MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Marquette Planning Commission met this evening and approved the next step in the Veridea Group’s development of the old hospital site. The Commission approved the developer’s initial concept for 40 townhomes to be built on the south side of Magnetic Street between Lee and fourth commission chair Sarah Mittlefehldt explains that the commission was here to vote on whether the plan qualifies for a PUD or Planned Unit Development typically run by an HOA.
“Our job tonight as the planning commission was to see if this project met the criteria for PUD, which is outlined in our land development code, and there are some specific criteria. So we walked through those, and we determined that the project did meet the three, at least three of the 10 criteria, and so we did approve the concept plan,” said Mittlefehldt.
Many residents took part in the public comment section. Veridea Group CEO Robert Mahaney says the public’s input is always taken seriously.
“The concerns that were expressed by the public, I think are well founded, and a number of them will be addressed as we come out with more detailed plans,” explained Mahaney.
This meeting was a chance for the board to get a first glimpse of Veridea Group’s concept for the site. They envision a mix of town homes, duplexes, and single-family homes with garages and green space. Mahaney stresses that the project is just beginning.
“People need to keep in mind tonight’s was what we were asked to present. Tonight was a conceptual plan, not a final, well polished plan.
The board and The Veridea Group will continue to further refine the proposal with more public forums to come.
