Alpena council approves modified lease for Sunrise Side Co‑op market at marina

The Alpena City Council voted Sept. 16 to approve a modified lease allowing the Sunrise Side Co‑op market to use the Marina Shop Building for a winter market and to grow into a year‑round vendor space, subject to conditions discussed during the meeting.

Harbor Master Kevin Fisher outlined proposed modifications including a lease term to June 30, 2025 with the option to renew in up to three one‑year renewals, a requirement that improvements remain with the premises at lease end, no cap on rent, and 30‑day termination for cause or 60‑day termination without cause. Fisher said the market intends to use indoor space and some outdoor space but that any outside activities would require the city’s event application approval.

Council members asked staff to define exterior space in the lease (the building footprint was noted as 2,400 square feet) and to call out signage and lighting rules so market activities do not interfere with marina operations or visitor parking during events such as the Brown Trout festival. The market representative said the organization’s only hesitation was losing two weeks of vendor setup if the council delayed approval. After brief procedural confusion over a motion to postpone that was rescinded, council approved the lease as modified and directed staff to prepare a clean, dated copy for signatures so the market can move forward.

Council and the market agreed that any activities outside the building footprint would be handled through the city’s event application process and that signage and lighting must comply with city ordinances and the charter.