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

(UPDATED: 6 p.m. 1/13/24: The Snow Emergency has now been lifted for the City of Mt. Pleasant.) City of Mt. Pleasant Declares Snow Emergency

Due to the significant winter weather forecast, the City of Mt. Pleasant has declared a Snow Emergency. All vehicles must be removed from the streets by 5 p.m. on Friday, January 12, 2024, so crews can safely and effectively clear the roadways.

Failure to remove vehicles from the street will result in a ticket. Towing may be utilized if ticketing has proven ineffective and/or the vehicles parked on the street cause a delay in snow removal.

Notice of when a snow emergency is declared, and later lifted, is provided through the city’s social media channels, website www.mt-pleasant.org, blog https://mpcityblog.com/, community information phone line (989-779-5320), local media notification, and an email alert.

To receive an email notification, individuals must sign up to receive the city’s monthly eConnections newsletter by visiting www.mt-pleasant.org.

Parking ordinance reminders:

Downtown Overnight Parking Permit Holders: Will be informed via email or text on when and where you need to move your vehicle.
Overnight street parking is allowed throughout the City of Mt. Pleasant year-round, except for the Downtown area.
Downtown street parking is prohibited from 4 – 6 a.m. year-round.
When a snow emergency is declared, all cars must be removed from the street.

Welcome Students

Helpful information can be found in the City’s ‘home away from home’ guide composed specifically for college students.

See what Mt. Pleasant has to offer: recreation, an historic downtown, parks, trails, a rolling river and more.

The City is thrilled to see Central Michigan University and Mid Michigan College students ‘coming home’ to the Mt. Pleasant area for the 2023-2024 academic year.

As part-year residents, students have the opportunity to explore the City while immersing themselves in college life. To make that transition easier, a ‘home away from home guide’ was created.

Useful information can be found at www.mt-pleasant.org/students or the “CMU & MMC Student Resident” page of the City’s blog (www.mpcityblog.com/studentresidents).

Topics include:

Things to do in Mt. Pleasant
Utility set up and billing
Parking Regulations
Parties
Property Appearance
Refuse and Recycling
Voter Registration
Safety tips and more.
Sign up for Smart911, a free emergency notification system. Download the Smart911 App, or visit www.smart911.com

City of Mt. Pleasant 4th of July Holiday Hours and Firework Safety Reminders

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the Isabella County Material Recovery Facility being closed for asphalt repairs on July 7 and 8, there will be no city curbside recycling collection for residences on the regular Thursday route.

City Offices Closed

City offices will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Refuse and recycling pick-up will be delayed one day all week.

Fourth of July Firework Safety and Ordinance Reminders

A person may only discharge or use consumer fireworks on private property on June 29 – July 4 from 11 a.m. – 11:45 p.m.

Individuals should not ignite, discharge, or use consumer fireworks, homemade fireworks, articles pyrotechnics or display fireworks on public property, school property, church property, or the property of another person without permission to do so.

Violations shall be punishable with fines of $500 up to $1,000.

Additionally, a minor shall not possess, ignite, discharge or use consumer fireworks. Fireworks shall not be used while a person is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, or during times when a burning ban has been established by the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, MI. For a list of burning restrictions by county, visit http://www.dnr.state.mi.us/burnpermits/.

Safety Tips

For those planning on discharging fireworks this July Fourth holiday, please follow the City regulations as stated above, and practice these safety tips:

1. Read and follow all warning and instructions.

2. Never allow children to play with fireworks of any kind.

3. Wear protective clothing, including eye wear.

4. Only light devices on smooth, flat surfaces away from residential areas, dry leaves and flammable materials.

5. Always keep a hose or bucket of water nearby in case of malfunction.

6. Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned.

The best way to protect your family is to avoid the use of fireworks at home entirely.

Doug Lobsinger Named Mt. Pleasant Fire Chief

Paul Lauria, Director of Public Safety for the City of Mt. Pleasant, announced the appointment of Doug Lobsinger to Fire Chief of the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department. Doug has served in this leadership role in an interim capacity since the retirement of Rick Beltinck in December 2022.

Close to 30 years ago, Doug joined the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department as a Paid On Call Firefighter. He has since risen through the ranks serving as an Equipment Operator, Sergeant and Assistant Fire Chief, before his recent interim Fire Chief assignment.

