Road Closures for Christmas Celebration and Parade

The City of Mt. Pleasant is preparing for a weekend of Christmas festivities. To help residents and visitors plan ahead, the following outlines road closures and the route for the Lighted Christmas Parade.

For the full event schedule and additional details, visit www.mt-pleasant.org/christmas.

Beginning Friday, December 5 at 5 p.m., vehicles parked on the streets listed below will be subject to towing. Towed vehicles will be relocated to City Hall (320 W. Broadway St.).

Road Closures

Friday, December 5 at 5 p.m. – Saturday, December 6 at 8 p.m.

  • Broadway St. from Washington St. to Lansing St.
  • Main St. from Michigan St. to Jockey Alley
  • University St. from Broadway St. to Cat’s Meow Alley.
  • Franklin St. from Broadway St. to Cat’s Meow Alley.
  • Court St. from Broadway St. to Jockey Alley.

Saturday, December 6 from 2 p.m. 8 p.m.

  • Main St. from Broadway St. to High St.,
  • Broadway St. from Main St. to Lansing St.
  • Lansing St. from Broadway St. to Illinois St.

Parade Route

The lighted parade, which begins at 6 p.m. on December 6, starts at the First United Methodist Church, travels north on Main Street, east on Broadway Street, south on Lansing Street to Illinois Street. CMU President, Neil MacKinnon, will serve as the Parade Grand Marshal.

PARADE SAFETY NOTE:  For the safety of parade-goers and parade participants; please do not venture out into the street during the parade. Stay on the sidewalk during the entire duration of the parade.

Fire Damages at 209 W. Broadway St. – No Injuries

On September 15, 2025 at 9:52 p.m., the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responded to a structure fire located at 209 W. Broadway St.

Upon arrival, heavy black smoke was visible from the rear and front of the structure. The fire was located on the first floor and was brought under control by 10:26 p.m. Significant smoke and fire damage occurred at 209 W. Broadway St., and buildings on either side sustained smoke damage and minor fire damage.

No occupants, pets, or firefighters report any injuries.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Deerfield Fire Department, Shepherd Tri-Township Fire Department, Isabella Northeast Fire Department, Mobile Medical Response, Consumers Energy, DTE, Mt. Pleasant Police Department and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

Downtown Parking Lot Construction Projects – Summer 2025

Each year a variety of construction projects are completed throughout the City of Mt. Pleasant to improve our community’s infrastructure. Below are the Downtown parking lot projects slated for this summer. Detailed information will be shared as construction dates draw closer.

Parking Lot Reconstruction

The following parking lots will be closed from July 21 – September 12, 2025.

  • Parking Lot 4: Located on Washington between Michigan and Broadway.
  • Parking Lot 5: Located on Washington between Illinois and Michigan.

Mill and Overlay

The following parking lot will be closed for 2-3 days in June/early July for milling, paving, and striping. Exact closure dates TBD.

  • Parking Lot 9: Located on Mosher, between Court and Franklin.

Overlay

The following parking lots will be closed for 2-3 days in June/early July for paving and striping. Exact closure dates TBD.

  • City Hall parking lots and driveways.
  • Riverview Apartments, rear parking lot.
  • Parking Lot 11: Located on Franklin between Broadway and Mosher.

Masonry Wall and Wall Cap Replacements

Cleaning and repairing of masonry walls and wall caps will take place during the month of June. Periodically, a few parking lot spaces and on street parking spaces will not be available during construction.

  • Town Center: Located at Broadway and Main.
  • Parking Lot 1: Located at Michigan and Franklin.
  • Parking Lot 4: Located on Washington between Michigan and Broadway.
  • Parking Lot 5: Located on Washington between Illinois and Michigan.
  • Parking Lot 6: Located on University between Illinois and Michigan.
  • Parking Lot 11: Located on Franklin between Broadway and Mosher.

Construction Questions?

Stacie Tewari, city engineer at (989) 779-5404 or stewari@mt-pleasant.org

Christmas Celebration Parade Route and Road Closure Information

It is time to visit Downtown Mt. Pleasant and enjoy the Christmas Celebration slated for December 6-7, 2024. Please note the following street and parking lot closures. For detailed event information visit: www.mt-pleasant.org/christmas.

Beginning December 6 at 8 a.m., cars left on the streets and parking lots noted below will be subject to towing. Towed vehicles will be moved to City Hall (320 W. Broadway St.)

Friday, December 6

8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Town Center Parking Lot Closed

Friday, December 6 from 8 a.m. – Saturday, December 7 at 10 p.m.

  • Main St. closed from Jockey Alley to Broadway St.
  • Broadway St. closed from Washington St. to Main St.

Saturday, December 7

6 a.m. – 10 p.m. No on street parking on Main St. from Town Center to High St.

