Downtown Development Authority Minutes 05-13-0025

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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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