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After business objections, Mount Clemens tables Cherry Street property exchange for dumpster enclosure
Summary
City staff proposed a property swap to build a consolidated dumpster enclosure for Cherry Street businesses; owners objected to locating dumpsters near storefronts, citing access, sanitation and aesthetic concerns, and the commission voted to table the purchase agreement until the next regular meeting.
The Mount Clemens City Commission voted to table consideration of a purchase agreement that would exchange a city-owned parcel for a privately owned lot intended to host a consolidated dumpster enclosure serving Cherry Street businesses.
City Manager Shipman said the enclosure, as proposed, would consolidate scattered dumpsters to a private lot and would hold two full-size dumpsters and a grease bin. He argued the change would reduce sidewalk obstruction and damage from service vehicle traffic and support downtown revitalization. "A privately owned lot adjacent to the corridor has been identified as a prime location for a consolidated ... dumpster enclosure," Shipman said.
Several downtown business owners and residents urged the commission to reconsider placing dumpsters adjacent to storefronts. Business owner Mike Malone said the alley is narrow and expressed safety concerns for trucks backing up and for overhead utilities that could be affected when dumpsters are lifted. "We're just asking for reconsideration ... we really won't support a dumpster," Malone said. Another business representative, David Gassen, said placing a dumpster in front of his business's front yard would be "very negative" for pedestrian access and future development prospects.
Commissioners debated offers from local architects and business representatives to meet with staff to explore alternatives. One commissioner proposed tabling the motion so architects and affected business owners could present design alternatives; that friendly amendment was seconded and the motion to table carried by roll call vote.
What happens next: Staff said tabling will allow time to review alternate designs and any plans that private property owners or architects wish to present; the item will return at the next regular meeting for further consideration.
