City Commission discusses renovations in Mount Pleasant
The Mount Pleasant City Commission discussed the GKB Trail South Connection construction timeline, as presented by Parks and Recreation Director Phil Biscorner, on Monday.
In November 2022, Beckett & Raeder (landscape, architecture and planning company) provided a preliminary design to connect Chipp-A-Waters to West Campus Drive. The redesign was necessary in order to apply for a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Spark Grant.
The trail would span from Ithaca to Clare. It would connect to Fred Meijer Trail and the Pere Marquette Rail Trail. Currently the trail spans from Shepherd to West Campus Drive and Broomfield.
The city's discussions with Central Michigan University regarding the trail began in September of 2023 according to Biscorner. The city staff provided CMU with the proposed pathway. CMU then gathered significant feedback from staff and approved proposal at a Board of Trustees meeting in February of 2024.
This plan has been supported by both CMU and Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, according to the presentation at the City Commission.
Biscorner said it would provide an opportunity for economic development, increased recreational activities and environmental education in the community.
Alternatively, Biscorner said that overdevelopment is a concern, as well as visitor overcrowding.
“The vision of an extensive trail network might lead to increased development pressure, potentially harming the character of historic natural areas and their ecosystems,” Biscorner said.
Additionally, Biscorner said the appeal of a connected trail system might draw larger crowds to previously tranquil areas, impacting wildlife and the overall visitor experience in those spaces.
Also discussed during the City Commission meeting was the rezoning of the properties located at the southwest corner of West Broomfield Street and South Crawford Road.
The Central Christian Academy is looking to build a private K-12 school. This is currently a zoning district designed to permit a mixture of types of residential units.
The school development would only be able to occur if the Planning and City Commissions approved an amendment to the previously approved PRD Agreement, or if the property would to be rezoned.
Resident Marja Nothstine expressed her concern with the project through a letter to commissioners.
“Firstly, I feel that it is unfair for the city planner to push forward the untaxed civic zone plan when it is the very last large piece of property available in the city for building a group of homes,” Nothstine said.
The next Mount Pleasant City Commissioners meeting is Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. in City Hall.
