cooney, shared a presentation in June at the OakGreen Sustainable Community Seminar series that centered on green buildings. The presentation included a plethora of information on pending Michigan building legislation.
Mikalonis highlighted four Michigan Senate bills, which are summarized below as they appeared in his PowerPoint presentation.
- Senate Bills Nos. 1111, 1112, and 1113
- These bills include fully transferrable tax credits for LEED development.
- They amend the Commercial Redevelopment Act allowing the abatement of property taxes for restoration, replacement and new construction of commercial property for up to 12 years.
- LEED-certified buildings are included in the category of buildings that can get the tax abatement.
- In addition, an owner or lessee of a LEED-certified building can file an application for a certificate from a local government, which would entitle it to an abatement of up to one-half of the State Education Tax for one to 12 years.
- The abatement can be revoked if the building is not completed within two years (or more if good cause is shown) or if the developer filed false information concerning LEED certification.
- Senate Bill No. 1114
- This bill amends the Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act to allow developers to use tax increment financing (TIF) so they can recover the costs of building a LEED-certified building.
- The activities for which TIF can be used are added to the definition of “eligible activities” if used to obtain LEED certification include certain renewable energy systems, certain building systems and underground parking.
View more information on Mikalonis or Plunkett Cooney, or visit www.plunkettcooney.com.
Jennifer Griffin, Contributing Writer and Public Relations, GreeningDetroit.com
Jennifer is pursuing a degree in Journalism and English from Wayne State University, and she is also a Contributing Writer for The South End.