Three Rivers commission backs downtown grant effort, voices support for striking workers

The Three Rivers City Commission approved pursuing a state historic preservation grant for two downtown rehabilitation projects, and transferred a city-owned property on Middle Street for redevelopment during its meeting Tuesday.

Commissioners also voiced support for members of United Auto Workers Local 2093, who are on strike at the American Axle plant during commissioner comments at the end of the meeting.

City Manager Joe Bippus was absent on vacation, and Police Chief Scott Boling served as the active city manager during Tuesday’s meeting.

The meeting was livestreamed on Watershed Voice‘s Facebook page and can be viewed on the organization’s YouTube channel.

Downtown grant application approved

The lengthiest discussion of the evening came during the commission’s consideration of the Rural Heritage Partnership Grant Program, a Michigan State Historic Preservation Office program that allows municipalities to apply for funding on behalf of property owners.

The grant application seeks up to $100,000 for each of two historic rehabilitation projects in downtown Three Rivers. The projects include the Riviera Theatre and Bar and the vacant building attached to it, both owned by BMCG, LLC.

The vacant building at 46 N. Main St. would use the funding to replace its facade, while the Riviera Theatre and Bar at 48-50 N. Main St. would replace its HVAC system.

Mayor Angel Johnston asked Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Angi Metty, grant writer Jean Thompson-Sheltrown, and Finance Director Bobbi Schoon how much staff time would be required for the project. Johnston expressed concern about city resources being used to support a grant application for a private business.

Thompson-Sheltrown said she had spent about five to six hours on the project so far, while Schoon said she typically spends 25 to 30 hours auditing each grant administered by the city. Schoon said supporting projects that benefit the community is a common part of the city’s grant administration work.

“I’m just concerned with spending city resources to help get a grant for an individual business,” Johnston said during discussion.

Commissioner Torrey Brown also questioned whether similar assistance is available to businesses outside the downtown district. Schoon told commissioners the city has used the same process for businesses outside downtown in the past.

Johnston later said Schoon’s comments during the discussion helped convince her to support the grant application.

Resident Lynn McLeod raised concerns about the city devoting resources to a project involving a building she said is not accessible to all residents. McLeod said she believed continuing to support improvements to a building that is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act sends the wrong message and is “bad optics.”

Commissioners unanimously approved having city staff administer the grant application on behalf of the property owner.

The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning BMCG, LLC would receive up to $100,000 per project after eligible work is completed. The property owner would also be required to file a historic preservation easement as part of the project.

Project costs are estimated at approximately $400,000 for 48-50 N. Main St. and $256,000 for 46 N. Main St.

Middle Street property transfer

Commissioners also approved the transfer of 124 Middle St., a property acquired by the city through foreclosure.

City officials said floodplain regulations require the structure to be rehabilitated rather than demolished and replaced with a new building. Commissioners unanimously approved the transfer.

Commissioner comments

During commissioner comments, several commissioners expressed support for members of United Auto Workers Local 2093, who are on strike at American Axle. 

Johnston, Brown, and Commissioner Anthony Stanfill voiced support for the workers and the ongoing strike.

“I 100% stand with Local 2093,” Brown said.

In her final comments, Johnston also expressed disappointment with a recent Downtown Development Authority decision not to pursue a second farmers market in Three Rivers.

Johnston reiterated her support for a proposal presented by Charlie Wolgamood to establish a second farmers market downtown. The proposal was later considered by the DDA, where it failed on a unanimous vote.

“They [Huss Project] shouldn’t be able to corner the market in a society like ours,” Johnston said regarding the DDA’s decision.

Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.