6 a.m.- 10 p.m. Broadway St. closed from Main St. to Franklin St.

2 p.m. – 10 p.m.

  • Main St. closed to through traffic from Town Center to High St.,
  • Broadway St. closed to through traffic from Washington St. to Lansing St.

The lighted parade which begins at 6 p.m. on December 7, starts at the First United Methodist Church, travels north on Main Street, east on Broadway Street, south on Lansing Street to Michigan Street. The Mt. Pleasant Rotary Club will serve as parade Grand Marshal.

PARADE SAFETY NOTE:  For the safety of parade-goers and parade participants; please do not venture out into the street during the parade. Stay on the sidewalk during the entire duration of the parade.

Christmas Celebration Survey

It is never too early to talk about the holidays. The Recreation Department would like to get your input on the annual Christmas Celebration held downtown, during the first week in December. What do you enjoy about the event? What would you like to see or do at the event?

Please complete the brief survey by May 3, 2024.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HJ238NQ

Thank you in advance.

Town Center Project and Parking Lot 3 Reconstruction

PROJECT OVERVIEW

This downtown project will transform an underutilized space into a vibrant, multi-functional, and universally accessible area, encouraging year-round events, activities, and social interaction. See project rendering below.

Key elements of the project include:

  • parking lot reconstruction with 18 additional spaces and EV charging stations,
  • a multi-purpose community hub for gatherings and events, expansive green space with enhanced urban greenery, universal accessibility design, green infrastructure, and sustainability measures,
  • addition of on-street parking spaces,
  • upgraded electrical infrastructure,
  • accessible public restrooms,
  • enhanced pedestrian lighting, and comprehensive site amenities.

When will construction related to the town center project begin, and how long is it expected to last?

Construction is set to begin by April 22, 2024, with an anticipated completion date of August 29, 2024. Parking lot 3 and 10 will be closed until August 29, 2024.

Where can we park during construction?

There are 11 City parking lots for staff, customers, and renters to utilize during the construction. See the map below.

Is there a plan for accommodating ADA parking during the construction period?

Yes. All 11 City parking lots, have ADA parking spaces available as well as an on-street ADA parking space on both East Broadway and East Illinois street. Additionally, the sidewalks on the south side of Broadway and east side of Main Street will remain ADA accessible.

Are measures being taken to ensure the safety of pedestrians, drivers, and the construction team?

Yes. Access to the site will be limited during the project. The public will be able to observe the project’s progress from a safe distance.

Will there be any temporary closures or detours planned during the construction, and if so, where can we find information about them?

Construction will be contained to the site, and additional street closures will be limited, except for periodic equipment staging. Traffic from the Mosher Street “curve” or “connector” will be rerouted onto Main and Washington.

Information about the project, including temporary street closures or detours, will be provided on the City’s website, blog, and social media channels, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Are there any noise restrictions or construction hour limitations in place to minimize disturbance to residents and businesses?

Yes. Construction will be limited to Monday through Saturday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AND DELIVERIES

Will construction impact public transportation routes and stops in the downtown area?

No. Door-to-door service from I-RIDE will remain intact, with the only exception being temporary road closures during equipment staging.

Will construction impact delivery routes and stops in the downtown area?

No. Deliveries will not be impacted, except for temporary road closures during equipment staging.

Who should we contact if we have further questions or concerns about the construction project?

Stacie Tewari, City Engineer: stewari@mt-pleasant.org or 989-779-5404

Michelle Sponseller, Downtown Development Director: msponseller@mt-pleasant.org or 989-779-5348

Aaron Desentz, City Manager: manager@mt-pleasant.org or 989-779-5321

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 2/26/2024

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, February 26, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Approved the Agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

6) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held February 12, 2024.

7) Authorized the Mayor to sign an acceptance contract for the grant from MSHDA, approved allocation of $50,000 HODAG funds, and confirmed the program parameters as presented.

8) Bid of Monchilov Sewer Service, LLC of Fairgrove, MI for 2024 Sewer Relining and a portion of the alternate bid work.

9) Bid of M&M Pavement Marking of Grand Blanc, MI for 2024 Pavement Marking Project.

10) Bid of Hutch Paving, Inc. of Warren, MI for 2024 Milling & Resurfacing Project and budget amendment.

11) Bid of Lakeshore Construction of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the 2024 Sidewalk Replacement Project, and budget amendment.

12) Bid of Block Farm Operations, LLC of Weidman, MI for 2024 Lime Residuals Removal Project.

13) Contract with Metron Farnier of Boulder, CO for authorization to purchase AMI-equipped residential water meters.

14) Contract with Mead and Hunt for the Airport Feasibility Study and budget amendment.

15) Warrants and payrolls.

16) Contract with Lakeshore Construction of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the 2024 Chipp-A-Waters Sidewalk Project.

17) Correspondence to CMU Board of Trustees regarding the upcoming CMU President search.

Held a public hearing and approved resolution #5 to accept the special assessment roll and set payment terms for Special Assessment District #1-2024.

Approved a contract with Malley Construction Inc. of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the 2024 Parking Lot #3, Town Center Reconstruction Project; and a contract with Three Rivers Corporation of Midland, MI for the Town Center Restroom Building Construction Project.

Approved contract with Progressive AE of Grand Rapids, MI for Mission Street Corridor Plan, and budget amendment.

Approved Resolution in Support of Ceasefire in Gaza and Israel.

Held a Work Session Discussion on Climate Change Action Plan.

Adjourned the meeting at 9 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – November 13, 2023

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, November 13, 2023 at 7 p.m.

  • Presentation on Town Center by Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller.
  • Public hearing on the proposed 2024 Annual Operating Budget.
  • Receive and consider recommendation from Local Officers Compensation Commission regarding compensation for elected city officials.
  • Consider resolution approving the final 2024 Operating Budget and set the millage rate for 2024.
  • Consider resolution supporting amended rates, fees, and charges.
  • Review 2023 Broadway Central and consider recommendation for 2024 and beyond.
  • Discussion on TNR Program.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

How to follow public meetings:

The City Commission Meeting will be held in person in the City Chambers/City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street) with virtual attendance options as well. Non-voting participants may view the meeting live on the City’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/, on Spectrum Charter channel 188 or via Zoom.

If a virtual option becomes unavailable due to technical difficulties, the meeting will continue as scheduled. Residents who would like to provide a comment during the appropriate time are welcome to come to the meeting at City Hall, or email their statement to comments@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85384088427?pwd=bnZnaHZ2bmZmZTdpQWZUUlEva0F4Zz09

Meeting ID: 853 8408 8427

Passcode: 855156

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

Audio and video will be muted for members of the public and then unmuted by the host during public comment periods.

For participants accessing via computer or smartphone please use the “Raise Your Hand” icon to indicate you would like to speak. First, click on the “Participants” icon at the bottom of your screen. Next, click on the “Raise Your Hand” icon near the bottom right corner of the screen.

To raise your hand for telephone dial-in participants, press *9.

Members of the public may be muted or removed if using abusive language or if they become disruptive to the meeting.

Virtual attendance to the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

  • Members of the public are asked to provide their name and address with any comments.
  • Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting, or during the meeting via email to comment@mt-pleasant.org. Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment period.

Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager               malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Brian Assmann            bassmann@mt-pleasant.org

Elizabeth Busch          ebusch@mt-pleasant.org

Bryan Chapman          bchapman@mt-pleasant.org

Maureen Eke              meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher      aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

Boomer Wingard        bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources office at (989) 779-5314. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the City through the Michigan Relay Center at 711. A 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.

Downtown Mt. Pleasant Christmas Celebration Scheduled for December 1 and 2

Downtown Mt. Pleasant will be filled with holiday spirit at the December 1-2 Christmas Celebration. 

The celebration kicks off Friday, December 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Winter Market will once again feature specialty crafts and food vendors and Candy Cane Lane will host a variety of children’s games, activities, and live performances. Visits with Santa and his reindeer round out the night’s festivities.

Saturday, December 2 highlights include the Jingle All-The-Way Kids Fun Run, and the adult 5K and 5 Mile Run, all starting at Max & Emily’s. Registration must be completed online. Races begin at 7:50, 8:25 and 8:30 a.m., with proceeds benefitting Toys for Tots.

A pancake breakfast with Santa is scheduled from 9 a.m. – noon at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall. Admission is $10 adults, children 10 and under $5. Children under four are free. Proceeds benefit the Sacred Heart Academy Athletic Association. Tickets can be purchased at the Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation office located inside City Hall at 320 West Broadway.

The celebration continues at 6 p.m. on Saturday with the lighted parade traveling down Main and Broadway Street. The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation’s Women’s Initiative will serve as Parade Grand Marshal, in honor of their 20-year anniversary supporting women and girls in Isabella County.

Registration forms for the Jingle All-The-Way Kids Fun Run, 5 Mile Run and 5K Walk/Run, volunteer opportunities, Winter Market Vendor Application, parade entry applications and an up-to-date event schedule can be found at: www.mt-pleasant.org/christmas. November 10 is the deadline for market vendors and parade entry applications are due on November 15.

Pre-Celebration Events:

  • Jan Brett’s Winter Wonderland Tour – Chippewa River District Library, www.crdl.org November 30, 5-7 p.m., Sacred Heart Parish Hall
  • Winter Wonderland Family Photos – Chippewa River District Library, www.crdl.org November 30 – December 3