[{"_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",6551916,"mediaKeyId","5322734-e5dbaa6d808ec38abb68ccf83db33fc6","parentId",5322734,"title","Owner of former Leo’s Tavern seeks OPRA district and 12-year abatement for $4.8M rehabilitation; council sets public hearings","audioSeconds",1915,"startMs",6867000,"endMs",8782000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322734-e5dbaa6d808ec38abb68ccf83db33fc6&start=6867&end=8782","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322734-e5dbaa6d808ec38abb68ccf83db33fc6/thumbnail_6867000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6551916/Petoskey-City/Emmet-County/Michigan/Owner-of-former-Leos-Tavern-seeks-OPRA-district-and-12-year-abatement-for-48M-rehabilitation-council-sets-public-hearings","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6551916-f609a7ec4cb81e63034edf4d9c51e5a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174095&Signature=WOJp-tYg-Z2YmQBznI2k~qBSUKDOYgsANN8DTpFFIT4D2osEi2Uq-l~2ncPuO2dDjRLl3Z2bARcZnu2iYpSkHNDble7QEKP2oJYGB67das6waaejTBvGX-ekjTXVeLTLH2Br97V4~JakvoQiBwpv7Z6CmPv4nDhbhv902OrBFdRHJNKLjuDUb~LwFb40Ddf7~a1yzPFcuhMSfTuONyt8zfgwILclIuPOUx6KKVSGmSH8Wt33UcCR0uiKoelTJFbmLC0H6N3xaWPikpabAZV4LjFIm5YTvRQfEBYFEfY0wMQAPkx2HFgZFlmS0sbZWGkNEdPsJIq3gFhBIzVMvC51Uw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Petoskey","date","2025-07-07T21:59:25Z","article","Petoskey City Council set public hearings after the building owner and developer presented plans to rehabilitate 434 East Mitchell Street — the former Leo’s Tavern — using multiple financing tools, including an OPRA exemption, an MEDC grant and federal historic rehabilitation tax credits.

Tom Johnson of the Landmark Group and building owner Randy Flynn described a $4.8 million rehabilitation that would restore the main level for a family dining establishment, convert the basement to a speakeasy-style dining area and create eight residential units above and at garden level. The project team said the building is historically significant (circa 1895), is in poor condition and would be economically difficult to renovate without public assistance and tax incentives.

Council voted unanimously (5-0) to set a public hearing on establishing an OPRA district for the property and to set a separate public hearing on the owner’s OPRA certificate application. The motions were procedural steps required before the council can consider granting tax abatement under Michigan’s Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act.

Key project numbers and financing requests presented to council:
- Total development cost: about $4,800,000 (acquisition plus construction and related costs).
- Projected post-rehab assessed value estimated by the applicant: roughly $2.6 million (appraisal pending).
- MEDC grant request: up to $1,500,000 (maximum available under MEDC historic rehab grant program).
- Owner request: a 12-year OPRA tax abatement to freeze existing tax payments while the project is completed; the applicant estimated that the abatement would save roughly $24,008 per year under the proposed schedule.
- Historic tax credit financing: the applicant plans to syndicate federal historic-tax credits through a bank investor (Mercantile Bank letter of intent reported).

Housing and rents: the developer said the upper floor would be configured as four 1,100-square-foot apartments that the applicant estimated could rent at market rates around $2,400 per month; garden-level suite-style units were estimated at about $900 per month. The applicant acknowledged the project could run at a low margin or negative cash flow in early years and that the abatement, grant and tax credit proceeds are necessary to close financing.

Timeline and risks: project proponents told council they expect to start construction after financing is firm, estimating 12–18 months for completion; they warned that construction costs, interest rates and grant timing create funding risk. City staff and the developer said the OPRA approval process includes public notices to other taxing units (schools, ISD, county) and that the State Tax Commission must approve any final certificate.

Council action: two separate motions to set public hearings (one to establish an OPRA district and one to hear the certificate request) were approved on July 7 by unanimous vote. Separate public hearings and formal council consideration will follow the statutory notice period.

