MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The future of the Jacobetti Veterans’ home property in Marquette remains up in the air, but city officials say they want a stronger voice in whatever comes next. With an eye on future development, the Marquette City Commission held a work session on Monday afternoon to discuss the level of involvement Marquette should have in the future of the site
The current Jacobetti home for veterans occupies more than seven acres of state-owned property on Fisher Street in Marquette. Once the new veterans home opens in 2028, the existing facility is expected to close, creating a major redevelopment opportunity in the heart of the city.
“This is a significant piece of property that an opportunity like this within the city for developable land for housing will not come across our desk again for a number of years, at least not in the near future,” explained Marquette City Manager Karen Kovacs.
During Monday night’s work session, the Marquette City Commission talked about how involved the city should be in future planning for the site. Several commissioners expressed interest in exploring housing development, calling the property a rare chance to add much-needed taxable housing within city limits.
“The City Commission feels that they need to be involved in the process somehow and identify what those next steps are, what that next use is still needs to be worked out,” said Kovacs
A separate proposal being considered by Marquette County would place a new county jail on the property.
“The county has been talking about needing a new jail, an expanded jail, and our community is spending, you know, some of that money on, you know, the needs that they have,” said Kovacs.
Because the land is currently owned by the state, it does not generate property tax revenue for the city. Officials say a housing project could change that, while a jail development would likely keep the property tax exempt.
“Tonight was just a discussion to see if the city wanted to remain in the conversation, and if the city wanted to see if there was any interest in being a part of a development,” said Kovacs.
The future cost of clearing the site is also a factor. Demolition of the existing building is estimated at roughly two million dollars, although officials say it’s too early to know WHO would ultimately cover that expense.
Commissioners did not take any formal action on Monday. City staff is expected to continue discussions with county officials and the state of Michigan before any proposals return to the commission for consideration.
