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City of Muskegon
Downtown Development Authority
Brownfield Development Authority
May 13, 2025
Minutes
M. Bottomley called the meeting to order at 10:31AM and roll call was taken:
I. Present: B. Tarrant, K. Reid, H. Sytsema, A. Boyd, M. Bottomley, B. Hastings, J. Dornbos, S. Black,
J. Moore, J. Seyferth
Absent: M. Kleaveland, J. Wallace, K. Thornton (Excused)
Others Present: J. Eckholm, J. Heinz, Ashley Forrest, Josh Canale, Jared Belka
II. Public Comments: None
III. Approval of minutes from 4/8/25 – K. Reid made a motion to approve the minutes from 4/8/25 and
supported by B. Hastings. All in favor.
IV. BRA Agenda Items
A. Brownfield Plan Amendment – Lakeview Lofts Phase II, 351 West Western Ave – This new
construction project, with an initial taxable value set at the 2025 combined amount of $12,965,
is scheduled to begin construction in Summer 2025 and reach completion by fall 2026. Upon
completion, the taxable value of the property is projected to increase to approximately
$4,048,560. Jared Belka is proposing approximately 64 new units constructed as part of Phase
II. 50% of those units will be maintained at 120% or below for the duration of the Brownfield
Plan. 1st floor will have 3100 SF retail. Josh Canale spoke about the project's timing, which is a
14-month construction process. B. Hastings inquired if the 120% AMI for the full 30-year period
or until the Brownfield is paid. J. Eckholm reconfirmed that whichever comes first. After all of
the eligible activities are reimbursed or the full duration of the statutory limit. The retail space
will ideally consist of several smaller stalls at a fixed price, suitable for smaller retailers, as well
as possibly the chalets that have a year-round business and would like to launch. K. Reid shared
his support to help grow the commercial section.
Brad Hastings made a motion to approve the resolution for the Brownfield Plan Amendment for
the 351 Phase II Development project and further request staff to set a public hearing before
the Muskegon County Commission to consider adoption of the plan. Supported by B. Tarrant
Roll call
Ayes: B. Tarrant, K. Reid, H. Sytsema, A. Boyd, M. Bottomley, B. Hastings, J. Dornbos, S. Black, J.
Moore, J. Seyferth
Nays: None
V. DDA agenda items
A. Requested alteration of façade grant at Forrest Tax Accounting Services – In 2023 Forrest Tax
Accounting Service applied for and was awarded a façade grant from the DDA for a new sign and
resealing/staining the building. The sign was complete and resealing was not required. They
have since had significant roofing issues and would like the grant to be reallocated to the roof
project. H. Sytsema made a motion to approve the request from Forrest Tax Accounting
Services to reallocate their approved façade grant for a sign and siding to roof replacement and
repairs in an amount not to exceed $9,394.96. Supported by J. Moore
Roll call
Ayes: B. Tarrant, H. Sytsema, A. Boyd, M. Bottomley, B. Hastings, J. Dornbos, S. Black, J. Moore,
J. Seyferth
Abstain: K. Reid
Nays: None
B. Consideration of additional chalet sponsorship for Meta Made – J. Hines shared the results of
the pitch competition for the chalets. In a previous meeting, the DDA approved the rent
coverage for one chalet vendor. During the competition, the selected winner was a tie between
Store In A Box and Metamade. it was agreed to award both a returning and a new chalet vendor
but must be voted on and also needs to be amended the budget at the 5/13/25 DDA meeting.
K. Reid made a motion to approve the allocation of $2050 for the rent for Metamade in the
Downtown Chalets for the 2025 season. Supported by J. Moore
Ayes: B. Tarrant, K. Reid, H. Sytsema, A. Boyd, M. Bottomley, B. Hastings, J. Dornbos, S. Black, J.
Moore, J. Seyferth
Nays: None
C. 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Overview – Discussion only. The final budget will be voted on in
June, 2025 meeting.
VI. Adjournment at 12:04
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