Planning Commission Approves Plan to Rezone Norrie School Property

IRONWOOD, MI - Thursday, February 3, 2011 - Last night the Ironwood Planning Commission held a Public Hearing to hear comment on the possibility of rezoning the Norrie School property at 401 Alfred Wright Boulevard from R-1 (Single Family Residential) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential).

Representing the applicant for rezoning, Sisuco, LLC, 2658 He-NisRa Lane, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54304, former Ironwood resident, Chris Forslund, addressed the Commission explaining that the applicant is proposing to purchase and redevelop the school building into apartment homes and construct senior duplexes on the adjacent land. In his Municipal Rezoning request, Forslund provided the following information:

1. It is the opinion of my development team that the health, safety, morals, convenience, and general welfare of the occupants of the land surrounding the Norrie School will be enhanced by the proposed redevelopment of the school and adjacent property. This includes, but is not limited to the following:

• There is an ongoing need for quality housing options for seniors, working professionals, and/or college students in the Ironwood area. This is supported by waiting lists for comparable facilities that provide multi-family and senior housing options in the Ironwood and surrounding areas.

• The apartment homes would offer amenities such as garages, individual storage units, washers/dryers in all units, a community room, exercize room, storage unitis, efficient heating & air-conditioning systems in each unit, and high quality finishes, all within a secure, controlled-access building.

• The senior patio cottage homes would also be two-bedroom, two-bathroom units with double garages and designed to be accommodating to the age 55+ market (e.g. no steps, wider doorways to accommodate wheelchairs or motorized chairs, etc.)

• The Norrie School is a beautiful building and appears to be structually sound. The redevelopment of the school, coupled with the senior housing cottages, would help to keep the area around the school a great neighborhood in which to live.

• The proposed redevelopment would save the Ironwood School District over $220,000 in demolition costs.

• According to the Ironwood City Assessor, the mill rate is 74.3021 for non-homestead. Of this amount, the school mill portion is 17.9892.

If the Norrie School would have a cash value of $1,000,000 after redevelopment, it would have a taxable value of $500,000 which results in approximately $37,151 in real estate taxes generated. The school portion of this would be approximately $9,000. The property is not on the tax roll and therefore generates no real estate taxes.

The nine proposed Norrie Cottages (single-story senior homes) would have a cash value of approximately $990,000. Using an assumed taxable value of $495,000, this would generate approximately $36,800 in real estate taxes. The school portion of this would be approximately $8.900.

• It is anticipated approximately $2,000,000 will be invested by the developer to do this project (school and senior cottage homes). We plan to use local subcontractors and materials suppliers at possible opportunity.

Based on the above, the total taxes generated by the Norrie School Apartment Homes and Norrie Cottages patio homes are projected to total approximately $74,000 per year, of which approximately $18,000 would go to the Ironwood School District.

• The public meeting that was held at Norrie School on October 11, 2010, showed the majority of residents in attendance were in favor of the planned redevelopment project. The three residents in attendance that were not supportive of the project said the building should instead be torn down.

2. What are the existing and anticipated traffic conditions including parking facilities on adjacent streets and land?

• Since 1917, the Norrie property has functioned as an elementary school which includes buss, staff, visitor, and parent traffic patterns, with the heaviest levels during the timeframes of 7-8 a.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 pm. With the proposed conversion of the building to apartment homes, it is anticiapted that the traffic patterns would decrease significantly.

Assuming two vehicles per apartment, with 18 apartment homes, there would be approximately 36 cars onsite. Each two-bedroom unit comes with a two-car garage and each one-bedroom unit comes with a single stall garage. Per the site plan, there are 16 regular parking spaces, 2 handicapped parking spaces, one parking space for the onsite manager, and two spaces for loading.

The two proposed entrances for the visitor parking lots and upper level garages will be directly off of Alfred Wright Boulevard. For the lower-level garages, there will be one entrance off of Ash street and one off Birch Street.

Regarding projected traffic patterns from the apartment homes, it would depend if the resident was working or retired. The developer assumes the timefram of 7-9 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. for most of the traffic patterns for the working residents. This would be similar to the school traffic, but at a projected decreased level of vehicles due to the lack of parent, staff, visitor and bus traffic.

For the patio homes, there will be eight units planned, all with single-car garages. Thus, there would be eight projected cars (one per unit) using primarily Birch Street. However, these units will be residents 55 years and older, some of whom may not drive. Thus, it is not anticipated that these units will significantly add to the traffic patterns.

