Parking Fines In Houghton Questioned

There is no perfect solution for parking downtown in the city of Houghton.  That was the answer given by Police Chief John Donnelly when a local business owner raised the question of parking tickets at the regular meeting of the Houghton City Council.

Donnelly explained that visitors are given one hour’s free parking along Shelden Avenue and two hours on the side streets and the parking deck.  He said the department does try and work with businesses and their customers who are ticketed but the goal is to try and keep some parking spots open.

Parking for too long could result in a $10 ticket.

And speaking of parking, winter parking rules go into effect one week from today.  Starting November 1st, there is no overnight parking on city streets or on the right of ways.

Because of the early onset of snow this year, Donnelly said those who leave their vehicles parked there can expect a ticket in the morning.

In other business, the Houghton City Council authorized the addition of a left turn lane to College Avenue.  The Michigan Department of Transportation will be conducting a complete reconstruct of the road in 2021.  Safer crossings for pedestrians and bicycle travel will also be included in the project.

The City of Houghton is requesting to be designated as a Pure Michigan Trail Town by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.  The designation signifies the value the city puts on its trails and water trails.  As a requirement, the city established a Trail Advisory Committee.

At the request of the DNR, Houghton also established a new Houghton Recreation Committee.  This three-person committee is made up of members of the Planning Commission and is in addition to, not replacing, the current Parks and Recreation Committee.