Muskegon Commission approves waterfront development deal with West Michigan Dock, setting an 18‑month environmental review

The Muskegon City Commission voted 4–2 on Dec. 9 to approve a development agreement with West Michigan Dock and Market, the local Sand Products company, that lays out a multi‑step framework to acquire and redevelop shoreline parcels now held in part by the city and private owners.

City officials said the agreement would immediately transfer a small L‑shaped parcel at 3rd Street Wharf into city ownership and give West Michigan Dock an 18‑month due‑diligence option to complete environmental assessments on a roughly 25‑acre Verplank parcel the company has the option to purchase. City manager staff told commissioners the timeline gives the city and the buyer space for baseline environmental studies, and a separate appraisal process will set purchase price terms.

“This is a tough vote,” the city manager said during deliberations, noting the agreement is the result of years of public engagement and multiple revisions to the draft. The manager said the pact is structured so the city can walk away during due diligence if remediation or other costs prove unworkable.

West Michigan Dock attorney and representative Chuck Kainstray told the commission…