Finally, it is anticipated that there would be minimal parking on Birch and Ash Streets for either the apartment homes or patio homes. This is based on the amount of visitor parking onsite for the apartment homes and drive way space available for visitor parking for the patio homes. However, during the time the property has functioned as an elementary school, there are times that there is significant street parking for special events, such as concerts, parent/teacher conferences, etc. Once the school closes, the frequency and amount of street parking regarding this site will decrease significantly.

3. For the proposed redevelopment, our group is working with Nancy Zak, a realtor with Re/Max Action North Realty in Ironwood. At the public meeting at Norrie School on October 11, 2010, regarding the proposed redevelopment, the question was raised regarding what effects the project would have on property values in the surrounding area. Nancy's answers to the question, which our group supports, were as follows:

a) A non-subsidized apartment complex in a residential area would NOT negatively impact surrounding property values,

b) The proposed redevelopment of the Norrie School and adjacent property is the highest and best use of the current building, (outside of continued usage as an elementary school),

c) The alternative potential options might negatively impact property values:

I. Tearing down the building and having a vacant lot that is unkempt/overgrown or neglected would be a negative to the neighborhood.

II. Converting the existing building to something other than apartments, could negatively impact property values.

III. Leaving the existing building vacant would definitely be  a negative impact to surrounding areas.

d) It is unlikely that people would build homes if the property was vacant, at least in this current market. People that are considering building now are looking for private settings and/or acreage. The township locations are much more popular because the tax base is much lower. This rationale is supported by the relatively low number of new home construction permits issued by the City of Ironwood over the past 10 years.

4. My development group believes the proposed re-zoning request is in agreement with the City Master Plan for the following reasons:

• The Norrie School property is in a Medium Density Residential Area, as defined by the Ironwood Comprehensive Plan. The plan defines this as properties being characterized by small lots and access to existing public sewer and water, sidewalks, streets and parks. Single and two-family residential uses are the primary use intended. The proposed senior patios homes are duplexes (4 in total), which align with the Comprehensive Plan. The school building will be redeveloped into 18 apartment homes. If we were to assume two residents per unit, it would result in 36 people living in the building which would not be a significant impact on the density of the subject area.

• One of the community issues addressed in the Comprehensive Plan is housing. The plan indicated that as of the time the study was conducted (1981), housing was identified as a serious issue due to the rising cost of new construction and the condition of existing housing stock. The plan also indicated that at the time of the study, the city's housing stock was quite old and much of it needed rehabilitation. Issues surrounding this included: a) Increasing the housing supply, including where multi-family housing should be located; and b) Maintenance of existing homes.

The proposed redevelopment of the Norrie property, both the school and senior patio homes, would help to satisfy a documented need for both quality apartments and senior housing units. My team's research shows that there is a current waiting list at the Central School Apartment complex, which is the most similar development to the Norrie Apartment Homes. The amentities that we are offering in our apartment homes (garages, community room, large units, etc.) should help reduce the over all waiting lists in the area for individuals seeking quality apartment options.

There are also waiting lists at the properties that serve the 55 and over population. Further, research has shown that there are no current options available in the market of duplexes specifically designed for the older population (one-level, ADA compliant, etc.) that are also tied into another complex for use of the community and exercise rooms.

• The Comprehensive Plan also discusses development patterns, including establishing the highest and best use of each parcel of land in a community. Based on the answers provided to each of the questions in this application, the development team believes the proposed redevelopment of the Norrie School property into apartment homes and senior patio homes provides the highest and best use of the site.

• The Plan also speaks to multi-family (apartments, townhouses, etc.) housing locations in Ironwood, which only accounts for a small percentage of the Ironwood area's total number of housing units. The plan also stated that the high cost of housing, decreasing family size and increasing population age will increase the demand for multi-family housing units and more will be needed. Our team believes that our proposed project will help to satisfy this increasing need for quality multi-family options.

• The Comprehensive Plan also indicated that the lack of vacant land in Ironwood complicates the location question for where multi-family units should be placed, given there special siting requirements. The plan providing the following factors for consideration: a) Adequate auto access; b) Proximity to services and employment opportunities; c) Proximity to public facilities and natural amenities; d) Compatible adjacent development.

The Norrie School site aligns well with all of these factors. It is close to the center of the city, but is also within 10 minutes of the hospital/medical facilities, U.S. 2 retail centers (Super One, K-mart, Wal-mart), restaurants, and other services. In addition, it is close to recreational opportunities, such as the new bike path (which goes directly in front of the school), cross-country ski trails, Norrie Park, and other nearby sources for outdoor recreational opportunities.

