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City of Muskegon
City Commission Worksession
July 11, 2016
Innovation HUB (Formerly MAREC)
200 Viridian Drive, Muskegon, MI 49440
5:30 PM
MINUTES
2016-57
Present: Commissioners Hood, Gawron, Johnson, Turnquist, Rinsema-Sybenga, and Warren.
Absent: German.
Proposed Project at 920 Washington Regarding OPRA and NEZ Request Sara Sass.
There will be 128 market rate apartments added to the site. When this project is completed, an
amusement activity center will be added. They will be working on the Western Avenue portion
first to clean the area. The project is a total investment of $33.5 million and a two year timeline.
Pere Marquette Discussion
The City Manager presented facts about the median based income home for residents in the City
of Muskegon. This information was broken down into individual neighborhoods. He then
explained the cost to maintain the beach and Kruse Park and the necessity to generate revenue
from the beach so we may maintain or even increase the level of service.
Mike Franzak, Zoning Administrator, reviewed the history of Pere Marquette Park and the
previous two public input sessions. From those sessions, the most important items the public
thought was important was accessibility, beautification, bathhouse, built development,
development of shops, and community events.
Jamie Pesch, Planning Intern, indicated from those public input sessions, staff understood
residents would be interested in pods, containers, and sheds that could host temporary businesses
in the summertime at the beach.
Some residents indicated they would like a traffic study conducted at Pere Marquette Park.
Several residents spoke in favor of paid parking at the beach. Others stressed the need for more
bathrooms, stores, and concession stands. It was suggested that an organized bicycle route be
added.
One citizen suggested that people living within a certain distance be allowed to access the beach
for free. Another citizen thought there was a need to build places for people to stay. Other
residents agreed that beach rental homes are a growing issue. If we are inviting more people to
visit our beach, we need to offer them more. Some residents cautioned against paid parking and
issues it may create. Another citizen requested a yield sign by the coastguard.
The Commission indicated the cost to maintain the beach is approximately $475,000 each year.
We need a way to generate revenue and implement a mixture of ideas.
Adjournment.
Meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
____________________________
Ann Marie Meisch, MMC
City Clerk