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CITY OF MUSKEGON
CITY COMMISSION WORKSESSION
Monday, January 10, 2022
5:30 p.m.
City Commission Chambers
933 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI 49440
MINUTES
2022-03
Present: Mayor Johnson, Commissioners Gorman, Emory, German, Hood, St.Clair, and
Ramsey
Absent: None
Parks & Recreation 5-Year Plan Update
Staff is presenting a brief review of the updated Parks and Recreation 5-Year plan that
is currently out and available for public review. A formal public hearing will be held at the
January 25th Commission meeting, with a target to finalize the plan and submit it to
MDNR by the February 1, 2022 deadline.
A draft of the proposed plan is available on the city’s website at the following link:
https://www.muskegon-mi.gov/cresources/Draft-Muskegon-Parks-and-Recreation-Plan-
12-15-21.pdf.
Discussion took place regarding the proposed updated plan. This will appear on the
agenda January 25, 2022.
Pere Marquette Parking Revisions
Staff is proposing to revisit the previously discussed topic of changes to the parking
configuration and widening of the pedestrian pathways within Pere Marquette Park.
Discussion took place on two options that are being proposed. Concerns were
discussed in regard to the width of pathways as well as the ability to save existing trees.
Some changes are being suggested and this item will be revisited at the January 11,
2022 Regular meeting agenda.
Public comment was received on this item.
ARPA Strategy
Staff is seeking input on a strategy for identifying and evaluating projects, and
communicating with the public. Staff recognized there are many beneficial projects and
investments that can and should be made with ARPA funds. $22 million will not meet all
of those needs, and we expect to need to be more strategic with our funding
recommendations. To date, a community needs survey was presented to gather initial
community input, and an internal team was assembled to work through the development
of a strategy for identifying potential uses that the community would support and
embrace.
There are additional funding sources outside of ARPA for many community needs, and
a screening process should be used to test each option to ensure ARPA is the best
funding source.
We are seeking input from the Commission regarding communication with the public
(presenting and receiving information) to ensure this once-in-a-lifetime funding creates
the greatest long-term community benefit.
The West Urban Properties Development Agreement that is on the agenda for
consideration on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 was discussed as well.
1095 Third Street Response
Catholic Charities is in the final stages of relocating from their former offices at 1095
Third Street to their new location. The department has received one response for the
Request for Proposals that was approved by commission, and seeks commission
approval to move forward with the developer in drafting a Purchase and Development
Agreement.
Over the last several months the City’s Economic Development team has showed the
former Chatholic Charities site to a number of both local and regional potential
developers. In the end, one developer, Suburban Property LLC, replied with a well
composed and feasible development proposal. This developer has been working for
some time on getting into the market in the Muskegon area, and has brought on well-
regarded and credentialed architects and contractors. Staff has reviewed the proposal,
and supports the program it contains for phased redevelopment of all three lots. The
first phase would include the adaptive reuse of the existing building, with all three floors
of the structure being used for market-rate apartments. The next phase would be 8 two-
story townhomes along Houston, and finally a 3-4 story mixed use building on the
corner of Muskegon and Third.
Public Comment: Public Comments were received.
Adjournment: The Worksession meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ann Marie Meisch, MMC – City Clerk