Sleepy Dog Books – Make It Mt. Pleasant Rental Subsidy Recipient

Sleepy Dog Books, a boutique bookstore, is scheduled to open on May 6^th at its 120 E. Broadway Street location. Sleepy Dog Books is the third recipient of the Make It Mt. Pleasant rental subsidy program. Launched in 2020, this grant program is offered to new or expanding downtown Mt. Pleasant businesses.

Fully funded by Lake Trust Credit Union, and administered by the City’s Downtown Development Office, the Make It Mt. Pleasant Program is designed to support new retail, dining, arts and entertainment businesses. The program focuses on first floor commercial spaces within the downtown TIFA district.

Up to two businesses per year are accepted for funding. Selected applicants receive 12 months of rental assistance, not to exceed $4,200, as well as a waiver of City fees and charges not to exceed $2,500. This waiver includes costs associated with building, sign, outdoor merchandising and outdoor dining permits.

Michelle Sponseller, Downtown Development Director shared, “Mt. Pleasant is fortunate Lake Trust Credit Union offers the Make it Mt. Pleasant rent subsidy program and continues to lead by example in assisting new and expanding small businesses.” She added, “Sleepy Dog Books is a model for creating a retail experience while enabling community engagement. It is very exciting they chose downtown for their store location.”

Riley and Jenifer Justis, owners of Sleepy Dog Books said, “Our May 6^th grand opening is planned as a Community Block Party, complete with live music, activities and much more.” They continued, “Through this amazing grant program we were able to take the time and build a bookstore following and community even before the physical opening of our storefront.”

Businesses interested in the rental subsidy program should schedule a pre-application meeting with City staff prior to applying. Contact Michelle Sponseller at (989) 779-5348 or msponseller@mt-pleasant.org to schedule an appointment.

To download a copy of the Make It Mt. Pleasant guidelines and application please visit:
http://www.mt-pleasant.org/departments/division_of_community_services/downtown_development/

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – February 28, 2022

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, February 28, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual attendance options.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

3) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held February 14, 2022.

4) Reappointment of Rachel Blizzard to the TIFA Board.

5) Authorized contract for 2022 Pavement Marking Project to M&M Pavement Marking of Grand Blanc, MI and approved budget amendment.

6) Set a public hearing for Monday, March 14, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of receiving public comments related to Green Tree Cooperative Grocery, Inc.’s performance as required under the CDBG-RLF program.

7) Amendment to the 2022 budget for engineering services for the WRRF rehabilitation project.

8) Warrants and Payrolls.

Approved the spending plan for PEAK Childcare Stabilization Grant funds as presented.

Awarded contract to The Isabella Corporation of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the 2022 Sidewalk Project and approved budget amendment.

City Engineer Stacie Tewari reviewed Downtown Alley Reconstruction Fire Suppression Evaluation.

Conducted a Work Session Discussion on development philosophy.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:16 p.m.

City Receives Grant and High Achiever Bonus Funds for Home Exterior Improvements

In 2021, the city had $100,000 available for home exterior improvement projects. Of this sum, $60,000 was provided by the city and $30,000 was funded by a Michigan State Housing Development (MSHDA) grant. Due to the city’s previous success with this program, a ‘high achiever’ bonus of $10,000 was also awarded by MSHDA so additional projects could be completed.

Since the program’s inception in 2020, ten household improvement projects have been completed. Six in the city’s west side neighborhood bordered by the Chippewa River, Pickard Street, High Street/M-20 and the western city limits, and four in other areas of the city. An additional 2-3 projects are expected to be added due to the high-achiever bonus. Finished projects include roof repairs, porch and deck replacements, as well as window and door installations.