NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The City of Negaunee announced that they have learned that the area of Old Town that was previously approved for residential development is actually protected more than previously thought.
In a press release, the city said that they recently learned that the 315-acre property is encumbered by an agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and is restricted from all non-recreation development forever.
“The city thought non-recreational development of the Old Town area was restricted for a limited period of time of about 30-40 years,” City Manager Nate Heffron said in the release.
The press release also explains what it means for it to be encumbered, and what the consequences of not following that would mean, saying:
An encumbrance, according to the City Attorney, is a restriction or claim on property’s use or ownership, and the agreement between the City and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for the funding to build the Jackson Mine Playground on the subject property, encumbers the property because the agreement requires the whole parcel to remain in the recreational portfolio for public use and enjoyment. If the City were to go a different route, and permit development on the property, the City would be at risk of having to pay back the grant funds according to both the City Attorney and the MDNR.
“This is great news!” Heffron said. “This aligns with the City’s Recreation Plan, and Master Plan, as well as the City’s past and current economic development plans. I can confidently say that the City of Negaunee is not in the business of retuning grant dollars. Our community relies on these grant dollars to meet the expectations of our residents, business owners, and visitors. Our economic future is tied to recreation and outdoor tourism, we cannot afford to harm our relationship with the MDNR or lose out on grants. The Old Town area under this agreement is safe from non-recreational development now and forever”!
Questions concerning this release may be directed to the attention of the City Manager, Nate Heffron at (906) 475-7700 ext. 11.
