Title
Resolution to Approve a Grant Application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants Management for the Acquisition of Land and Site Improvements Along the Huron River at 841 Broadway for up to $7,000,000.00
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution approving the submission of a grant application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants Management (MDNRGM) for acquiring roughly 2.3 acres of riverfront and site improvements along the Huron River for up to $7,000,000.00.
The land and future site improvements sit on what is commonly referred to as the DTE property, downriver from the Argo Dam. Acquisition of land and site improvements across ~2.3 acres along the Huron River would connect to Broadway Park to the east and the Allen Creek pedestrian undercut to the west. The acquisition of this property will connect the B2B trail to 1,200 ft of Huron riverfront currently not accessible to the public, as well as provide a link to the Argo Cascades. In addition, the Trail Extension will provide the following:
• 3 points of public access to the Huron River for fishing and non-motorized boating subject to State approval
• Environmental remediation and shoreline restoration of the site’s 1200 ft riverfront
• New bridge across the Huron River, built to B2B trail standards, to facilitate non-motorized commuting and to provide a world-class public space for users of the B2B & Iron Belle Trails
• Overlook deck for users to enjoy views
• Restoration of landscape & wildlife habitat along the river to create natural buffer & topographic land balancing
Ownership of riverfront property is a desired acquisition criterion recognized in the PROS plan. Maintenance obligations for the site improvements would be the responsibility of the developer of the 841 Broadway site and set forth in a memorandum of understanding. The Park Advisory Commission recommended applying for the grant at their June 15, 2021 meeting.
Staff
Prepared by: Colin Smith, Parks and Recreation Manager
Reviewed by: Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Tom Crawford, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City park system values riverfront property and access to the B2B trail and other river amenities;
Whereas, The Park and Recreation Open Space Plan identifies riverfront property as a desired acquisition criterion;
Whereas, Site Improvements and their ongoing maintenance would be the responsibility of the developer of the 841 Broadway site;
Whereas, Grants are available through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants Management to assist in acquiring land and amenities such as proposed in this grant application; and
Whereas, The Park Advisory Commission recommended applying for this grant at their June 15, 2021 meeting;
RESOLVED, That City Council directs the City Administrator to apply to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants Management for the Acquisition of Land and Site Improvements Along the Huron River at 841 Broadway for up to $7,000,000.00.