[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6645675,"mediaKeyId","3634076-fb0de8eee01e3a1f03d585629d6f4847","parentId",3634076,"title","Council reviews first reading of zoning amendment to allow below-grade residential and lodging in CBD","audioSeconds",872,"startMs",4889000,"endMs",5761000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3634076-fb0de8eee01e3a1f03d585629d6f4847&start=4889&end=5761","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3634076-fb0de8eee01e3a1f03d585629d6f4847/thumbnail_4889000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6645675/Petoskey-City/Emmet-County/Michigan/Council-reviews-first-reading-of-zoning-amendment-to-allow-below-grade-residential-and-lodging-in-CBD","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6645675-49b043fa4060020c065a658cf8015721/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186821&Signature=lOTAGuJxx6i7XIRHn9T6VSBiaKB1olyefHFvlocWLajjoEMTaUmtP2RyEl3UdGXLL0Fo3D55VY6LbKZ2iCoznfG5-Rn4M2y3VD408XR57H9v8l-f6YFFBMLNUGQpfuHD-5EF0z~VGoJstcnBUsPWS4XOFg97nTW3~4Zo55sJutPCx660dZJ4dc-vyskaTHz7ggBIc~SAsFn43Hp3-FIaWjB0jYxBA~FtSubx6J9gMQnEfUKZdIG70dC9a92Xj1F26IUGl890flSbh8iDsdU9gAi4ZzxvsIqFzgf-cr9oRLW6VrOzEzAB76DNBtfLyFIF~D~H9QV8bFFPFx0Z57~yGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Petoskey","date","2025-06-03T11:52:41Z","article","City Council took up a first reading of a zoning amendment to allow certain residential and lodging uses in below-average-grade spaces in the Central Business District (CBD), a change staff and downtown advocates say could make redevelopment projects more viable and increase housing options downtown.

Why it matters: allowing residential and lodging uses below grade in the CBD could create new housing units, help rehabilitate older buildings and broaden property-use options for developers, subject to building- and fire-code compliance and special-use review.

City Manager Shane Horn and planning staff said the amendment would formalize existing below-grade commercial uses and provide a path for residential conversion. The draft makes below-grade residential and lodging special-condition uses subject to review; planning commissioners recommended specific additional standards for residential units (a–e in the draft) to address human-occupancy issues.

Councilmembers discussed several technical and policy points. Councilmember DeMour asked that hotel lodging be included under the same additional standards proposed for residential below-grade units; planning staff said the general special-use standards (Section 17-17) would apply to hotels but agreed the council could add hotels to the residential standards if desired. City planner John Eichelangeli and other staff noted that building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and fire codes control occupant safety and that any below-grade dwelling or lodging will need to meet those codes and county permitting.

Members also questioned the continued prohibition of short-term rentals below grade while allowing long-term residential use; staff explained past policy choices prioritized long-term housing over short-term units in lower levels. Councilmember Walker raised refuse-collection constraints where alleys are the only practical staging areas and asked whether existing below-grade units would be grandfathered; planning staff said existing units would be grandfathered but that new approvals would be reviewed for alternative refuse arrangements where alleys are used.

Next steps: this was a first reading; staff and the planning commission will consider the council’s drafting requests (including whether to add hotels to the additional standards), and the council will review a revised draft at a subsequent meeting. Any approved below-grade residential or lodging units would still require necessary building-code approvals and planning special-use review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - 06.02.25","oneSentenceSummary","Council held a first reading of a proposed zoning ordinance amendment to permit residential units and lodging below average grade in the Central Business District to encourage redevelopment and add housing; council discussed building-code and review standards, short-term rental rules and refuse collection.","taxTitle","Petoskey City, Emmet County, Michigan","taxId",53868,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6645679,"Council holds first reading of historic-district ordinance; supporters and skeptics urge caution",904,3792000,4696000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3634076-fb0de8eee01e3a1f03d585629d6f4847&start=3792&end=4696","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3634076-fb0de8eee01e3a1f03d585629d6f4847/thumbnail_3792000.jpg","/articles/6645679/Petoskey-City/Emmet-County/Michigan/Council-holds-first-reading-of-historic-district-ordinance-supporters-and-skeptics-urge-caution","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6645679-7aa8a475b06d8d83cb0239816ef3ee8b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186821&Signature=hV0DumQDA3le6fZHF1tEYILC0OruXF2y-pNhS9bNoB-zaXwTNapwcNBhY9QszXBYYRpPdarLyVivpUXy7qQ9tQay9w2JIJrsmXSdP8ps5fM1WUG40~cgVmx6YdwN9L5xLW~n7RUvc0c2YUZofVAewuiRv2I3fp9EiajxJIaqoTBze1H6cRm83Hdif4K1~ni2BEfWEvOV3PX5WeZt00G0YVG4LG0lyl3Rri8m0cn47mgIRfItF8Go0ExanweCQVMQUNe-JJrnhKK6wnCfrEHxE73fwqhxT61uowVO3taLxo13ThAr49qQfl9-57CZupXkx-VyHKwcf2S5JVAhX7sC8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Council held a first reading of a proposed historic-district ordinance that would enable the city to form a Historic District Commission and, after additional study and public hearings, create local historic districts.

