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Houghton City Manager Eric Waara began Tuesday evening’s Planning Commission meeting with a manager’s report, including an update on Michigan Tech’s Master Plan revisions. The school remains confident that it can substantially grow both the undergraduate and graduate student populations in the coming decades. The current goal is to expand enrollment to about 8,000 undergraduates and 2,000 graduate pupils by 2035.
If that vision is realized, it will mean Houghton’s efforts to try and densify housing around campus will need to accelerate. Landlord Jon Lehtinen asked the commission to expand the R3 multifamily district that exists near College Avenue to both sides of East Houghton Avenue. Robert Sundstrom and Duane Coponen provided letters in support of the proposal, saying that a vast majority of properties have already been grandfathered in as rental and multifamily structures. Rezoning would allow Lehtinen to make improvements to his properties and increase the number of residents allowable there. The body discussed the idea, but will revisit it next month after it has carefully reviewed which properties would be involved.
Waara also discussed the Fire Company sign on Sharon Avenue. Both sides have lawyers examining who possesses legal ownership of the parcel.
The Planning Commission also took a long time to complete a site plan review for the Keweenaw Waters Resort, a proposed boardwalk, campground and cabin lodging facility on the city’s west end. Most of the conversation surrounded the landscaping requirement. Derek Bradway asked for the ability to use potted plants around the parking lot servicing the cabins, which will be open year-round. He wanted the flexibility to move landscaping around to allow for easier snow removal.
Waara says the Commission will require an adjustment, asking that planting occur in a more permanent fashion on a different part of the parcel, near the canal.
Member Kristine Bradoff was the first to suggest the idea.
Tom Merz was reelected as Chairman, and Bill Leder will once again serve as Vice Chair beginning with the new term on February 1st. Michelle Jarvie-Eggart was selected as Secretary.
