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A proposed project to transform the waterfront in Downtown Houghton recently received an important “thumbs up” from the state. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation sent the city of Houghton a letter of interest concerning the transformative project to install a boardwalk-style pier between the Portage Lake District Library and the Lakeshore Center. The city is currently exploring grant opportunities through the MEDC for the project.
Addressing the city council via speaker phone at their regular meeting Wednesday, Houghton City Manager Eric Waara said the MEDC is inviting the application with an offer of providing 90 percent of the $3.77 million project.
When completed, the pier would serve as a gathering place, much like a town square, and would be the new home of the Downtown Houghton Farmers Market. The location could also serve multiple users for other events along the waterfront and provide mooring for large vessels. A split-level parking deck would be constructed with the lower level below street grade at Lakeshore Drive, adding over 40 parking spaces to the waterfront without blocking the view.
If the funding is approved, construction could begin late this year or early 2020.
In other business, following a public hearing on the matter, the city council approved a pair of ordinances related to taking part in the National Flood Insurance Program through FEMA. The ordinances state the city will comply with the regulatory requirements of the program and designates the Houghton County Building Inspector as the enforcing agency.
The city council set a public hearing on the recreational marijuana business opt-out ordinance for February 13th at 5:30pm in the City Council Chambers. In addition to prohibiting recreational marijuana businesses within city limits, a second ordinance will be amended to include fines for violations. The city council has stressed that the opt-out is intended to give the state time to issue regulations and to sort out issues regarding the new law.
And the city of Houghton is getting a head start on ordering new amenities for the pubic to enjoy this summer. City Manager Eric Waara supplied the city council a list of items he’d like to order, including adding some shade elements to Ray Kestner Waterfront Park. The city will install additional shaded picnic tables as well as shade sails on the beach. A shade element will also be added to East Houghton Waterfront Park. A volleyball court will be constructed at Kester Park as well.
On the parking deck on the corner of Shelden Avenue and Isle Royale Street, a seating area will be installed along with a set of stairs going down to the street level.
And finally, the city of Houghton will partner with the Houghton Rotary to put in a music park down by the Portage Lake District Library.
The city council approved up to $34,900 for the various projects.