These considerations are important for all the proposed residents. The apartment homes will be targeting working professionals, young people who are saving up to buy their own home, and older adults who might be looking for a quality, secure, and spacious apartment home, but without the ongoing care and maintenance issues. The patio homes will be targeting older adults who still enjoy independent living, but without the ongoing issues of home ownership.

• The Plan also indicated that the exact number of housing units in need of improvement (in 1981 when the Plan was developed) was not known it was clear that it is substantially more than the city's resources are capable of handling. The Plan further stated that the city should actively continue to pursue funds for improvement of housing and encourage private reinvestment.

Our development team is willing to undertake a private investment opportunity of approximately $1.7 to $2.0 million to provide quality housing options to the Ironwood community, which also appears to be supportive of the Plan initiative stated above.

• On page 3-16 of the Comprehensive Plan, a detailed Development Check List is provided. Item 2 under this section discusses consideration of the compatability of surrounding land uses. Our development team believes that tying in the proposed apartment homes and the senior patio homes will provide synergies to create a community within the two pieces of the project (i.e. the people in the patio homes using the community and exercise rooms in the school building), options which allow people to either remain and/or move back to the neighborhood.

Specific points within Item 2 will now be addressed:

a) Building Character. The Norrie School building, which was built in 1917, has attractive architecture and appears to be in sound condition. Other than replacing the current windows with new, energy-efficient windows, which will also compliment the architecture of the building, and making repairs to the brick and masonry work on the building, the architecture will not change. We will be improving the parking lot, adding detached garages, and adding to the existing landscaping which should significantly improve the appearance of the overall grounds of the property, compared to what they currently look like.

Regarding the senior patio homes, these will be duplex units and have a "cottage-style" architecture, single-story with an attached garage that should compliment the surrounding homes.

b) Site use, design, and orientation. Please see attached site plan for further details. Our team believes this is an efficient site layout that also provides the proper aesthetics and functionality for both the residents of the proposed projects and surrounding neighborhood.

c) Since 1917, the Norrie property has functioned as an elementary school which includes bus, staff, and parent traffic patterns, primarily in the timeframes 7-8 a.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. With the proposed conversion of the building to apartment homes, it is anticipated that the traffic patterns would decrease significantly. Assuming two vehicles per apartment, with 18 apartment homes, there would be approximately 36 cars onsite. Depending if the resident was working or retired, the developer would assume a timeframe of 7-9 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. for most of the traffic patterns. This would be similar to the school traffic, but at projected decreased level of vehicles.

For the patio homes, there will be eight units planned, all with single-car garages. Thus, there would be eight projected cars (one per unit) using Birch Street. However, these units will be for residents 55 years and older, some of whom may not drive. Thus, it is not anticipated that these units will significantly add to the traffic patterns.

d) The characteristics of the proposed use are those associated with multi-family housing (non-subsidized). The development team believes that given the projected reduction in traffic and the fact that the building will no longer be used as a school (i.e. no playground noise), the entire site will be a more quiet location following the redevelopment.

e) There will be no fumes generated by the project or potential adverse effects on air quality.

f) Lighting for the project will be designed to be energy-efficient, while also providing the level of lighting required to ensure safety and security for the residents. The development team will be sensitive so as not to create an unnecessary light nuisance for the surrounding neighbors.

g) The site plan shows the refuse storage area for the Norrie School building will be in the same area as they are now. The senior patio homes will have their garbage collected as curbside pick-up in the same manner as the other residential properties in the neighborhood.

h) Hours of operation. Does not apply other than there will be an onsite manager with office hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.

• On page 3-7 of the Comprehensive Plan, Item 3 addresses the appropriateness of a given development on a given site which depends upon its fit with public facilities, such as the street system, public utilities, availability of police and fire protection, and the needs for parks and schools. The answers to the specific points addressed by Item 3 are as follows:

a) Can the streets immediately serving the proposed facility handle the anticipated traffic level, and if they will carry truck traffic, is the load capacity design of the street adequate? The developer's answer is yes and further stipulated that with the elimination of bus traffic on Ash, Spruce, and Birch streets following the closure of Norrie Elementary, the wear and tear on these streets will be significantly lessened. Also, the proposed redevelopment will not involve any type of truck traffic, excluding that associated with the construction aspects of the project.

