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A roadblock to Meijer coming to Houghton was thrown up by Portage Township Thursday as the board voted against a land use agreement with the city.
By a split vote, the board rejected a PA425 Agreement which would allow the city to collect the taxes on the portion of the store that fell on Portage Township land. The city of Houghton would then pass along the portion owed to Portage Township as well as provide certain city services to the entire location. The Houghton City Council approved the agreement on October 24th.
The announcement that a Meijer, Inc. was looking to build a store in Houghton was met with mixed reaction, with those opposing it concerned about the effect on local small businesses. Supporters say the new store would provide more jobs, shopping choices, and could attract other business to the area.
A public hearing Thursday in Portage Township was attended by 25-30 people, who voiced their opinions on the issue.
Portage Township Supervisor Bruce Petersen voted in favor of the agreement but said the overall vote became a referendum on whether a Meijer store was wanted in the township.
Meijer could still move forward with putting the store in the selected location but the border between the city and the township will cut through somewhere within the store, meaning they will have to pay Portage Township the taxes due for the property on their side and likewise for the city.
Meijer could also select another location or decide not to build in Houghton.
