Water Street property purchase tied to future redevelopment plans
The City of Montague City Council spent significant time discussing the city’s purchase of four vacant lots on Water Street from Barrett Holdings, LLC, a move city officials said is intended to prepare the area for future redevelopment and anticipated Michigan Department of Transportation projects.
City Manager Jeff Auch explained the parcels could eventually help improve traffic flow and access management near the former car wash property and surrounding businesses along the busy Water Street corridor.
Councilman Paul Schultz questioned the city’s long term intentions for the properties, asking whether the city planned to directly develop the lots.
Auch said the city’s primary goal is to prepare the parcels so they are more suitable for future private investment.
“We’re trying to get these all set up so for future development they’re all ready to go,” Auch said during the discussion.
Auch noted that one of the four lots likely cannot be developed because of a high water table and drainage concerns. He also said MDOT could eventually acquire part of the area as planning continues for future bridge and roadway improvements nearby.
Council ultimately approved the purchase, though Schultz voted no.
Gillen Street officially dedicated in industrial park
Council also approved Resolution 2026-04, officially naming and dedicating Gillen Street in the city’s industrial park. The street honors the Gillen family, including former Mayor Dr. B. Wayne Gillen, who served from 1975 to 1988 and helped support industrial development efforts in Montague.
Public comments highlight safety and infrastructure concerns
Several residents and local officials used public comment to raise concerns about infrastructure, public safety, and community development.
Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole introduced himself as a candidate for Michigan’s 32nd Senate District seat, which will become open because of term limits. Cole highlighted his decades of law enforcement experience and emphasized the importance of local government leadership.
Muskegon County Commissioner Kim Cyr updated council members on the ongoing road washout at Meinert Park. Cyr said emergency vehicle access remains a major concern after flooding damaged the roadway near Little Flower Creek.
“We’re trying to get it done by Memorial Day,” Cyr said regarding temporary repairs that would allow vehicles to cross again.
Residents also raised concerns about pedestrian safety at the crosswalk near Figgs and Lipkas by Ferry Street, saying drivers have ignored flashing pedestrian lights and even driven around stopped vehicles while pedestrians were crossing.
Another resident encouraged the city to continue maintaining older trees throughout Montague, especially near sidewalks and residential areas.
Comments were also made regarding the size of the new playground equipment at Maple Grove Park compared to previous installations.
Senior center repairs and weather alert discussions continue
Auch later updated the council on several ongoing city projects and discussions.
The city plans to conduct its annual social district review in June. According to Auch, police have not reported significant issues connected to the district over the past year.
The senior center repair project is expected to move into structural repair work during the first part of June following ongoing building concerns. City officials are also addressing drywall damage caused by recent flooding, but are waiting until the structural repairs are completed to avoid damaging newly repaired areas again.
Auch said the city has already spent approximately $25,000 to $30,000 on restoration work while waiting to learn whether insurance will help cover additional repairs.
The city is also continuing discussions about severe weather alert systems. Rather than investing hundreds of thousands of dollars into a large siren upgrade system, officials are exploring the possibility of providing NOAA weather radios to residents who may need them, particularly those without cell phones.
Budget work session scheduled for June 1
Auch also reminded residents that the city’s budget work session is scheduled for June 1, with budget adoption expected during the June 15 regular council meeting.
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