Larke and Woodward costs affected by CDBG guidelines

A report from the city manager, John Bruning, during Monday evening?s city council meeting would have made residents of Larke and Woodward Avenues applaud if they were present. According to his report, Bruning told the council that they will not be able to special assess costs of curb, gutter and/or sidewalks to property owners under the guidelines of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Future reconstruction projects that are planned for both Larke and Woodward are partially paid for by monies from CDBG and the city?s revolving loan fund. Woodward Avenue?s reconstruction will take place between First and Calcite Streets. A new well house on Depot Street will also be built from the same fund as the Woodward project. Larke Avenue will have the section between State and Linden Streets reconstructed.

According to Bruning, certain portions of these types of projects are generally special assessed to the property owners. In other words, if a new curb and gutter system is installed, the property owner is responsible for the costs. The city would pay for the construction up front, and the property owner would then make payments to the city for the improvements. However, under the guidelines of the CDBG, the city is not allowed to special assess costs to property owners.

?This is not an ideal situation, but perhaps it?s the price to pay for CDBG money,? said Bruning. He stated that the city can typically recoup about 40-45 percent of project costs through special assessment, but with the CDBG guideline, this will not be possible. The estimated total cost of the Woodward and well house projects is $136,000, while the entire Larke Avenue project will cost $416,000. Both projects will be largely funded with CDBG money, as long as the grants are both approved, and are slated to begin in late summer.

In other city council news: ? Bruning has received about 12 applications for the harbor master job, which will be vacated by Ken Rasche. Rasche?s effective retirement date is April 15, but he has agreed to work through a transitional period, which could carry through the first season.

? It was reported that the Planning Commission met to take comment on the possible rezoning of the waterfront district to residential. The properties in question are located south of the wastewater treatment plant. A home that had been destroyed by fire could not be rebuilt under the waterfront zoning guidelines. Rezoning to residential would allow for that home and future homes to be rebuilt, without having a business connected. The Planning Commission decided against taking any action until other alternatives that might meet a similar objective could be researched.

? Mayor Beach Hall announced a health fair that will take place at the Rogers City Senior Center May 12 from 9 a.m. to noon. He expects 20-25 exhibitors to be present.

? Council accepted the resignation of Jackie Poch from the Parks and Recreation Committee.

? The Little League Parade was approved for May 20.

? West Huron Avenue between S

tate and North Sixth Street will be closed off May 6 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Rogers City Optimist Club?s ?Club Mobile Race.?

? Council approved a request from the Presque Isle County Tourism Council to host the Rogers City Salmon Tournament from August 9-13. The Last Chance Tournament will be September 8 and 9, with an alternate date set for September 10.

? A public hearing for the Larke Avenue grant application is set for April 17 at 10 a.m.

? Councilwoman Debra Greene voiced interest in knowing what kind of marketing is being done on the Lakeview Project. The first home is slotted to arrive May 15.

? Greene was also concerned with the continued vacancy of the Mariner?s Mall building. She stated that the building was constructed as part of the urban renewal project and has since been ?a blight to the downtown area.?

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