b) Is the sewer and water system capable of handling the demands generated by the proposed development? Yes.

c) Are there any special emergency services needs associated with the proposed development and can the city meet these needs? No special emergency service need are required.

d) If the proposed development is a residential development, are there sufficient recreation facilities available close to the proposed development and, if not, how will the recreational needs be met? The Norrie Apartment homes will have both community and exercise rooms available for the residents of the building and the adjacent senior patio homes. Regarding external recreational opportunities, the new bike trail runs directly in front of the school building and there are close-by opportunities for running, skiing, snowmobiling, walking, etc. Further, any healthcare, shopping, dining, and other types of recreational opportunities are within a 5-15 minute radius of the subject redevelopment.

Mr. Forslund explained that he and his wife, Brenda, grew up in Ironwood and they both attended Norrie School. He told the Commission that his inlaws, Dave and Cathy Bulinski, have lived in the Norrie area for 42 years, in fact, they live right behind the school.

When Forslund found out that the school was closing he began to think about options to make the closure a "success story."  He decided that a "success story" similar to what Angelo Lupino created with the old Central School, or what Dr. Gresham did with Roosevelt School, would be the best option. He also mentioned that the old Catholic School on Arch Street which was also converted into apartment space.

He said the did some research to determine whether or not there is a documented need for additional housing in Ironwood. He said he discovered there was, in fact, a need. He then decided to pursue redeveloping the school into apartments and building additional "cottages" (senior patio duplexes) on the rest of the property.

He said after the idea was formated, the developers brought in an architect to examine the school and the surrounding property to determine what could be done with the property. The current plan as presented to the Commission last night is the result of the architects examination. Plans call for 18 apartments in the school and 8 patio duplex homes on the property. The largest units of the "apartment home" concept are over 1,700 square feet and include 2-bedrooms, 2-baths and a den.  The smallest unit, the onsite manager's unit, will be just under 1,000 square feet.

Each unit will have it's own: washer and dryer; high efficiency furnace; air conditioning; available garage space; and storage. He said there will be a community room and an exercise room available to all tenants. He said the tenants his company is targeting for the apartments are older individuals who may have sold their homes and young professionals who may be saving up to buy their first homes. He said the patio homes will be available to individuals who are 55 years old or older.

Forslund then went through the application explaining what each item was all about. He made a special point to show the economic benefits (including taxes generated; savings to the schools, and money spent on the project). He told the Commission that a "buy local" campaign will be in place when it comes to the development of the project. He said building materials, appliances, and contracting would be purchased locally. He said his goal was to spend as much of the $2.0 million dollar investment in the project locally.

"Lastly, what I see, in reviewing and going through the application process for rezoning, in reviewing the Master Plan that was developed back in 1981 we believe that is project supports the areas of the Plan that spoke to the ongoing need for quality multi-family developments here within the City of Ironwood." Forslund said.

Planning Commissioner Chairman John Wyssling asked the Commission if any of the Commissioners had any questions or comments.

Commissioner LeRoy Johnson asked Forslund to clarify whether or not the apartments in the Norrie School would be subsidized (Section 8) housing. Forslund said the apartments would not be subsidized.

"These will probably be the most expensive units in the market," Forslund explained, "And we're looking at that as far as the size of the units and the amenities offered. That's how we're going to gauge the rents. I haven't calculated the rents as of yet, but in doing my market research I know that they're going to be higher than what's available say for a traditional 2-bedroom, 2-bath apartment."

"Are you going to be the actual developer?" Johnson asked, "Or are you going to give it to somebody else?"

"We're going to develop it and our team is going to own it!" Forslund said, "And, in addition to the five members of my development team, we're going to have a local owner, which also happens to be my father-in-law, because we thought we want and in-town presence for the ownership. A further commitment to the project, we are also going to be taking one of the units as  a development team. We're up here for family functions quite often. My partners are avid skiers, hunters, and  we see utilizing the unit that were going to take in the building plus, in addition to having the onsite manager it adds a little more  depth of management -- if you will -- to know that the owners also have a place and are going to be coming unannounced to spend weekends and vacations. So, we feel it very important that we want to either do this as a project to flip or sell to somebody or be a typical off-site owner."

Johnson asked Forslund if anyone from the city discussed a "conditional rezone" with him.

Forslund said that it wasn't discussed and Community Development Director Merritt Bussiere explained that the City's Zoning Ordinance didn't have language that supported such a rezone, but he said the Commission could consider it, if they wished.

