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Muskegon commission hears hours of public comment on Fisherman’s Landing land-swap as manager outlines purchase/lease options
Summary
Residents split over a proposed land swap that would convert parts of Fisherman’s Landing campground into waterfront development while expanding public access; commissioners heard supporters tout grants and jobs and opponents warn of contamination, loss of campground services and unclear remediation costs. Discussion-only; a possible vote is expected Dec. 9.
MUSKEGON — The City of Muskegon Commission spent major portions of its Nov. 25 meeting hearing public testimony for and against a proposed land-swap and redevelopment concept that would reconfigure parts of the city’s waterfront and potentially convert Fisherman’s Landing campground for new uses.
Supporters including Trevor Friederberg, CEO of Greater Muskegon Economic Development, framed the deal as an economic and public-access opportunity, saying the plan “creates conditions for [businesses] to grow, modernize, and expand” and noting about $2,800,000 in grant funds are available to support the work. A county-level resolution supporting a “water, ports and parks” land-swap concept was also read into the record by Muskegon County Commissioner Jessica Cook.
Opponents said the swap as presented is premature and lopsided. Evan Ewing, a Glenside resident, told commissioners “I come here to stand against this deal,” arguing the proposal lacks written agreements and could shift costs and long-term maintenance of contaminated shoreline to taxpayers. Several residents raised specific concerns about contaminated soils and the cost of remediation; David Straugh asked directly where cleanup and dredging costs would be paid from and whether EGLE (the state environmental authority) had been engaged.
Campground operators and users warned of immediate service losses if the swap proceeds. Lisa Beal, a seasonal operator at Fisherman’s Landing and Campground, said the campground “means a lot to us” and warned that elimination of campground facilities would remove services such as an office that issues annual stickers and senior discounts, a dump station, pavilion and staffed fish station.
Commissioners asked staff and legal counsel to clarify the updated agreement’s terms. City Manager described a two-payment “prepaid lease” structure tied to appraised values: an initial payment linked to the city‑acquired 3rd Street parcel and a second payment tied to the conversion property’s residual value. The agreement includes three options for how the adjacent Verplank conversion property could be acquired — a mutual purchase by city and developer, a unilateral city purchase (noted as fiscally unlikely), or a later option where the developer pays the full price but deeds the property to the city with the city holding an option to reacquire a 25‑acre portion by paying an early-termination fee. Assistant City Attorney clarified the deed and fee-simple aspects in that latter option.
Commissioners and staff emphasized the matter is discussion-only at the Nov. 25 meeting and that a potential vote could come at the Dec. 9 general session. Several commissioners and the mayor said they wanted clearer, project‑specific fiscal projections and remediation cost scenarios before voting. City staff committed to follow up with comparative fiscal models and to present refined contract language for commissioners to review.
What’s next: The commission did not vote on the land-swap tonight. Staff will provide additional fiscal comparisons and draft contract language; the manager indicated December 9 is the likely date for a formal decision.
Quote highlights from the meeting: “Please listen to the people who voted you in,” resident Evan Ewing said in opposition to the swap. “This forward-thinking approach creates conditions for [the city] to unlock public access and jobs,” Trevor Friederberg said in support.
