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The City of Houghton is one step closer to getting a new hotel. UP Architects and Engineers presented on a proposal for an extended stay lodging on Razorback Drive between the Goodwill store and The Rock House/Mine Shaft. The design fulfilled all requirements of the site plan review checklist and was approved unanimously by the Planning Commission Tuesday night.
Manager Eric Waara says the county has to give its blessing before construction can begin.
The hotel could prove to be a valuable facility until the local apartment and housing shortage alleviates itself. It would give new residents an option until they can find more permanent accommodations in addition to serving area visitors.
A public hearing was held on rezoning two parcels of land near Coles Creek to allow for a campground and vacation homes to be built on the city’s far west side. Councilor Jan Suits asked whether city water and sewer hookups were adequate for the proposal. Previously, the land had been slated for single-family development. Waara said infrastructure in place is sufficient to support 22 permanent homes, and that capacity should surpass the intermittent needs of the new plans. The vote was 6-0. One member was absent and Mayor Bob Backon and Councilor Mike Needham chose to vote on the issue when it comes up at a future City Council session.
Two items were set for a public hearing on July 27th, the group’s next meeting. The Zoning Ordinance Committee is ready to present its changes to bring the document in line with the latest update to the Houghton Master Plan. Additionally, a developer would like to rezone property on College Avenue near the Pearl Street Mall from R3 to R4. That would allow for four structures to be demolished and replaced by higher density student housing.
R4 has been available near Michigan Tech’s campus for a couple years in a narrow district between East Houghton Avenue and Ruby Avenue, only utilized once so far. Waara says enlarging the zone has been looked at to help encourage rental property owners to take advantage.
The thought is that improvements will help bring students closer to campus, and that frees up neighborhoods to serve as permanent homes for city residents.
The Pre-Charrette Workshop is scheduled for next week to look at long-term issues facing the city’s downtown. A planning meeting for the two sessions was held recently to ensure that participants can efficiently address the issues before them.
