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CITY OF MUSKEGON
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA) /
BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (BRA)
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
March 12, 2019
Chairperson M. Bottomley called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM and roll was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Frank Peterson, Martha Bottomley, Don Kalisz, Mike Johnson, Heidi
Sytsema, Jeanette Moore, Jay Wallace Jr, Paul Edbrooke, Brad Hastings,
Doug Pollock, Francena DePung, Mike Kleaveland
MEMBERS ABSENT: John Riegler, excused
STAFF PRESENT: Mike Franzak, Planning Director; LeighAnn Mikesell, Director of
Municipal Services; Beth Lewis, Finance Director; Diane Renkenberger,
Administrative Assistant
OTHERS PRESENT: J. Belka, Warner Norcross & Judd, LLP; Dave Alexander, Downtown
Muskegon Now (DMN); Suzanne Velarde, Velarde Marketing
(facilitator)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of February 12, 2019 was made by J. Moore, supported
by P. Edbrooke and unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS
Brownfield Plan Amendment for “The Leonard” Building at 292 W Western Avenue. M. Franzak
introduced the project. Sweetwater Development LLC was proposing to redevelop a portion of the
vacant lot at 292 W Western Ave known as Unit 24 of the Downtown Muskegon Development Center
No. 1 by erecting a new six-story mixed-use building that would included a mix of retail, office and
residential space above an underground parking area. Construction was anticipated to begin in the spring
of 2019 with eligible activities being completed within 12 months. A copy of the Brownfield Plan
amendment was provided to board members.
J. Belka was the attorney for Sweetwater Development and described their plans for the new building.
He stated that Brownfield incentives would assist with site infrastructure work and the underground
parking facility.
A motion to approve the new Brownfield Plan amendment for “The Leonard” Building at 292 W Western
Avenue as presented was made by D. Pollack, supported by J. Moore and unanimously approved, with
F. Peterson, M. Bottomley, D. Kalisz, M. Johnson, H. Sytsema, J. Moore, J. Wallace Jr, P. Edbrooke, B.
Hastings, D. Pollock, F. DePung, and M. Kleaveland voting aye.
OLD BUSINESS
None
OTHER
Strategic Planning Session - S. Velarde led the board and staff in a strategic planning session regarding
the direction of the DDA, its finances, and plans for the future of Muskegon’s downtown. A written
summary of the session will be provided by S. Velarde.
There being no further business, the meeting and planning session was adjourned at 12:03 PM.
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