Johnson pointed out that the law allows it, so it could be done if the Commission so wished. He said the problem he has with the proposal is that the possibility that the applicant -- although he promised no subsidized housing -- has the property rezoned and then sells it to someone else. The new owner could convert the multi-family units into Section 8, subsidized housing if he so wished.

Forslund said he would be agreeable to such a rezone agreement.

Commissioner Jackie Powers asked what the extended timeframe was for the completion of the project. Forslund said the development team would do their best to get all of the inspections and legal and City issues completed and a summer start was conceivable. He said if construction could begin this summer, it would be safe to assume the completion date to be Spring of 2012.

City Commissioner Rick Semo asked if the apartment were all going to be "open market" apartments and if there were any restrictions of who could rent the apartments. Forslund indicated that the apartments would be market rate and that seniors and young professionals would be the target tenants (although the rental rate will really determine occupancy) for the apartments while individuals 55 years of age or older would be sought to occupy the cottage duplexes.

Jim Rayner addressed the Commission in support of the project. He explained that he was a property owner in Ironwood.

"I'm in strong support of this project. And I'd just like to tell a short story about a visit I made to a great aunt in Mason, Michigan in the mid-80's. She was 85 at the time and she was on the third floor of an old school building. I'd never been in it before, but my wife and I went to visit her father and few uncles and they both graduated from this building. As we were walking through the hallway they still had the class composite pictures... 'Oh, there's your dad! There's Uncle Morris! There's Uncle Cliff!' This was not just another apartment building. It was a real community treasure. Everybody knew where this building was and it was in a very centrally located place and I think the same thing could happen with Norrie. You can take an old building, that's still extremely solid, and become a community treasure  like no viturally no other project I think could be. So I strongly urge you to support this project. Thank-you."

Eugene Clemens told the Commission, "I've lived right behind the Norrie School for the last 40 years. Everything that's been said about the demolition costs and tax revenues, I'm 100% for this project. I'd really like to see it done!"

Angelo Lupino, owner of the Central Ski Lodge, said, "I'm 100% for the project, even though he's competition -- he's no competition. So, I'm for it!"

Dave Bulinski addressed the Commission. He explained that he lived behind the Norrie School. "I've lived behind the Norrie School for 42 years. I guess I can't say much else but I'm for that project 100%! I've lived here for 42 years and in that 42 years I don't think I've seen too much progress in our area -- in that Norrie location. In fact, I think it was back when Modern Construction was here that they did our streets -- a couple of streets. We haven't had anything done since that time. It's a beautiful project as far as I'm concerned. So, I don't see any reason -- it's a win-win situation for everybody. Thank-you."

Marcus Celeski supported the project by saying, "While I don't live in the Norrie location, I am a citizen of Ironwood; a taxpayer; and also a taxpayer for the school district and all the other taxing bodies. I'm in support of the project. We have a new Alfred Wright Boulevard and I believe it should go to something more than an empty lot. Also the tax revenue generated by the property will assist and be of value to all the taxing bodies. The more you spread out your tax base, conceivably your individual millage should be able to drop, barring any other circumstances.  Also, the school is a part of the heritage of the City and, as such, keeping it, rather than tearing it down sends a message to other people that we value our heritage and promote it. Thanks."

Margaret Celeski spoke up in support of the project. "I have two residences in Ironwood. At the meeting we had at Norrie School with the school board, Chris Forslund was saying that there was going to be some kind of glassed in trophy case  on the wall with Norrie memorabilia. So that's the answer to that question. So if someone wants to donate things or if they come across things they can give them to the developers. That's all I wanted to say. And I'm in favor of it!"

Steve Thomas, Ironwood Area Schools Board of Education Chaiman, said, "There's two things I'd like to mention. One, it's already been mentioned that it would increase the tax value for the City of Ironwood. This would NOT -- taxwise -- would not benefit the school system because they would simply reduce the State aid in relation to the amount of taxes. So there's no real tax advantage to the school system for this particular building. The tax advantage would be for the City of Ironwood. The other thing, and Mr. Bulinski can attest to this, is that there's many times in the summer time that we've been chewed out because we didn't get the grass cut because our janitors are on vacation or are doing maintenance in the schools, that I'd just hate to see if we tear the building down and just leave it as a big vacant lot, what it'll end up looking like. I think it'll look a lot better with a building on it that is fixed up."

