Hancock to Address Erosion; Decorating Contest Winners Named

The City of Hancock will apply for a grant to help deal with a growing erosion problem along the Portage waterfront.

High water levels are washing away the shoreline between the Houghton-Hancock Bridge and the Ramada Inn. The city owns the strip of land between the hotel property and the waterfront. 

At last night’s council meeting, representatives from OHM Engineering presented a plan that would line the shore with rocks, plant vegetation behind them, and build a sidewalk with a deep front edge to stabilize the area.

Council member John Haeussler said a solution is overdue…

The grant application will be submitted to the Michigan Coastal management Program.

The Hancock council also adopted the city’s new Five-Year Recreation Plan. Steve Walton was appointed to the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. Council members said they were pleased that four good candidates had applied for the Planning Commission, and noted that another vacancy is expected to open up next month. Former council member John Slivon was appointed to the Transit Advisory Board. Ruth Ann Smith was named to the Housing Commission, and Jerry Wuorenma to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

City Manager Mary Babcock told the council that Santa’s recent visit to Hancock neighborhoods was a big success…

Babcock also saluted the winners of the Christmas Decorating Contest…

She encouraged residents to drive through the city, and enjoy the decorations.