Why it matters: adopting the ordinance is the initial step toward Certified Local Government status, which can open state and federal preservation grant opportunities and provide the city tools to regulate locally designated historic areas. The ordinance itself does not immediately establish any local district or impose regulation; rather, it creates a process for study committees, public hearings and a later council vote.

The meeting included public comment in favor of local designation and discussion among council members. Rick Newman, an architect and Petoskey resident, called for the council to “very seriously consider” a locally designated historic district and said insensitive renovations are already affecting historically significant properties. Amy Tweeden, downtown manager, explained the difference between national-register listings (which are honorary and do not prevent demolition) and a local historic district (which carries regulatory authority once established). Tweeden described the two existing National Register districts — downtown and East Mitchell — as likely starting points for any local designation, while noting other neighborhoods could be studied.

Council members expressed divergent views. Councilmember Shields said preservation is important but voiced concern the ordinance could be “incredibly burdensome” to development and that safeguards are necessary. Councilmember Moore, who disclosed owning two properties on state and national registers, said the ordinance’s Section 27-4 explains the measure primarily enables a study committee and public hearings and does not itself establish districts; he urged careful selection of qualified study-committee members if the council moves forward. Planning staff and city attorney input were noted; the city attorney reviewed the draft and suggested edits.

Speakers from the state preservation program had presented similar guidance in May, and staff said the city’s master plan already lists historic-preservation actions. Proponents on the call emphasized that if a local district is later proposed, property owners receive notice, public hearings are required and a majority of affected properties must agree for the process to proceed.

Next steps: council asked staff to provide maps of the two existing national-register districts and to return with a revised packet and additional information for future readings. No vote to adopt the ordinance occurred; this was a first reading and the council signaled it will continue the review process and invite further public input.","City Council held the first reading of a proposed historic-district ordinance intended to enable locally designated historic districts and position Petoskey for certified-local-government status; speakers emphasized the ordinance is an enabling first step, while some council members raised concerns about regulatory burden and boundaries.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6645686,"Petoskey Public Library presents strategic plan, highlights building upkeep and expanded programming",1101,481000,1582000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3634076-fb0de8eee01e3a1f03d585629d6f4847&start=481&end=1582","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3634076-fb0de8eee01e3a1f03d585629d6f4847/thumbnail_481000.jpg","/articles/6645686/Petoskey-City/Emmet-County/Michigan/Petoskey-Public-Library-presents-strategic-plan-highlights-building-upkeep-and-expanded-programming","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6645686-d700014ffbf56e07ea91c9bbc4370c14/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186821&Signature=BeBL1paSohXCx~Jc3ws~Mxujv1TaCf~EPU3B2xoalvoNWQHiMLw0pcVa-lxIl-lg6iTHvpwGqdjhrQ2~HwbPQoP5jYFheXmHqkvnBFEnN6V62lNsDFbI1p6K2cfOwGafEDE3JpDvZgmXMo9Gpm7U3G30FxrLEGOPmSeaw~UJNA~fwB6jpxtZCFVsXsfNWeiX04jVpkgiMBKOSOf91QyDf-tFMmEfPC1V1asm8tDpsm0K0-labDQ8iAqShoGT4WoskjuNtGq~zmHUv80LHti4PfziCJkU6LbMYWQnkAzqOK0eF5Uh0quUmkD5TSXzc6Gnj3PSpzvwfyZaA3SK5WsxpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Val, a library staff member, presented the Petoskey Public Library’s finalized strategic plan to City Council, summarizing survey and focus-group results and listing four board priorities: protecting the building, expanding community connections, supporting staff and cultivating curiosity through programming.

Why it matters: the plan sets direction for the library’s capital and program priorities over the next three to five years and will guide budgeting, facility changes and new program development.

The presentation said about 970 people responded to the main survey and the library worked with the University of Michigan to analyze the data. Staff targeted non-library-card users at community events — including outreach at a fall football game — and held four to five focus groups. The plan’s priorities reflect repeated public feedback that the building should be maintained and that the library serve as a low-cost, alcohol-free community “third place” for 20-to-40-year-olds and other residents.

Programs already in place or planned include a twice-monthly “Third Place” volunteer-run meetup, one-on-one college-essay review sessions led by a college professor and volunteer readers, and summer SAT-prep classes for teens. The library highlighted its “library of things” circulation (tools and appliances) and gave an example of a patron who borrowed a food dehydrator and used it at home.

