The public brownfield authority, which promotes rehabilitation of properties affected by blight and pollution, is considering Higgins' project. It scheduled a public hearing for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Metro Central Church of Christ at 1511 Van Dyke.

Construction would start in November or December and finish in about a year and a half on the approximately 1 acre property at 7891 and 7903 E. Jefferson Ave. The construction manager is Troy-based O'Brien Construction Co. Inc. and architect is Berardi Partners, which has offices in Columbus, Cleveland and Detroit.

Overall, the project would house 42 apartments priced at between 50 percent of the area median income and 120 percent. As of April, the Wayne County figure for one person's rent at 50 percent of AMI was $668 per month and 120 percent was $1,605.

Six residential units are planned in an old white mansion on the property, with the other 36 in the tower rising out of the parking garage. The mansion and another dwelling on the property were first built around 1910, according to the brownfield plan.

"I live in the area and it's been an eyesore for many years," Higgins said. "You really don't need vacant property of that caliber sitting there not being productive."

He said he met with the West Village neighborhood association and received two main critiques: affordability and for new business not to encroach on street parking. He said he believes Jefferson Van Dyke's parking garage and affordability targets will help allay those concerns.

The city's Planning and Development Department recommended approval of the proposed brownfield plan, according to a letter from department director Maurice Cox. The Detroit Historic District Commission endorsed the project, according to the brownfield plan.