Development News for Alpena, Michigan

Council Receives Update on Eagle Brownfield Grant and Loan Program

The council reviewed information regarding the Eagle Brownfield grant and loan program, managed by Julie Lo. The program offers up to a $1 million loan and a $1 million grant. Grant dollars are provided if a developer has incurred costs, while loan dollars are available if no developer has yet incurred costs. The terms include no principal or interest for five years and 1.5% thereafter for 10 years. The city or Brownfield Authority would be the eligible applicant, with a two-step process involving a proposal and then a full application if invited. The current focus is on submitting a proposal soon to meet the September 30th deadline for year-end allocations. The potential use of an Eagle loan to cover upfront costs for the DPI property, specifically for the powerhouse and asbestos abatement, was discussed.

Council Approves Consent Agenda Items Including Bills, Budget Amendment, and Cemetery Deeds

The council approved several consent agenda items, including authorizing payment of bills totaling $62,437.76 and authorizing Mayor John Park Soy to sign the warrant. Other approved items included a budget amendment to increase the printing and publishing expense account for the assessor's department by $1,150, approval of two cemetery deeds (0342 and 0343) for burial lots with perpetual care to Jennifer Burns and William V. Cawkins respectively, authorizing the City Treasurer/Finance Director Anniso to negotiate an agreement with Alpena Public Schools for property tax collection in 2026, and approval of the 2026 tax rate request.

Noise Ordinance Variance Granted for Jones at 1300 Fort Avenue

The council approved a noise ordinance variance request for Jones at 1300 Fort Avenue. The variance allows for extended hours of operation from 10:00 p.m. on June 6, 2026, to 1:00 a.m. on June 7, 2026.

City Council Explores Brownfield Redevelopment Opportunities for Former DPI Facility

The council discussed the potential redevelopment of the DPI facility, a former industrial site on the waterfront. The discussion focused on Brownfield TIF (Tax Increment Financing) and Eagle Brownfield grant and loan programs as financial tools to support the extensive abatement, demolition, and environmental response activities required to prepare the site for redevelopment. Melching, through Thunder Bay Development LLC, has acquired the property and is undertaking demolition and environmental cleanup, with Fishbach handling environmental work and Clark Construction attracting developers. The city's role involves supporting the necessary public infrastructure, such as water, sewer, and roads, which can be partially funded through Brownfield TIF. The process involves developing a Brownfield plan, an Act 31 work plan for state tax capture, and a reimbursement agreement between the authority and the developer. The project aims to address extraordinary costs associated with the site to level the playing field with greenfield developments.