Public hearing tonight for tax abatement on South James St. building.

327 S. James St.

LUDINGTON — A public hearing will be held tonight to receive input on a request for an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation District for the building located at 327 S. James St. R. Ship LLC of DeWitt, intents to renovate the former St. Simon Bargain Center in order to provide retail space on the first floor and construct three rental units on the second floor, according to City Manager John Shay.

The district would allow the property owner to receive an abatement on property taxes in the value of $6,900 annually, of which approximately $1,900 represents an abatement of city taxes.

According to the abatement application, the developer estimates the cost to renovate the building to be $290,000. Work would include upgrading all utilities, restructuring the roof, ceilings and floors, building an exterior rear stairway, replacing and repairing masonry, adding new heating and cooling, plumbing and electrical, among other renovations.

The project is expected to be completed in 12 to 16 months once the abatement is approved.

The public hearing will take place during the City Council meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m., at city hall, 400 S. Harrison St.