Planning Commission creates two citizens’ committees

At Tuesday night’s meeting of the Houghton Planning Commission, the body created two subcommittees to address the issues before it. Each committee will have four commissioners in addition to an undetermined amount of regular folks. One committee will focus on the parking deck and the other on the downtown development and zoning chapters of the Master Plan.

There is also an already existing zoning subcommittee, although much of its work will be better suited for completion after the downtown Master Plan revisions become clearer. Chairman Tom Merz said that making this a comprehensive process, including issuing surveys for public opinion and working with the National Charrette Institute at Michigan State University could unlock funding and other assistance for future development from state sources.

The parking deck subcommittee will consist of Tom Merz, Eric Waara, Dan Liebau, and Mike Needham. The master plan is to be worked on by Jennifer Julien, Bill Leder, Michelle Jarvie-Eggart, and Kristine Bradoff. Each body will consist of only four members to avoid a quorum. Their meetings are open to the public and notice is required at least 18 hours beforehand. Mayor Bob Backon will serve as an alternate for either subcommittee if a member is unable to make a work session.