What to expect: public hearings will allow affected taxing units and members of the public to comment before council takes a final vote on establishing the OPRA district or issuing any tax-exemption certificate. Staff said they will return proposed findings and a certificate to council if the applicant proceeds with a formal application.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting 07.07.25","oneSentenceSummary","Petoskey council set public hearings on July 7 after the owner of 434 East Mitchell (the former Leo’s Tavern) presented a $4.8 million historic-rehabilitation plan that would rely on a MEDC grant, federal historic tax credits and a 12-year OPRA tax abatement.","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},6551921,"Council OKs zoning change to allow below-grade residential and commercial uses with building-code safeguards",1161,5580000,6741000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322734-e5dbaa6d808ec38abb68ccf83db33fc6&start=5580&end=6741","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322734-e5dbaa6d808ec38abb68ccf83db33fc6/thumbnail_5580000.jpg","/articles/6551921/Petoskey-City/Emmet-County/Michigan/Council-OKs-zoning-change-to-allow-below-grade-residential-and-commercial-uses-with-building-code-safeguards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6551921-209f79bd06d46675c2e1adfccc743aba/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174095&Signature=XTHL-kraHGdptNpdH3TonP3cqwkY3sKGLBwsl4C50rWieuFx9Hfc1QOlmiL0pa-Q7hUBU0roM54jp2rKZA09EKGlnryXxxzEQ-eZhiU35fF6CPoN5Bn6Sp3e9PSv6NyFxRYXMvKa~0uXNMFlBcZYtJPdYOz0Kkf2nO~A7IS2uNw39Ytbx0Vac99dR7jUsR9wr8ffV2W130lIEFozokuHbS1kre9tZT2HzfySb12wtMPUumjEd3jndkHTt-Xveci-YXQ7Onb84N3Jc9Tctaj4akdC1byYp9OoiAkc2LnD6oLMmE5Ly~pzaU7ebQJGva1K0~mQdq9r-LYUtsZScjS4bA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Petoskey City Council voted unanimously (5-0) on July 7 to adopt an amendment to the Central Business District zoning ordinance that allows certain below-average-grade (basement-level) residential and commercial uses, subject to building- and life-safety standards.

The ordinance change was intended to make existing below-grade commercial spaces legal and to give other property owners the option to repurpose underused below-grade areas in the downtown core. Councilmembers and staff stressed that the key condition of the approval is strict compliance with state and local construction and safety codes.

Councilmember Walker moved the final amendment to add the phrase, in short: “Construction and maintenance shall comply with the most recently adopted Michigan building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and fire codes for the City of Petoskey and Emmet County and any other applicable codes or laws.” Councilmember Moore seconded the motion; the amendment and the ordinance passed on a 5-0 vote.

During discussion planning staff and the county building official warned that converting below-grade spaces for human occupancy is typically complex and costly. Staff noted the primary regulatory hurdles will be meeting building-code requirements for ventilation, egress, fire suppression and accessibility. The planning commission and downtown stakeholders had recommended excluding short-term rentals from permitted below-grade residential uses so workforce housing stock is prioritized. The adopted language retains that exclusion.

The council and staff said existing legally nonconforming below-grade uses (for example, some current lodging or dining spaces) will be brought into compliance when they seek a new permit or if an owner proposes substantial alterations. Staff also said the county building office will enforce applicable codes; contractors and designers must meet all inspection and permitting requirements.

What the ordinance allows: below-grade retail, restaurant, lodging and residential uses in the Central Business District when they meet technical building-safety standards and receive any required special-use review. Short-term rental (STR) uses were explicitly excluded from below-grade residential allowances.

