MONTAGUE, Mich. — Development and long term planning took center stage Monday as the Montague City Council approved a real estate purchase agreement tied to future industrial growth and continued moving the Bowen Woods housing development toward construction.
The July 20 meeting also highlighted several operational changes that residents will notice in the coming months, including temporary relocation of city meetings during police department renovations and the discontinuation of two food assistance programs at the Montague Farmers Market.
Together, the actions reflected a council balancing future investment with the day to day responsibilities of city operations.
Industrial Park Land Sale Moves Forward
Council unanimously approved a purchase agreement for property on Gillan Street with DEH Holding Company, contingent upon attorneys finalizing the remaining legal language. Council also authorized City Manager Jeff Auch to complete the closing once the agreement is finalized.
During the discussion, Auch explained that negotiations have been underway for nearly a year and that most of the remaining work involves attorney revisions rather than unresolved business terms.
The approximately two acre parcel is part of the city’s industrial park and is intended for future commercial development. Council members expressed interest in keeping the process moving so construction can begin as soon as possible.
Bowen Woods Development Receives Approval
The council also approved a revised site plan for the proposed Bowen Woods residential development and later approved amendments to the planned unit development agreement contingent upon final attorney review.
Much of the discussion focused not on the appearance of the development, but on how to protect the city’s financial interests as infrastructure is built.
Council members spent considerable time questioning the revised development agreement, particularly how the city would recover its investment if the project were not completed as planned.
City staff explained that revised legal language replaces an earlier surety bond approach with a lien on the property, which they said provides stronger protection if obligations are not met.
The updated site plan also includes several changes since the project was first approved, including:
- Removal of the planned swimming pool.
- Preservation of more existing trees along portions of the property.
- Additional off street parking.
- A shift from modular style construction to more traditional stick built duplexes.
- Updated stormwater management features.
Council members also discussed future homeowners association enforcement, parking, infrastructure responsibilities, and whether city officials should have a greater role in monitoring association compliance.
Although the approvals move the project forward, several technical items remain subject to attorney review before the development process is finalized.
Retirement Contribution Changes Approved
Council unanimously approved a MERS 457 Employer Contribution Addendum for city employees.
The item was approved without discussion.
City Meetings Moving During Police Renovation
City Manager Jeff Auch reported that renovations at the Montague Police Department are scheduled to begin August 24.
During construction, police staff will temporarily operate from the council chambers, requiring all city meetings to be relocated to the White Lake Senior Center until the project is complete.
Farmers Market Food Assistance Programs End
Auch also announced that the city will not offer SNAP or Double Up Food Bucks benefits at the Montague Farmers Market during the 2026 season.
He said the programs were discontinued because of the cost required to administer them.
The update means shoppers who previously used those benefits at the market will need to seek participating locations elsewhere.
Other Updates
Council also received several additional updates, including:
- The Senior Center drywall project has been delayed again.
- The city is seeking one or two alternate members for the Board of Review.
- The pilot subsidy plan associated with Channel View Apartments has expired.
During council member comments, Lisa Kiel said she has noticed increased police patrols along Old Channel Trail and thanked officers for their presence. Susan Newhof thanked city staff for their work on the Bowen Woods project, while Paul Schultz announced that the new Montague Fire District fire chief will be sworn in August 27 and encouraged residents to attend.
Work Session Focuses on ORVs and Golf Carts
Following the regular meeting, council held a work session to consider a resident request to allow unlicensed ORVs and golf carts to operate within the Ravenswood, Columbia, and Lakeview neighborhood.
Resident Mark Trombley submitted maps, petitions from neighbors, and examples of ordinances adopted by nearby communities.
Rather than taking immediate action, council agreed to create an ORV and Golf Cart subcommittee to study the issue further. Council members Lisa Kiel, Bob Hires, and Susan Newhof volunteered to serve on the committee.
Because the regular meeting ran longer than expected, council postponed its planned discussion on council rules of procedure until a future work session. The meeting agenda included both work session topics.
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