Director Lauria shared, “Through the decades, Doug has been an EMS Coordinator and Instructor, NFPA Fire Inspector, a member of the Hazmat and Technical Rescue Team, and a member of the Isabella County Medical Control Board.” He added, “Throughout his tenure, Doug has steered the Neighborhood Resource Unit, as well as administered the MHSDA housing grant program. This home exterior improvement program has completed 27 projects to date.”

Director Lauria concluded, “Doug’s enthusiasm for fire safety and code enforcement will continue to serve our fire department and community well.”

Doug Lobsinger, Mt. Pleasant Fire Chief

E-Scooters to Offer Another Transportation Option in Mt. Pleasant

In October 2022, the Mt. Pleasant City Commission approved an ordinance allowing electric scooters (e-scooters) to operate within the city, offering residents another transportation option.

In the near future, these two-wheeled devices, designed to transport one person at a time, will be available for the general public to rent, via a QR Code displayed on the unit. The city licensed third-party vendor’s contact information will also be affixed to the e-scooter. Reports of safety concerns, parking issues, or unsafe and inoperable scooters, shall be made directly to the scooter vendor, via the provided phone number.

E-Scooter Rental Sites:

There are currently multiple deployment sites where individuals can pick-up a scooter to rent.

227 S. Main Street

(Next to the bench in front of Listening Ear.)

201 S. Main Street

111 E. Michigan Street

220 W. Michigan Street

118 W. Broadway Street

(SE Corner of Michigan and Washington)

320 W. Broadway Street

Town Center – Location 1

(Corner of Main and Broadway)

Town Center – Location 2

(Corner of Main and Broadway)

200 E. Broadway Street

301 E. Broadway Street

NE Corner of University and Illinois

Drop-Off Sites:

E-scooters must be parked upright and left in the city’s right-of-way (between the sidewalk and the street, or back at a deployment site.)
The e-scooter vendor will pick-up all units within 24 hours.

Operating Regulations:

Users 18 years-old and younger must wear a helmet.
E-scooters may only be operated on city streets which have a speed limit of 25 mph or less.
No open alcohol containers are allowed while operating an e-scooter.
E-scooters are only to be used outdoors.
Users cannot charge the e-scooters.

Speed Limits:

While traveling on a sidewalk or on Central Michigan University’s campus, e-scooters cannot exceed 10 mph. Operators must give an audible notice when coming up on pedestrians, and yield the right of way in all instances.

When traveling on streets, e-scooters must remain close to the curb, and abide by all traffic rules.

The full e-scooter ordinance and Michigan Vehicle Code can be found at:

https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/mtpleasant/latest/mtpleasant_mi_code/0-0-0-10719

http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-257-660

Electric Bikes, Scooters and Skateboards – Fire Hazard Information You Need to Know

Electric bikes, scooters and skateboards can be fun, but they also present a fire hazard due to their lithium-ion batteries. When damaged or overcharged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, catch on fire, and even lead to explosions. These fires often burn very hot and are difficult for firefighters to extinguish.

Chief Rick Beltinck of the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department shared, “Lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy, and have a high probability of catching fire if not handled properly.” He continued, “As more products rely on lithium-ion energy, it is imperative that consumers are aware of the risks, and properly store and operate these powerful batteries.”

If you have an e-bike, e-scooter, e-skateboard, or any lithium-ion powered product, there are several fire prevention tips you should follow.

Purchase products that have the Underwriters Laboratories Mark (UL).
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage.
Use the manufacturer’s cord and power adapter made for the device.
Do not overcharge items with lithium-ion batteries. Unplug when fully charged.
Never leave your bike/scooter/skateboard unattended while charging.
Continually inspect lithium-ion batteries for any signs of damage.

City of Mt. Pleasant 4th of July Holiday Hours and Firework Safety Reminders

City Offices Closed

City offices will be closed on Monday, July 4, 2022. Refuse and recycling pick-up will be delayed one day all week.

Fourth of July Firework Safety and Ordinance Reminders

A person may only discharge or use consumer fireworks on private property on June 29 – July 4 from 11 a.m. – 11:45 p.m.