Vote: mover — Councilmember Walker (amendment and adoption); second — Councilmember Moore; tally — 5 yes, 0 no. Outcome: approved.","Petoskey council adopted a zoning amendment to allow below-average-grade (basement-level) uses in the Central Business District, adding a staff-amended safety clause requiring construction and maintenance to meet Michigan building and fire codes.",{"_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},6551925,"Petoskey council adopts ordinance to create local historic preservation commission",2987,2573000,5560000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322734-e5dbaa6d808ec38abb68ccf83db33fc6&start=2573&end=5560","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322734-e5dbaa6d808ec38abb68ccf83db33fc6/thumbnail_2573000.jpg","/articles/6551925/Petoskey-City/Emmet-County/Michigan/Petoskey-council-adopts-ordinance-to-create-local-historic-preservation-commission","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6551925-3975b404bbcd697f1994929e090e4603/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174095&Signature=nIhMma6~jW~r9AwJVvTksD0ghuQsfxBb3goMiJTlqAcfzqY6Y4AeTu9SvlfZYs02tHOzCMmJjMmDmWucKJ20qYFOvwqbfAKR3DAqZxFvVGRmb3kKdeEjZCpLQPeuznyo0PbTWkoNJk6WVkxW8m0wg4uGAcy4evJaEViQCL8UCfugw8Q50GoWVe5Ux3zr92V~AoZC-uUlJbRArl4ujwPaRm4ObUHFjuavdDYEL9QOUzUkmzHKpZke7q7sjKqcfAK0Q3O~geOAhMLrEmPTxWjQtsOJQkog8l5EeVK5GoM9tVar-lIFtuV~~Eu7bPy4MSKRg-Oi6W8vJMBALNehmOLP~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Petoskey City Council voted 4-1 on July 7 to adopt an ordinance creating a local historic district commission and the procedural framework for establishing local historic districts.

The ordinance, which followed a two-hour public discussion and expert testimony, creates a commission, sets its duties and public-notice requirements, and directs the commission to prepare district study reports and public outreach before any local historic district is formed. Councilmember Moore moved adoption; Councilmember Walker seconded. The ordinance passed with Councilmember Shields the lone dissenting vote.

Supporters told council the measure would provide a structured process for identifying and protecting significant buildings while allowing public input. John Ico Angelo, the city planner, explained the commission would inventory properties and return recommendations to council; Rick Newman, an architect and planning commissioner, said standards generally aim to preserve key historic elements while permitting reasonable change. City Attorney Laura (last name not specified) and city staff repeatedly emphasized the ordinance establishes a commission and process, not immediate district boundaries.

Council discussion focused on the practical consequences for property owners and on how voluntary or expansive any future local districts might be. Councilmember D'Amour disclosed that a property she and her husband own appears on the national register and said she had received legal advice that it created no immediate conflict of interest for this ordinance. Several members said they expect the first local districts to be small and to grow only after owners see benefits.

The ordinance tracks language from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the Local Historic Districts Act, Act 169 of 1970, and staff emphasized the local commission must follow statutory procedures before council would vote to establish any specific district. Councilmembers and witnesses described incentives available to property owners who pursue federal or state historic rehabilitation tax credits, but they also warned that tax-credit work has separate review and compliance requirements.

What this means for residents: adoption creates a new city body and starts a formal, multi-step process. Any recommendation to designate a local historic district will return to council for final action after a study, public hearings and formal public notice. Council members said they expect the commission’s work, and any first district proposals, to take months.

The vote was: mover — Councilmember Moore; second — Councilmember Walker; yes — Councilmembers DeMoor, Walker, Nachtrabe and Murphy; no — Councilmember Shields. Outcome: approved.

