The alley in the 400 block between Roseland and Doraland streets in Kingsford will be widened and have sewer line installed beginning in July to allow for property development. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News)

KINGSFORD — The City of Kingsford is proposing a new block development to better utilize property owned by the city and also Habitat for Humanity Menominee River.

In the alley between Roseland and Doraland streets, they propose widening the alley by 14 feet on the city-owned side along Doraland to 30 feet. Property would be taken from lots owned by the city. Lake State Land Survey will be working with the city attorney on the project.

Roseland has a water line, but Doraland currently doesn’t.

“We can’t develop any of these until we get a water main on this road,” City Manager Michael Stelmaszek explained.

The city-owned property will be converted into five development parcels, each containing two lots, and a sixth containing three lots. Habitat has five parcels on the other side of the alley.

The city accepted a bid from Morin Excavating for $97,025 to install a sewer line on part of the alley, and homes will be connected as they are built. Work will begin in July.

City-owned property at the end of the alley off Hoadley Avenue would be utilized to widen the entry to the alley and property owners would receive unused portions and would be responsible for the additional taxes.

The city is also creating a tax abatement zone to encourage upgrades on properties on the West Breitung area. The Neighbor Enterprise Zone is a state program intended to encourage reinvestment and rehabilitation in older residential neighborhoods.

“It’s an incentive for landlords and developers who are looking at maybe buying a property but they’re unsure. It might be an incentive for them to buy it and improve it,” said Kyle Mulka, city assessor/zoning administrator.

Residents who apply for the program would not be taxed on improvements made to the home for a set number of years up to 15, determined by the city council. Residents must apply for the program and be approved for changes before it takes place.

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Marguerite Lanthier can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 85242, or mlanthier@ironmountaindailynews.com.