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Houghton Notes Summer Successes, Revises Downtown Zoning

Houghton has updated its downtown zoning, although actual changes are minimal.

A new downtown zoning overlay ordinance passed by the city council last night brings the city into compliance with Michigan Economic Development Corporation requirements, to facilitate future applications for grant money.

City Manager Eric Waara reported that the Downtown Houghton Farmers Market was a success this year. Business at the RV Park also boomed, as vacationers looking to minimize COVID-19 risk flooded into the Copper Country…

“Lots of positive feedback on the RV Park, and looking forward to next year.”

The increase in ATV ridership has renewed the focus on the trail bottleneck at the Houghton-Hancock Bridge.

ATVs must be escorted across by police. Houghton has made officers available at designated times throughout the day, when riders ask.

Councilor Buck Foltz suggested that an official waiting area be established near downtown, with information about what riders could do if they’re faced with a long wait…

“If they have to wait two hours, well maybe they’ll have lunch or go shopping.”

Police Chief John Donnelly plans to reach out this winter to officials in Hancock, and to local ATV clubs, to see if there’s a more efficient way to handle the increased traffic.

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