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CITY OF MUSKEGON
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY/BROWNFIELD
REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
MEETING
May 12, 2026 @ 10:30 AM
CONFERENCE ROOM 204
933 TERRACE STREET, MUSKEGON, MI 49440
MINUTES
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
M. Bottomley called the meeting to order at 10:34am and roll was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Martha Bottomley, Kiel Reid, Bob Tarrant, Sherri Black,
Michael Kleaveland, Andrew Boyd, Brad Hastings, JoAnn Dornbos, Chad Doane
MEMBERS EXCUSED: James Curtis, Jeanette Moore, Jonathan Seyferth, Kathryn
Lynnes
STAFF PRESENT: J. Hines, W. Webster, J. Rabe
OTHERS PRESENT: Rachel Gorman, Roman Wilson, Kristina Broughton
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
I. April 14, 2026 DDA/BRA Meeting Minutes Economic Development
A motion to approve the Minutes of April 14, 2026 was made by M. Kleaveland,
supported by S. Black, and unanimously approved.
ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
None
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
N/A
NEW BUSINESS
I. BRA: Development and Reimbursement Agreement for Encore at Harbor
Theatre, 1937 Lakeshore Dr. Economic Development
Lakeside Development Properties, LLC is requesting approval of the
Development and Reimbursement Agreement for the Encore at Harbor Theatre
project.
The former Harbor Theatre property has remained vacant and blighted for an
extended period of time and is proposed to be redeveloped into a three-story,
11-unit mixed-use building. The project includes commercial space and parking
on the lower level.
The Brownfield Plan is anticipated to remain in effect until 2052, or until all
eligible activities have been reimbursed, whichever occurs first.
The Brownfield Plan was approved by the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority
(BRA) at its April 14, 2026 meeting. Upon approval of the Development and
Reimbursement Agreement by the BRA, staff will forward a recommendation to
the City Commission for consideration on May 12, 2026.
The Development and Reimbursement Agreement complements the Brownfield
Plan Amendment by defining the specific terms, conditions, and timeline for
reimbursement.
Motion by B. Tarrant, second by A. Boyd, to approve the Development and
Reimbursement Agreement for the approved Brownfield Plan for Encore at
Harbor Theatre (1937 Lakeshore Dr.) as presented.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: M. Kleaveland, K. Reid, A. Boyd, B. Tarrant, B. Hastings, M.
Bottomley, S. Black, C. Doane, J. Dornbos
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
II. DDA: Acceptance of Financial Report for April 30, 2026 Economic
Development
City staff requests approval of the financial report for the period ending April 30,
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2026. The current projected fund balance is $454,964.56. Significant expenses for
April include staff costs and the Barry’s Greenhouse contract.
The report also reflects revenue and expenses related to the Lakeshore Art
Festival; however, please note that the DDA serves solely as a pass-through for
these funds.
Motion by K. Reid, second by B. Hastings, to approve the April 30, 2026,
financial report as presented.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: M. Kleaveland, K. Reid, A. Boyd, B. Tarrant, B. Hastings, M.
Bottomley, S. Black, C. Doane, J. Dornbos
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
III. DDA: Pine Street Live Sponsorship Economic Development
Pine Street vintage businesses, in collaboration with other Pine Street merchants,
are organizing Pine St. Live on Saturday, May 23rd, from 10am-5pm, an event
designed to promote local businesses and increase foot traffic in the district. The
event will feature free food and live music, creating an inviting atmosphere for
residents and visitors to explore the area.
The total event budget is $4,000, and organizers are requesting $2,000 in support
to assist with costs related to musical performers, infrastructure, and marketing.
Historically, this event has been fully funded by participating business owners;
however, additional financial support is now needed to sustain and grow the
event’s impact.
Motion by M. Kleaveland, B. Tarrant to approve a sponsorship in the amount of
$2,000 for Pine Street Live.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: M. Kleaveland, K. Reid, B. Tarrant, B. Hastings, M. Bottomley,
S. Black, C. Doane, J. Dornbos
Nays: None
Abstain: A. Boyd
MOTION PASSES
IV. DDA: 2026-2027 Budget Presentation Economic Development
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Staff is presenting the draft FY 2026–2027 DDA budget. The proposed budget is
designed to return the DDA to a neutral or positive cash flow position while
addressing immediate operational needs. It also positions the DDA to consider
long-term goals and investments, such as property acquisition, staffing, and
entrepreneurial support initiatives.
The DDA wil vote on the budget at their June meeting.
Further discussion: Kiel requested a breakdown of expenses on sponsorship and
to have a separate budget line item.
V. DDA: Michigan Makers Market/Girlfriends Getaway Weekend
Sponsorship Economic Development
The organizers of Girlfriends Getaway Weekend/Michigan Makers Market have
reached out regarding a potential sponsorship for their event taking place
November 13–15, 2026, at the Delta Hotel and VanDyk Mortgage Convention
Center.
The event is designed to bring women together for a weekend of shopping,
creative workshops, and participation in the Michigan Makers Market on
Saturday, November 14. Organizers also aim to promote and feature downtown
Muskegon businesses, encouraging attendees to explore all that downtown has
to offer.
Last year, DDA members and City staff attended the event, and the DDA’s
vendor booth was utilized by one of our Chalet vendors. Depending on the
sponsorship level selected, there may be an opportunity to offer similar support
again this year.
The DDA supported the event last year in the amount of $5,000. Depending on
the proposed sponsorship level, additional support could be considered as part
of the FY 2026–2027 budget discussions.
Kristina and Rachel were present. She is on the planning committee for
Girlfriends Weekend and Michigan Makers Market. She shared the success.
Over 2,000 visitors and 69 vendors. Reaching out to local businesses for
partnership. Expanding with more workshops and classes i.e. mediation,
makeup. Bringing in local entrepreneurs. They are marketing to the east side of
the airport and Chicago areas.
K. Reid emphasized the importance of having a traffic driver. Especially during
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the winter months. Inquired about their past and current sponsorships.
S. Black asked how they promoted the shopping experience in addition to
restaurants and bars.
Further discussion is requesting a commitment on the part of the Girlfriends
Getaway event to bring people out to these different retailers.
Motion by K. Reid, second by A. Boyd, to I move to approve a sponsorship at
the Gold Level for $2500 for Girlfriends Getaway Weekend/Michigan Makers
Market.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: K. Reid, B. Hastings, J. Dornbos
Nays: M. Kleaveland, A. Boyd, B. Tarrant, M. Bottomley, S. Black, C.
Doane
MOTION FAILS
Motion by M. Kleaveland, second by B. Tarrant to approve a sponsorship for
$5,000 for Girlfriends Getaway Weekend/Michigan Makers Market with a side
note that the commitment for showing groups around to the different shopping
pockets in the area.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: M. Kleaveland, K. Reid, B. Tarrant, A. Boyd, B. Hastings, M.
Bottomley, C. Doane, J. Dornbos
Nays: S. Black
MOTION PASSES
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Other Business: R. Gorman, President of Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of
Commerce wanted to share 2 events. Pre-Summer and Post Summer event
meeting. Hosted by the County at Heritage Landing. An opportunity for the
festival organizers to meet eachother to encourage collaboration, open lines of
communication. Meeting on June 4 at 2pm in the training room at the
Chamber.
J. Hines thanked the participants for the pitch competition. Winners were Paw
Paws Pickles and Thirsty Mitten.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:45.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Ann Marie Meisch, MMC City Clerk
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