City of Montague Council Meeting Recap – May 19, 2025

The Montague City Council met on May 19, 2025, for its regular monthly meeting followed by an in-depth work session. Two major development discussions took center stage: the proposed redevelopment of Ferry Street lots and a 58-unit Planned Unit Development (PUD) on Bowen Street. Both issues drew significant community interest and feedback, helping shape next steps for city planning.

Council Meeting Highlights

Consent Agenda Approved
The Council approved the consent agenda, which included:

• April 21 meeting minutes
• Reports from the White Lake Ambulance Authority, Montague Planning Commission, Central Dispatch 911, and White Lake Solid Waste Authority
• Payment of regular bills totaling $180,994.03

General Business Actions
The Council addressed and advanced the following items:

• Sports n’ Shorts Voucher Participation: Council moved forward with supporting youth participation in the summer recreation program through a voucher system limited to City of Montague 5 residents.
• Montague Social District: Operations of the downtown Social District were extended. Council discussed cup charges from $1 to $.50 and future management, with final decisions tabled for a full council review
• Resolution #2025-06: Council adopted a tiered exemption structure (100%, 75%, 50%, 25%) to better serve residents with varying income levels.
• Guidance Documents Approved: New documents were approved to improve structure and reporting for the Facilities and Senior Millage subcommittees.
• Resolution #2025-07: Council moved to not move forward with this in its current state. They need to take time to make some addendums that are more applicable to Montague.
• Zoning Amendment: Opened discussion on allowing tattoo parlors and body piercing studios as special use in C-1 zoning.

Closed Session & Property Purchase:
Council went into closed session to consider a real estate purchase. Upon returning, they approved the purchase of 25.97 acres for $330,000, with a closing deadline of June 30, 2025. The city manager was authorized to finalize all related documentation. Location of this property is around Whitbeck and Old Channel.

Work Session Highlights

Ferry Street Lots – Redevelopment Application

Council reviewed and refined an application of inquiry for five Ferry Street parcels intended for mixed-use development. Discussion emphasized:

• First-floor commercial, upper-story residential (with limits on ground-floor residential).
• Maintaining zero-lot line setbacks with space in back for on-site parking.
• Applying architectural design standards to preserve downtown’s historic character.
• A reversion clause requiring development to begin within 12 months.

There was debate on whether to preserve corner lots as green space or allow full redevelopment. Council will move the proposal forward for a vote at a future meeting.

Bowen Street Planned Unit Development (PUD)

The most intense discussion of the night focused on the proposed 58-unit duplex development on Bowen Street by Equity Harbour.

Planning Commission Recommendations Included:

1. On-street parking restrictions.
2. Tree planting as per Section 86-9 of city code.
3. A traffic study for future development phases.

Key Concerns from Residents:

• Overcrowding and density incompatible with Montague’s village-like identity.
• Complete clear-cutting of the 12-acre site and ecological disruption.
• Inadequate parking and single access road.
• Design that does not reflect the character of surrounding homes.

Developer Response:
John Cross expressed willingness to adjust the project by:

• Offering more varied front elevations and façade treatments.
• Exploring density reduction if infrastructure costs can be shared or offset.
• Phasing the development, starting with a smaller portion of the property.

Council Reaction:
Several council members cited misalignment with the master plan and public sentiment. While they acknowledged the need for housing, many emphasized protecting Montague’s small-town identity and preserving natural features.

Next Steps:
Council requested additional work be done, including consideration of public-private infrastructure collaboration, more detailed density calculations, and buffer and tree retention planning.

Next Meetings:

• June 2, 2025 – City Budget Work Session
• June 16, 2025 – Regular Council Meeting

Montague City Council Meeting Recap: April 21, 2025