MONTAGUE — At its regular monthly meeting Monday, Montague’s city council continued a discussion of what to do with a Ferry Street parcel that began at its last meeting in July.
At that previous meeting, city manager Jeff Auch announced that the proposal for the Ferry Street development project has expired. The development was approved for Dean Weaver, who purchased the parcel. Weaver proposed a two- or three-story building that would include both commercial and residential space. Due to disagreements between Newco Design Build LLC and the council on the aesthetics of the proposed building, nothing was confirmed and construction never started.
At Monday’s meeting, the council discussed what to do with the parcel until another development plan is gathered and proposed. All council members stressed the importance of reserved parking for residential units, in addition to parking for the commercial retail space. Councilman Paul Schultz shared his concern of the concept being too large and invading the space of other surrounding businesses, like Johnson’s and Dog n’ Suds. Some council members are worried if the building is three stories tall, it will look strange next to other buildings and businesses nearby.
Councilwoman Susan Newhof proposed a market study be conducted and that council gather a master plan for their requirements before accepting any proposals from contractors. She also shared her concerns over Weaver and other contractors’ “intentions” of the development, such as being more focused on the financial benefits rather than “watching the city flourish.” Councilman Bob Hires added that he wants to know what the tax benefits would be. This concern is due to Hires’ ongoing goal of decreasing tax costs in Montague. Auch said he would find an estimate.
Overall, a majority of council members agreed a development would be beneficial to the city and anticipated seeing benefits from additional housing and businesses being available.
Auch also addressed the new changes in the vegetation ordinance, including 14 species that are now prohibited in the city. Other restrictions in the ordinance include who is responsible for vegetation on properties, and distance from street curbs and fire hydrants. The changes to this ordinance are mainly to ensure other vegetation is thriving and being appropriately cared for.
At the previous council meeting, a Montague resident voiced her concern and frustration over vicious and dangerous animals in the city. She shared a personal story of her family puppy being attacked by a neighboring dog, the same dog who previously killed their family dog. Auch worked with the city attorney to develop more clear and concise language in their vicious animal ordinance. This included switching from breeds to characteristics, redefining “dangerous animal,” leash and muzzle rules, and confinement and insurance requirements. Violations of this ordinance can result in tickets or fines from the city and Schultz hopes to give local police more responsibility for this, since animal control is no longer as prominent in Muskegon County. Auch said he will continue working with the city attorney to develop better language in the ordinance.
Mayor Tom Lohman talked about the fireworks committee’s ongoing efforts to improve 4th of July shows and activities in the future. All Montague council members will be actively involved in the development of these improvements, including discussing a survey to be distributed to city residents. The committee and council have also discussed ideas like a fair or other activities between the parade and fireworks, and possible fireworks alternatives that will be better for the environment. Schultz proposed a water test be done on White Lake within 30 minutes of the fireworks to see how damaging the fireworks particles are. He said cities like Saugatuck have noticed blue algae growing as a result of phosphorus and nitrogen in the fireworks.
