Tag: planning

Topics to Watch at the 12/04/25 Mt. Pleasant Planning Commission Meeting

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 7 p.m.

  • The Planning Commission will review an amendment request for a previously approved site plan at 1219 N. Mission Street.
  • Commissioners will discuss potential properties to list as priority redevelopment sites for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
  • The Commission will establish next year’s meeting dates.
  • After adjournment, commissioners will move into a work session.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

E-Packet Link

How to follow public meetings:

The Planning 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 comment@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82442572171?pwd=yW9deD7a1sWyYICkrbZINUa8SdkJvl.1

Meeting ID: 893 0229 8475
Passcode: 094130
Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

The 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 at 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.

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

Topics to Watch at the 11/06/25 Mt. Pleasant Planning Commission Meeting

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 7 p.m.

  • Public Hearing: The Planning Commission will consider a request for a special use permit to allow a Registered Student Organization (RSO) to operate at 915 S. Main Street. (SUP-25-12)

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

E-Packet Link

How to follow public meetings:

The Planning 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 comment@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82556681289?pwd=HXKR15ovr7KESG38XEEJlKxjxlM0R0.1

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

Meeting ID: 893 0229 8475

Passcode: 423264

The 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 at 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.

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

City of Mt. Pleasant 2050 Master Plan Update

The City of Mt. Pleasant is preparing to update its 2050 Master Plan. Every five years (per Public Act 33 of 2008), all Michigan cities are required to have their Planning Commissions review their Master Plans and determine if amendments are necessary, or if the city should adopt a new document.

Master Plans

Master Plans chart the direction of the City’s development for the next 30 years.

Master plans are critical policy documents. They are the primary way for the community to answer the following questions:

  • What do we want our community to look like in 2050?
  • How do we get there?
  • How can we ensure our community is resilient by avoiding or mitigating risks or threats that we may face?

The plan will continue to address land use, transportation, housing, downtown, economic development, and public safety.

Suggested Updates

The city’s current 2050 Master Plan reflects the need for more housing options in the community. Proposed updates are as follows:

  • Add information from the Mission Street Improvement Plan project. This plan, approved by the Mission Street Improvement Plan Steering Committee, and the Mission/Pickard DDA, focuses on roadway improvements, zoning updates, and strategic investments along the Mission Street Corridor.
  • Other suggested updates include incorporating results from the recent Parks & Recreation public outreach efforts, as well as the completed Town Center redevelopment.

Public Input Needed

Public input is imperative during this amendment process. The public is invited to participate in a series of open meetings, which will be held at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street. The public will have an opportunity to share their thoughts during the public comment section of each meeting. This can be done in-person or virtually, in some cases.

April 3: Planning Commission – 7 p.m. – City Hall/Hybrid

April 22: Parks & Recreation Commission – 6 p.m. – City Hall (no hybrid option)

April 28: City Commission – 7 p.m. – City Hall/Hybrid

City of Mt. Pleasant Master Planning History

Major projects and policy changes often result from a master planning process. The city adopted its first Master Plan in 1946 with subsequent plans being adopted in 1965, 1987, 2006, and 2020. For instance, the 1965 Master Plan led to the development of “Town Center” and the creation of a new 1971 zoning ordinance. The 1987 Master Plan led to significant investments in park accessibility for individuals with disabilities; facility investments to improve drinking water quality; and extensions of Bellows and Preston Streets.

For more details regarding the 2050 Master Plan Update visit www.mt-pleasant.org/masterplan.

For information about the Mission Street Improvement Plan visit www.mt-pleasant.org/missionstreet.

City of Mt. Pleasant Recognized for Supporting Business in their Community

The City of Mt. Pleasant has been named a 2024 eCities Honored Community for its successes and efforts in contributing to Michigan’s growth. The designation was given as part of the annual eCities study, conducted by iLabs, the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Office of Engagement and Impact. The four other Honored Communities are the cities of Battle Creek, Romulus, Sault Ste. Marie, and Tecumseh.

According to City Manager Aaron Desentz, “This eCities recognition is tangible evidence that the City of Mt. Pleasant continues to focus on all forms of economic development, while enhancing capital assets through improved roads and pathways. To be recognized out of a field of 277 communities is an honor.”

The eCities study analyzed publicly available data from 277 communities from 54 counties in Michigan. Researchers focused on the five-year changes in property values, community assets, and tax rates, which can demonstrate the growth, investments, and cost of doing business within the community. For example, over the five-year period of 2019-2023, these communities increased their capital assets by an average of 3.71 percent per year by investments such as new buildings, roads and bike paths, and library renovations. Further, these places are home to 86 percent of Michigan’s real commercial property and have 64 percent of the state’s total property value. Communities that have seen the strongest growth in business development over the past five years, while controlling the costs of doing business in town, are designated as five- and four-star communities.