Council and staff said the next steps will be mayoral appointments to the new commission, a commission-led study of candidate areas, and public engagement before any local-district ordinance would be introduced to council.","After hours of public comment and expert testimony, Petoskey City Council approved an ordinance to establish a local historic district commission and the framework for creating local historic districts; council members said the ordinance creates a study process and does not by itself designate any property as a local historic district.",{"_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},6551911,"At a glance: Petoskey council votes on consent items, social district hours, and fiscal grant extension",773,93000,866000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322734-e5dbaa6d808ec38abb68ccf83db33fc6&start=93&end=866","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322734-e5dbaa6d808ec38abb68ccf83db33fc6/thumbnail_93000.jpg","/articles/6551911/Petoskey-City/Emmet-County/Michigan/At-a-glance-Petoskey-council-votes-on-consent-items-social-district-hours-and-fiscal-grant-extension","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6551911-261964a052ac18940f7734461c9f9f6b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174095&Signature=FO8Bvxh68jxxefXLVGDh8lnJLpyBjU1KuWMILFIPZN6B-wn0qxiILGPJanNpNG9lznvPz7YVPeQBtRd5ybKRHk20bId852BxdVXKoQWCUQY2IrFn9Zi4pmEcFBtjSNh-XrdK6P9oOl-euPaOJFBKWtRo0TE0qJQrBpUvtSfRILup~jv0jTd4opFIh0Vgzbi-FJfgbl7J10dXp2fxP94sLK31wUR-pshWTUTbuo0JhxNsWXpncGs1KwE5bL6sw1wt4GQnlqTDz872KS-EIzevXiYmDvKM0ZBff6VAoYESddP7QesqiPTGh001KhQP6vOHxFi2jVMTqbe3ChqpA3mnTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Petoskey City Council approved a series of routine and policy items on July 7. Key votes and outcomes:

Consent agenda (passed 5-0)
- The council approved the consent agenda, which included the June 2 meeting minutes, May 2025 revenue and expenditures, and authorization to award a contract for water-service-line material verification. Staff said the city began material identification last year and has been pursuing reimbursement; the council discussed bid spread and staff recommendation to proceed with the low bidder. City staff said past work costs are not reimbursable under the reimbursement grant; only prospective costs are eligible. Council approved the consent agenda by a 5-0 vote.

Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (extension) (passed 5-0)
- Council authorized the city manager to execute an agreement to extend the distribution deadline for a local recovery fund grant from Emmet County to Sept. 30, 2025. The extension will allow staff to complete projects funded by the grant, including work linked to the Winter Sports Park snowmaking infrastructure.

Social district maintenance plan and commons-area amendment (passed 3-2)
- Council amended the social-district maintenance plan to (1) extend the alcohol-carrying hours inside the commons from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. year round and (2) add an alley adjacent to Malted Vinyl into the commons area where the district cup may be carried. The Downtown Management Board recommended a 10 p.m. limit; some council members objected to extending alcohol-carrying hours. The amendment passed on a 3-2 vote.

Vacant buildings / dangerous-building and nuisance codes (introductions / postponements)
- Council held a first-read discussion on a proposed vacant-building ordinance and asked staff and the city attorney for revisions and additional input; council postponed further reading to a subsequent meeting to give staff time to incorporate council comments.
- Council also undertook first-read review of nuisance ordinance updates and proposed traffic and signage code updates (including new language to address bicycles, skateboards and similar devices in the downtown). Staff and the city attorney said further edits will be circulated before second readings.

What council said: Staff and council emphasized code enforcement and public safety as drivers for the ordinances and asked the city attorney to provide language that balances enforcement tools, municipal civil-infractions and circuit-court remedies. Council members also asked for public outreach before rule changes that affect downtown residents and businesses.

Votes at a glance (selected):
- Consent agenda — approved 5-0
- Local fiscal recovery fund extension (execute agreement) — approved 5-0
- Social district hours and commons-area amendment — approved 3-2
- Vacant-building ordinance — first reading; postponed for revisions
- Nuisance ordinance — first reading (no final action)

Council members and staff said they will circulate revised ordinance drafts and schedule second readings in coming meetings.","Council approved the consent agenda (5-0), extended a local recovery grant deadline (5-0), amended downtown social-district hours and boundary (3-2), and handled first readings or postponements on several code updates.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Owner of former Leo’s Tavern seeks OPRA district and 12-year abatement for $4.8M rehabilitation; council sets public hearings

Council OKs zoning change to allow below-grade residential and commercial uses with building-code safeguards

Petoskey council adopts ordinance to create local historic preservation commission

At a glance: Petoskey council votes on consent items, social district hours, and fiscal grant extension