Citizens Group Unites to Oppose Hovey Project

HURLEY, WI - Saturday, September 06, 2008 - A group of citizens concerned about the proposed Towering Pines Low-Income Ayer Street Housing Project met at 6:30 PM yesterday evening at the Villa Maria Conference Room, Hurley, Wisconsin.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE TOWERING PINES PROJECT

According to City records obtained by the Chronicle through the Freedom of Information Act, the Hovey Companies, LLC, DeWitt, Michigan, first contacted the City of Ironwood back in September of 2006. The out-of-town firm expressed an interest in building a housing project on Ayer Street. The firm was interested in building on a parcel of land that the City had previously deeded to the Gogebic-Ontonagon Community Action Agency (GOCAA).

The Action Agency originally planned on building an office complex on the site. However, after having a site survey done, the Agency decided it would be too costly to build on the land. According to documentation obtained by the Chronicle, the land would only support a one story structure without a basement.

On November 16, 2006, City Attorney Dennis Cossi drafted a Quit Claim Deed that released the property back to the City. In a cover letter the City received with the deed from Carolynne Carlson, Executive Director of the GOCAA, she wrote, "During discussion at the Board meeting, it was reiterated that should the property be sold for development, the Agency is requesting to recoup our expenses for the survey and borings that were completed by Coleman Engineering."

Back in 1998, the Lighthouse Faith Center requested the parcel of land to build a new church complex. According to an October 8, 1998 office memo from Will Andresen, the City's former Community Development Director, "The City has no intention of developing this area due to concerns of future cave-ins."

On the Consent Agenda for the December 11, 2006, City Commission meeting, a public hearing was scheduled for January 8, 2007, to introduce Ordinance No. 459, Book 4, an Ordinance to provide for a service charge in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for a proposed multiple family dwelling project, located on Ayer Street - Hovey Companies.

On December 20, 2006, the Ironwood City Commission agreed to enter into an option agreement with the Hovey Companies, LLC, to sell the firm eight acres of City-owned property located on the north side of Ayer Street, east of May Street.

According to the minutes of the December 20, 2006, meeting:

Mr. Timothy L. Hunnicutt, spokesman for the Hovey Companies, LLC, gave a presentation to the City Commission noting the history of his company. He stated the mission of the Hovey Companies is to work with communities similar to Ironwood to try and make a positive impact. Mr. Hunnicutt noted this development he is proposing will run through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and is their Cadillac program called HOME Team Advantage. He further noted he would be able to build a high-end market rate development diversifying the rents with no subsidies. This program is heavily grant funded through MSHDA and there are only four or five developments that will be funded per year.

Mayor Noren questioned the need for additional housing. Mr. Hunnicutt did a preliminary profile for this community from Hurley, Ironwood, Bessemer, and Wakefield and the Hovey Company would only be absorbing 3% of the market, well below what is targeted leaving more room for other developments.

Further comment was taken from Mr. Hunnicutt. City Manager Erickson mentioned the Planning Commission previously rezoned the property and City Attorney A. Dennis Cossi reviewed the Option Agreement. Mr. Erickson's recommended the City of Ironwood approve the option agreement with The Hovey Companies, LLC to purchase eight (8) acres of City owned property located on the north side of Ayer Street east of May Street for the purchase price of $80,000.

Then, on January 8, 2007, the City Commission held a Public Hearing to hear comment on Ordinance No. 459, Book 4, an Ordinance to provide for a service charge in lieu of taxes, more commonly known as a "Payment In Lieu of Taxes" (PILOT) for a proposed multiple family dwelling projects located on Ayer Street � Hovey Companies.

According to the minutes of the January 8, 2007 meeting:

GCFTC Sponsors Free Chimney Fire Prevention Class

WAKEFIELD, MI - Saturday, September 06, 2008 - As the winter heating season rapidly approaches, the Gogebic County Firefighters' Training Council (GCFTC) is once again pleased to offer at no charge to everyone, firefighters and the general public alike, the opportunity to come hear renowned instructor Fred Chamberlain present his program of chimney fire prevention and safety. Fred has taught this enjoyable class far and wide over the past twenty-five plus years and it has been very well received. Two years ago when we were last able to schedule Fred many individuals left the presentation pleased at what they had learned.

Veteran firefighters and individuals with years of wood burning experience were surprised to have some of the "wives tales" that they had thought were fact over the years dispelled , and learn information just recently discovered with the renewed emphasis on burning wood for heat.

If you burn wood for heating or know someone who does, or are a firefighter who has ever had to put out a chimney fire (that's all of us up here) you are very cordially invited to attend this excellent, free presentation by Fred Chamberlain on Wednesday, September 10th at 6:30 PM at the Wakefield, Michigan Fire Hall on the main street next to the Rocco Clinic.

Light refreshments will be provided courtesy of the Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department. It is well worth your time.

Ken Jacobson, Chief
Ironwood Volunteer Fire Department
Member Gogebic County Firefighters' Training Council