Tim Kolesar, Superintendent of the Ironwood Area Schools, told the Commission, "I just see it as a win-win for both the City and  for the school. To anyone who'd like to come in, I'd be more than happy to show off some of the improvements that we've already made to the L. L. Wright Building. With the kids up there, for a week now, it's amazing how they've adjusted. They love it! And I look at it as we don't have to spend the $223,000 (for demolition costs). There are more things we can do to make L. L. Wright and Sleight Elementary a better place for our students -- not only today but also in the future."

NOTE: If the project doesn't go through, or if it takes to long to get started, the School District will have to pay to have the building razed. They have set aside funds to pay for demolition of the building if it becomes necessary.

Kolesar explained that the same thing might happen in the future to Sleight School and he'd support a similar project on that building if it was proposed.

There were no other comments in support of the project and there were no comments in opposition, so the comments section of the Public Hearing was closed.

Commissioner Johnson made a motion to approve the request to rezone the property. Commissioner Powers seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. The Commission unanimously approved the request to rezone the Norrie School property from R-1 to R-2.

Following the Public Hearing, the Commission held a regular meeting. Roll was taken, and all members of the Commission were present - Tom Bergman, Cortland Geib, LeRoy Johnson, John Wyssling, Eric Lytwyniuk, Jackie Powers, and ex officio Rick Semo.  (There is currently one vacancy on the Commission). City staff present at the meeting included: City Manager Scott Erickson; Community Development Director Merritt Bussiere; and Planning Commission Secretary Jane Bowman. Representing the press were Margaret Levra (Daily Globe) and yours truly.

After roll was taken, the Commission approved the January 5, 2011 meeting minutes and the docket (with the addition of one item). The following issues were addressed at the meeting:

• The Commission went over the draft language addressing Non-Conforming Uses, Lots & Structures. Minor changes were suggested to the document, and the Community Development Director agreed to make a redraft reflecting those changes.
• The Commission revisited changes to the 2010-2015 Captial Improvement Plan as per the City Commission's request. Generally, a new CIP is approved prior to approving the new budget. Partially due to the fact that the City didn't have a Community Development Director, this was not the case for the 2010-2015 CIP. At the last City Commission meeting, the Commission voted to send the Plan back to the Planning Commission because there was no input from the Civic Center, the Library, Parks & Recreations,  the IPSD, or the Theatre. The City Commission didn't feel comfortable with the Plan as presented. After considerable discussion on the matter, the Commission voted to include Civic Center input and to the date for Library plans. The Commission voted to approve the amended CIP. All voted yes, except Commissioner Powers who didn't feel comfortable voting for Library plans that were not clearly spelled out.
• The Commission was updated on the Noise Control Ordinance. Bussiere handed out a paper showing the progress on the Ordinance. He told the Commission that there were no comments on the Ordinance at the Public Hearing. No action needed to be taken on this matter.
• The Commission heard a brief update by Merritt Bussiere regarding the Comprehensive Plan. Bussiere notified the Commission of a series of workshops being offered by the Michigan State University Extention Office on Planning and Zoning. Several of the Commissioners agreed to participate. Bussiere told the Commission that he was in the process of seeking grant funding to help pay for a new Comprehensive Plan.
• Merritt Bussiere presented the Commission with the following Project Updates:
•  The High School will be presenting the Planning Commission with a site plan for review in the next couple of months.
• Orvana is seeking office space (12 offices) and parking space in the area.
• The purchase of the Velin Building by the City is expected to be complete by February 25.
• A brief update of the Penokee Mine project was given by Bussiere. He told the Commission that the Penokee Mine organizers have an office in Hurley.
• Merritt Bussiere told the Commission that the Planning Commission MUST hold a public hearing to amend the Zoning Ordinance, but the City Commission is not required to do so. They MAY hold such a hearing if they so choose.
• The print shop currently located on Ayer Street requested the Commission to consider the possibility to allowing the owners to relocate the shop in a home located at 115 West Pine Street. Since this was not an agenda item, no action could be taken. The Commission seemed to oppose the idea, and they briefly discussed acceptible location options in the Downtown.

During the Public Comment portion of the meeting, Lou Bonagura told the Commission that he was opposed to the idea of locating the print shop on Pine Street, and he said the Commissioners were making fools of themselves for being so inconsistent. He pointed out that the Commission would not allow a request to change over a downtown location from commercial to residential, but are now considering a business to locate in a residential area.

This reporter told the Commission that they have been very fair and consistent. I told the Commission that the City should help the printing business find another location in the Downtown. Following a brief discussion, the meeting was adjourned.