Target Alpena presents semiannual economic update; DPI site auction and downtown activation among priorities

Mike Mahler, economic development director for Target, delivered the organization’s semiannual report to the Alpena City Council on Jan. 21, summarizing business recruitment, downtown redevelopment efforts and several active projects and prospects.

Mahler said an auction for the former DPI site was occurring the day of the meeting; he said Target stands ready to assist any new owner to redevelop the property. He also reported success pursuing a Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) grant that produced a $2,149,000 program to support small businesses across the region, with a portion of funds available to Alpena entrepreneurs through the chamber.

He described efforts to activate the former Alpena Power site on Second Avenue and the riverfront—after a prior developer stopped pursuing a 66‑unit apartment project—by looking at short‑term activation options (for example, pop‑up markets) that could serve cruise ship visitors this summer. Mahler also said Target continues to help the owner of the Fletcher paper mill pursue selective demolition options and that Target organized meetings with the State Land Bank to explore funding alternatives.

Other items Mahler highlighted included: the DDA boundary expansion (which now includes the former DPI site), a pending buyer and tenant for the former Huntington branch, new commercial activity at M‑32 and the airport corner, a planned Edward Jones office and a potential Gardens of Alpena senior housing project north of town (covered separately). He noted a county housing study estimating a need for roughly 1,500 new housing units in the county and said Target has a loan fund that made seven loans last year totaling about $210,000 to local businesses.

Council action: the council voted to receive and file Target’s semiannual report.