Violations shall be punishable with fines of $500 up to $1,000.

Safety Tips

For those planning on discharging fireworks this July Fourth holiday, please follow the City regulations as stated above, and practice these safety tips:

1. Read and follow all warning and instructions.

2. Never allow children to play with fireworks of any kind.

3. Wear protective clothing, including eye wear.

4. Only light devices on smooth, flat surfaces away from residential areas, dry leaves and flammable materials.

5. Always keep a hose or bucket of water nearby in case of malfunction.

6. Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned.

The best way to protect your family is to avoid the use of fireworks at home entirely.

Isabella County Hazard Mitigation Planning Effort Seeks Public Input

Isabella County has experienced several local emergencies and disasters in recent years including floods and the COVID-19 pandemic. Every five years, the County updates its Hazard Mitigation Plan to identify the greatest threats and hazards facing our community, and determines how we can best mitigate the impacts.

Hazard Mitigation is any effort to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to human life and property. Although floods and other events cannot be prevented from occurring, long-term solutions can be implemented to reduce devastating impacts on residents, families, homes, infrastructure, and natural resources.

The goal of a Hazard Mitigation Plan is to save lives, property, and natural resources by reducing the community’s vulnerability to emergency disasters. Residents and other community stakeholders are invited to engage in this vital planning process by completing a brief survey. Results will inform planners what specific hazards cause the most concern, and ultimately identify community assets to protect.

The survey, open to all individuals who live, work and play in Isabella County, will take approximately 10 minutes to complete and is available at https://tinyurl.com/IsabellaHMP . Survey deadline is March 28, 2022.

Zoning Ordinance Variance Information

Ordinance History and Statistics

Lately there has been a significant amount of conversation regarding the City of Mt. Pleasant’s restaurant drive through vehicle stacking requirements. Therefore, what better time to review and share the history and process of zoning ordinance and variance information. The City’s zoning ordinance requires 200 feet of stacking space to enable safe traffic flow and avoid any backups on City streets and sidewalks. This standard, adopted by the City Commission in 1984, applies to all restaurant drive throughs established since that time. There are currently 22 drive through restaurants in the City averaging 227 stacking feet. The average amount of stacking plus additional on-site overflow is 319 feet.

The Process

Businesses wishing to establish a drive through must:

Apply to the Planning Commission and receive approval of a special use permit. This process includes a review ensuring all ordinance requirements are met and a public hearing is held. In general, special use permits are established to address potential impacts on neighboring properties and the general public.
If a business does not believe they can meet one or more of the requirements for a drive through they can apply to the City’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and request a variance (a modification of requirement).

Per the State of Michigan’s Zoning Enabling Act, the ZBA acts as a quasi-judicial body reviewing local zoning ordinance cases. The ZBA is a separate entity from the Planning Commission, City Commission and City staff. The ZBA must review a request for variance against criteria related to practical hardship (that is, the need for a variance arises from a circumstance unique to the property which is not the result of actions taken by the applicant.) A variance cannot be granted in situations where the standards of the ordinance can be met.

Variances require the approval of a majority of the members of the ZBA, which for the City of Mt. Pleasant’s ZBA is three affirmative votes. As specified by the State of Michigan’s Zoning Enabling Act, applicants who wish to appeal a ZBA decision may do so at Circuit Court. ZBA decisions are not appealable to any other board or public body under state law.

Recent Variance Request

On December 15, 2021 the ZBA reviewed a request for two variances from the City’s standards for drive through restaurants. One was a variance related to screening, which was approved. The second was a reduction of the required vehicle stacking from 200 feet to 120 feet which failed to receive the three votes required for approval.

The City Commission discussed this specific case at its January 24, 2022 meeting. Per State of Michigan law, the City Commission is unable to hear an appeal of any ZBA decision, nor is it able to refer the ZBA to review the same issue again. However, the City Commission did direct the Planning Commission to review the City’s drive through stacking requirement standard and provide options, if any, for the City Commission to consider. This review will occur at the Planning Commission’s March 3, 2022 meeting.

The City has not issued any tickets or halted drive-through operation through this process, and the City Commission has directed City staff to continue to stay enforcement related to the drive through stacking requirement while this ordinance is being reviewed.