City of Mt. Pleasant Receives $1 Million MEDC Grant for Town Center Civic Space Project

The City of Mt. Pleasant has recently been awarded a $1 million grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Revitalization and Placemaking Grant (RAP) program.

This funding will support the Town Center Civic Space Project, a $2,278,462 initiative aimed at revitalizing Town Center located at Broadway and Main Street. Additional funding is provided by the City’s General Fund.

The Town Center Civic Space Project will create a versatile space for public gatherings, events and recreational activities and include the following amenities:

  • Expansive Green Space: A significant increase in green space contributing to improved air quality and biodiversity.
  • Universal Accessibility Design: Ensures easy navigation for all community members.
  • Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
  • Upgraded Electrical Infrastructure: A modernized power system to better support a range of events and activities.
  • Additional Parking Spaces: Gain of (18) total parking lot and on-street parking spaces.
  • Traffic Calming: Removal of the portion of Mosher Street between Main and Broadway Street to increase pedestrian safety.
  • New Accessible Public Restrooms
  • Increased Pedestrian Lighting
  • Site Added Features: Benches, trash cans, bike racks, universally accessible pathways.

“We are thankful for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s support of our Town Center Civic Space Project,” said Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller. “This grant will enable us to create a dynamic, accessible, and sustainable public space which fosters both social interaction and economic development.”

Engineering plans for this project will be completed in the near future, followed by a formal bid process. Construction is slated to begin in Spring 2024, with an anticipated December 2024 completion date.

The State of Michigan’s Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program provides access to gap financing for real estate rehabilitation and development, as well as public space improvements associated with traditional downtowns, social-zones, and outdoor dining initiatives. The state received $500 million in applications for the $100 million available.

Topics to Watch at the VIRTUAL Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – October 25, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, October 25, 2021 at 7 p.m.

-Public hearing on the amended MAC LTT Industrial Facilities Tax (IFT) abatement application and consider resolution recommending the transfer of Dayco’s remaining (IFT)

  • Consider agreement with MAC LTT related to Industrial Facilities Tax (IFT) abatement approval.

-Consider resolution #4 to accept the special assessment roll and set a public hearing for November 8, 2021 regarding said roll for Special Assessment District #2-21 regarding Principal Shopping District special assessment.

-Consider budget amendment for ice rink.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/10.25.21.pdf

How to follow public meetings during social distancing:

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, as allowed under the Open Meetings Act and consistent with the Isabella County Declaration of a State of Emergency (Resolution No. 20-12-03 effective 12-15-20), the City Commission Meeting will be held virtually. The public 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.

Zoom Meeting instructions via computer, phone, or dial-in number are as follows:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81888462535?pwd=UWJzZVBtUVhUY2I3c3Z0QzgzSGhFdz09

Meeting ID: 818 8846 2535

Passcode: 729008

Phone dial-in: (929) 205-6099

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. Any citizen desiring to make a public comment on an agenda item may email their comments.

• Attendance to the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

• Members of the public must provide their name and address with their comments.

• Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting in writing or emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

• Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager               malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Olivia Cyman              ocyman@mt-pleasant.org

Lori Gillis                     lgillis@mt-pleasant.org

William Joseph           wjoseph@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher      aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

George Ronan            gronan@mt-pleasant.org

Pete Tolas                   ptolas@mt-pleasant.org

• Comments/Questions can be emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org during the meeting and during normal public comment sections of the agenda.

• Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment periods.

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.