Council members asked detailed questions. Councilmember Moore asked about proposed building reconfigurations to improve staff–patron sight lines; Val described a “flip-flop” idea to move the desk to the top of the stairs so staff are visible when patrons exit the elevator. Moore and others asked how the plan would reduce wait times for popular materials; Val said staff are tracking hold ratios and hold wait times and considering cost-effective purchases to reduce queues. Councilmember Shields asked for a PDF copy of the plan for distribution; Val said Mitchell Graphics prepared the packet and staff would provide the PDF.

Next steps: library staff are assigning action items, reviewing goals, and planning budgeting steps over the next three to five years to implement priorities and to present required materials to council as needed.","Library staff presented a strategic plan to City Council based on a community survey of about 970 responses and several focus groups; priorities include building maintenance, expanding community connections, staff support and programs to cultivate curiosity.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6645690,"Petoskey council approves public art purchase, adopts county hazard plan and OKs equipment purchases",1070,1594000,2664000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3634076-fb0de8eee01e3a1f03d585629d6f4847&start=1594&end=2664","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3634076-fb0de8eee01e3a1f03d585629d6f4847/thumbnail_1594000.jpg","/articles/6645690/Petoskey-City/Emmet-County/Michigan/Petoskey-council-approves-public-art-purchase-adopts-county-hazard-plan-and-OKs-equipment-purchases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6645690-501f55149f2df017033c74b282caae32/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186821&Signature=U5ZPTpOFqdQoPZJrO3t4H2hJ23pi7dVwCTlVZWSb9rckwrH1wcmbjk1niNB1phCapNspkNrxx3XEwT2ZEST-ECbQUsFboxeYzQN7UtCeTmSLmKW0pAHBQOnUtM7hYJWRAlChe0rpcKNrjftxF3bq-2WTHu5YYOa5G7perZeP5ln5~JOiJtuItQeFdUsQP8z-3wArygcoWlIdKI4R1KZGwmyC3wjDI8YhUK~a9fQ9~e2xrUuUcNrR7pYwacWogmEIpUz-EEBVEaxEDhMqEkTD-wMgF8kMlKLBCR5vwIM3WT0GqI-S09jWTP0yH79NHx92PCdJeQKrzPdWD1CIe~NpIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Petoskey City Council on first-regular meeting action approved a series of financial and policy items, including a $60,500 public-art purchase, formal adoption of the Emmet County hazard mitigation plan and purchase of two portable light towers.

Council approved the consent agenda (items a–d), moved by Councilmember DeMour and seconded by Councilmember Shields, clearing routine items including adoption of the May 19, 2025, meeting minutes and authorization to buy a 2019 heavy-duty utility truck. The motion passed 5–0.

Why it matters: the council’s votes commit city funds and enable projects or grant eligibility. The hazard mitigation plan adoption allows Petoskey to remain eligible for FEMA mitigation funding, and the public-art contract advances a commissioned bronze piece for the Bayfront that will require a deposit and later budget allocation.

The public-art item drew the most extended discussion. Council voted 5–0 to approve the purchase contract for $60,500, authorize the city manager to execute the contract and to pay the deposit (the council approved paying a deposit at the meeting; amount discussed in packet materials). Council members and staff noted a $12,500 grant toward the work and said the piece would be delivered and installed in spring 2026. The Arts Commission had selected the work after a competitive call for artists.

The council also adopted the Emmet County hazard mitigation plan by unanimous roll call. City Manager Shane Horn said the plan is produced every five years, is a countywide collaborative effort, and that each jurisdiction must pass a resolution to adopt it. Councilmember Shields moved the resolution; Councilmember DeMour seconded. The motion carried 5–0.

Council approved purchase of two portable light towers from McAllister Rental for $30,618 to replace older units used for emergency and special-event lighting. Councilmember Walker moved the resolution; the motion passed 5–0.

What was not decided: some items that had originally been on the consent agenda were pulled for discussion (public art was discussed separately before it was approved). Several council members asked for additional budget and site-placement clarification before final installation steps for the sculpture.

Next steps: staff will complete the contract deposit and coordinate the artwork’s installation site with the Parks and Recreation director and the Arts Commission; the hazard plan will be posted on the city website; procurement staff will complete payment and delivery arrangements for the light towers.","City Council voted unanimously to approve multiple items including the purchase of a downtown bronze artwork, formal adoption of the Emmet County hazard mitigation plan, and two portable light towers; a bundle of consent-agenda items also passed.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council reviews first reading of zoning amendment to allow below-grade residential and lodging in CBD

Council holds first reading of historic-district ordinance; supporters and skeptics urge caution

Petoskey Public Library presents strategic plan, highlights building upkeep and expanded programming

Petoskey council approves public art purchase, adopts county hazard plan and OKs equipment purchases