Housing (Local Government)

This bill, known as the Dark Store Prevention Act, allows Michigan cities, villages, and townships to legally remove private deed restrictions on vacant commercial properties. To proceed, a local government must prove the property is in a retail zone, has been empty for at least two years, and is considered blighted after holding a public hearing. If these conditions are met, the local government can file a lawsuit to have a court officially strike the restrictive clauses from the property's deed. The measure directly affects local officials seeking to clear abandoned retail spaces and property owners whose land is subject to such covenants.