This was a pretty action packed agenda with lots of fancy words like ordinance, grant, and bidding (All normal part of government-industry interaction). It looks like there is a need for more housing so hopefully the downtown area can fulfill some of that need. What would be nice is if some of the upstairs apartments can be used to attract people who want to buy and build a business in a live-develop arrangement (See Escanaba Downtown Idea).
Notes: I just put together a few notes as I go forward. While I try and be accurate they are not always. So its better to go back and look at the agenda. I did cut and paste a few parts from the agenda for clarity. See August 5th, 2021 Agenda. To really understand you have to pay a lot of attention to changes and activities and often that requires a level of proximity.
-Ordinance 1251: Removing of canopy heights and other restrictions. You will have to go to the agenda for a more specific description. Not sure if its related but it would be nice to see more canopies in Esky for sidewalk sitting.
-5 block section to increase different types of housing arrangements. It appears they are seeking to expand the use of some commercial blocks.
-Removing off-street parking space requirements for commercial buildings in that commercial district area.
-Someone made the comment about development of housing above the commercial real estate. If I'm understanding correctly that is a good idea. Especially if some of these become seasonal condos, Airbnb and apartments (That will depend on the bigger vision of the town.).
-Beatification of the city. There will be some changes of trees on Ludington to allow more flowering varieties. Tourists love to see beautiful landscape, flowers, and nice places to sit. Putting this kind of effort into the city adds up over time in showing city pride.
-Nonmotorized parkway. I wonder if this means there will be bike path and/or walk path. This may be part of the 5 year recreation plan. See recreation plan Escanaba. There might be a newer one.
"Approval – Resolution and Signing of a Contract – Recreation. Explanation: Administration is recommending passing a Resolution for authorized signatures on the North City Limits Non-Motorized Pathway. Administration is recommending signing of the Contract between Michigan Department of Transportation and the City of Escanaba for the North City Limits Non-Motorized Pathway"
"Approval – Award of a Bid to Payne & Dolan, Inc. – Recreation. Explanation: The State of Michigan let bids out for the North City Limits Non-Motorized Pathway. Two bids were received. Administration is seeking approval for the low bid from Payne & Dolan, Inc. in the amount of $867,092.05."
-Something going on with the triangle on Ogden. I lived as a kid in the area and would like to have a house back in the neighborhood someday. Looks like something historical might go in there.
"Approval – Award of a Bid to Payne & Dolan, Inc. – Recreation. Explanation: The State of Michigan let bids out for the North City Limits Non-Motorized Pathway. Two bids were received. Administration is seeking approval for the low bid from Payne & Dolan, Inc. in the amount of $867,092.05."
-$3 Million in lead pipes money. Something about the Governor is coming to visit. The letter below was taken from the city website. "2 million in DWI grant funds and $3 million in loan for the WTP Project" So if there is DWSRF Drinking Water State Revolving Fund with relates to drinking water and WTP Project
-New ships coming into the area. Navy having issues with gear box so we are updating them. Its great to have such work being done in Escanaba.
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