Although accounting for less than 20 percent of the State’s cities and townships, the 277 communities analyzed are home to 71 percent of Michigan’s population and 87 percent of the state’s commercial property. “Each year, we enjoy recognizing the efforts made by cities and townships throughout Michigan to support business growth and entrepreneurship in their communities,” said Kari Kowalski, Assistant Director of iLabs.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 12/9/2024

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, December 9, 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:

5) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held November 25, 2024.

6) Resolution approving charitable gaming license for Sleepy Dog Books Foundation.

7) Resolution Amending 2024 Operating Budget.

8) Commitment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to revenue replacement.

9) Cancelled the City Commission meeting scheduled December 16, 2024 Meeting.

10) Authorized Deputy Financial Services Director Christine Witmer to approve the issuance of payrolls and warrants from December 10, 2024 through January 13, 2025.

11) Set first meeting of 2025 for Monday, January 13, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

12) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a Public Hearing on proposed rezoning of parcels 17-000-17-300-00, 17-000-17-303-00, 17-000-17-304-00, 17-000-17-305-00, 17-000-17-306-00, located at the southwest corner of Crawford and Broomfield, from PRD (Planned Residential Development) to CD-4 (General Urban Character District with the Residential/Dwelling Use Restriction), CD-4 (General Urban Character District), SD-U (Special District University), CD-4 (General Urban Character District with the Residential/Dwelling Use Restriction), and CZ (Civic Zone), respectively.

Denied motion to approve the proposed rezoning.

Held a Public Hearing on proposed Ordinance to amend Table 154.405.A of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Mt. Pleasant as it relates to SD-U University Special District Rules.

Denied the proposed Ordinance to amend Table 154.405.A as it relates to SD-U University Special District Rules of the Mount Pleasant Zoning Ordinances.

Approved the Resolution approving the final 2025 Operating Budget and setting the millage rate for 2025.

Approved the Resolution supporting amended rates, fees, and charges.

Approved the bid of UME-Gerber Life for 2025 stop loss coverage insurance.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:16 p.m.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – August 12, 2024

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, August 12, 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:

5) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held July 22, 2024.

6) Acceptance of funding from Charter Township of Union for the north section of the Mid-Michigan/GKB Pathway.

7) Purchase of Neptune 360 AMR Software and equipment from Ferguson Waterworks of Mt. Pleasant, MI.

8) Warrants and payrolls.

Approved an extension of the Month-to-Month Lease Agreement with Robert Lee Ervin with an amendment to require quarterly reporting on a calendar year schedule with a termination date of December 31, 2025.

Approved the purchase of a 2024 Ford F-150 Pickup truck through the MiDeal extended purchasing program and a Ram ProMaster work van from dealer stock.

Approved entering into a Per Hour contract with Blystone & Bailey CPAs of Mt. Pleasant, MI for Third Party Accounting Services.

Approved the Deficit Elimination Plan for the Storm Sewer Fund as of December 31, 2023.

Received a proposed ordinance to amend Section 96.05 Lawn Maintenance and to set a public hearing to allow for public input on said ordinance amendment for Monday, August 26, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Receive a proposed ordinance to amend Table 154.405.A District Standards: CD-4 General Urban, and CD-5 Urban Central Character Districts and related sections in Article IV: Building and Lot Plans & Standards, Article VI: Administration & Enforcement and Article VII: Definitions of the Mount Pleasant Zoning Ordinances regarding Setbacks and Building Standards and set a public hearing on same for Monday, September 9, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Approved and conducted a Closed Session pursuant to subsection 8(h) of the Open Meetings Act to consider material exempt from discussion or disclosure by state or federal statute.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:58 p.m.

– Project Steering Committee Meeting Open to the Public–

The City of Mt. Pleasant has contracted with Progressive Companies, based in Grand Rapids, to lead development of an improvement plan for Mission Street. Addressing traffic congestion, pedestrian and bicycle safety, universal accessibility and enhancing access to businesses along Mission Street have been identified as priorities in city plans and strategies going back more than 20 years.

