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Houghton will start reevaluating areas for redevelopment. There are several properties that City Manager Eric Waara pointed out to council members during last week’s council meeting. One of which is the well discussed parking deck downtown. The parking deck currently rests on 1 point 7 total acres. And there would be a few things that the city would need to keep in mind with that particular future project. The least of which are two rights of way for Dodge Street and Pewabic Street, as there is just a few more pages of paperwork associated with turning those into lots.
There are several other properties identified by Houghton that would lend well to future developments. The City Center is one that Houghton has received several calls on over the years. And Waara has said the property would fit well as future downtown housing or mixed use.
Other city properties mentioned as potential redevelopment projects include more than 100 plus acres behind Wal-Mart. The biggest challenge to that property is its proximity to a very busy section of town, and it not necessarily being a desirable spot for development due to access. The possible site is the Houghton RV Park. Currently the park makes enough money to cover operation expenses. And with a new campground coming into town, it may be a good time for the city to move off of the RV Park’s location.
