Planning commission recommends approval of 36‑unit PUD on West Magnetic Street

The Market City Planning Commission on June 3 recommended that the City Commission approve a preliminary planned unit development (PUD) for a 3.1‑acre site on the south side of West Magnetic Street between Lee Street and Fourth Street.

City planning staff told commissioners the application seeks preliminary PUD approval for 36 units — townhomes, duplexes, triplexes and one six‑unit building — on three former Marquette General Hospital staff parking lots. "If approved by the city commission, the city attorney will prepare a contract," city staff member Dave said, describing the post‑approval steps before final permits can be issued.

The developer, represented by Bob Mahaney, presented a revised plan that reduces unit count from 40 to 36 and increases green space to nearly 30 percent of the site. Mahaney said the design emphasizes a traditional brownstone palette and stronger pedestrian connections to green space north of the site. "We've reduced the count, by 10%," he told the commission.

Why it matters: the planning commission's favorable recommendation advances the project to the City Commission, which will hold the decision that triggers recording of a developer contract and later final site plan review and permits. The proposal would add medium‑density for‑sale housing near…