The city is leading this effort, in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and with funding from the State of Michigan Redevelopment Ready Communities program. Mt. Pleasant City Manager Aaron Desentz is optimistic about the effort, “While the city has been a part of multiple efforts to enhance Mission Street in the past, this represents the first time the city is leading the charge to develop truly detailed designs and plans with an emphasis on meeting the needs of the entire community.” Jack Hofweber, the Mt Pleasant Transportation Service Center Manager for MDOT highlighted the importance of developing a plan for Mission Street now, which is under the State’s jurisdiction, “With a detailed plan that has community buy-in, MDOT will be better equipped to seek funding opportunities and plan for a future reconstruction of the corridor.”

The city is convening a steering committee to review potential designs and plans for Mission Street. The group is composed of local business owners, elected, and appointed officials, representatives from Central Michigan University, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the Disability Network of Mid-Michigan, the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce, the Mt. Pleasant Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. The planning process will conclude with a formal update to the city’s 2020 Master Plan.

To launch this effort, the city is releasing a community survey. Just follow this link:

[https://tinyurl.com/mstreetmp] or scan the QR Code below to complete it. Paper copies of the survey will be available at City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street) and information about it will be posted throughout the community. Survey deadline is May 31, 2024. There will be three $50 gift certificates from businesses located along Mission Street that will be drawn from the list of those who complete the survey and share their email address. The first meeting of the project steering committee is April 22nd at 12:30 p.m. in City Hall. The meeting is open to the public.

City Completes Stakeholder Economic Development Discussions

Why pursue business development in Mt. Pleasant? 

For the past few months city staff posed this question to more than 20 area developers, real estate brokers and financial professionals. Topics discussed in these one-on-one economic development conversations included the city’s current building and zoning policies, processes, and infrastructure.

Information stemming from these valuable dialogues will be forwarded to the Planning Commission for their review over the next year. 

Topics include (but are not limited to):

  • Applications requiring special Planning Commission approval.
  • Alterations/expansions of current buildings.
  • Special rules for large or auto-oriented businesses, such as drive-throughs, gas stations and big box retailers.
  • More design requirement flexibility within commercial and residential districts.
  • Allowing multi-uses within single lots.
  • Rules that regulate what types of businesses can be conducted within homes.
  • E-commerce fulfillment centers.
  • Wholesale versus retail zoning requirements.

The Planning Commission meets every fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street).  Meetings can also be viewed on Zoom, the City’s YouTube Channel or live on Channel 188. Meetings are rebroadcast daily at 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. (two weeks following the meeting date).

For complete meeting agendas, packets and public hearing information visit:

www.mt-pleasant.org/plancomm.   

City Provides Building Plan Design Services for Accessory Dwelling Units

Accessory dwelling units (ADU’s) are small, secondary dwelling units located on the same lot as a larger, principal dwelling unit. They can be a detached structure in the backyard, an over-the-garage unit, or a space attached to the primary residence. The main home and ADU, also referred to as granny flats or in-law units, cannot be sold separately. The owner of the principal home is also the owner of the ADU.

ADU’s have become an increasingly popular housing option because:  

  • They create additional housing supply and variety within existing residential neighborhoods.
    • They increase housing affordability.
    • They provide opportunities for multi-generational housing and/or aging-in-place.
    • They generate supplementary income for homeowners.

There are currently 54 existing ADU’s in the City. This distinctive housing option can be created in the CD-4 zoning district by right, or created in the CD-3L or CD-3 zoning district with Planning Commission approval.

To make the ADU design process easy, and to assure these units meet all zoning guidelines, City staff has prepared several building plans for both stand-alone and over-the-garage ADU’s. These plans can also be adjusted by City staff to reflect the architectural details of primary dwellings.

To find out more about these units and view the building plans, call (989) 779-5347.

City to hold Citizens’ Academy; accepting applications now

The seventh Citizens’ Academy is now accepting applications. Presented by the City of Mt. Pleasant, the academy is designed to engage members of the community and to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of local government.

Participants will attend seven, weekly sessions beginning Tuesday, February 21.  Each session will offer an in-depth look at the fundamentals of the City’s administration and budget; public works and utilities; parks and recreation; public safety; and community development. Additional topics covered include the basics of local government, elections and more.

The Citizens’ Academy is open to anyone living, working, owning property or attending school in the City of Mt. Pleasant.  Director of Planning & Community Development Manuela Powidayko shared, “The Citizens’ Academy is an opportunity for residents to capture a close up view of how a municipality operates and the many services the city provides on a daily basis.”

Registration for the academy is free and space is limited. Sessions will occur on the following Tuesdays from 6 – 8:30 p.m.: February 21, February 28, March 14, March 21, April 4, April 11, and April 18. Graduates of the academy will be recognized at the April 24 City Commission meeting.

Applications are available at City Hall or online, and are accepted until January 17, 2023. Find the application and learn more at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy.