Mount Clemens reviews $2 million state‑backed riverfront plan and considers purchase of Oakland University building

Macomb County planning staff presented an economic impact analysis to the Mount Clemens City Commission and outlined a state‑backed riverfront revitalization strategy tied to a possible city purchase of an Oakland University building.

John Paul "JP" Ray of Macomb County, who led the presentation, said the project concept earned a $2,000,000 appropriation from the state and that county modeling shows a conservative scenario in which a 90–100 unit mixed‑use development with retail and restaurant space could produce more than $2.4 million in sustained economic impact, create roughly six dozen jobs and yield about $375,000 to $500,000 in annual tax revenue depending on scale. "This concept received a $2,000,000 appropriation from the state of Michigan," Ray said, adding that the county and Oakland University had been engaged in early discussions about repurposing the Anton Frankel Center and the riverfront property.

Commissioners repeatedly emphasized that any redevelopment must protect existing park and boardwalk areas. One commissioner said they did not intend development to extend all the way to the water and urged that the commission preserve waterfront park space. Ray said the commission could require specific protections—"nonnegotiables"—in any request for qualifications or proposals, including public easements, environmental standards and community use requirements.

Several commissioners pressed for documentation of prior discussions with Oakland University and asked when staff would provide detailed reports. Shipman, who introduced the presentation, confirmed there is a purchase agreement with Oakland University and said the city is in a 60‑day due diligence period that runs to Sept. 1, with a provision for a possible 30‑day extension. A work session to review feasibility and assessment results was scheduled; staff said they would send the county's Lightcast economic modeling report and other materials to the commission in writing ahead of that session.

The presentation included baseline market figures the county used in modeling: an average monthly rental rate across the city of about $1,250, and a modeled market value for a 90–100 unit residential development of roughly $10–12.5 million (taxable value estimated at $5–6.25 million), plus additional commercial value. Ray cautioned that the figures depend on the final site plan, allowable density and the commission's policy choices.

Commissioners also raised other local issues tied to the riverfront plan. A resident's public comment described debris and navigation problems near Shadyside that prevent some residents from boating; staff and commissioners clarified the city does not control river dredging (the Drain Commission and, in some cases, the Army Corps of Engineers have jurisdiction) but noted the county and local volunteer groups have done cleanups and that grant funding has been used for past removals.

The commission discussed financing and incentive questions. Ray said redevelopment could involve Brownfield remediation (environmental or functional‑obsolescence paths), tax incentives and coordination with state programs such as MSHDA and MEDC. He described county assistance with site readiness assessments and pointed to Plante Moran Realpoint as an example of a consultant the county has used for similar work.

Several commissioners voiced concern about preserving Mount Clemens' historic character; one asked whether the city should save a 1959 building and its mineral‑bath heritage rather than sell the site. Staff said feasibility assessments will include retrofit/refurbish options and multiple cost scenarios ranging from minimal upgrades to high‑end renovations.

Next steps: staff will deliver the county's economic report and site‑assessment materials in writing to commissioners and present a fuller assessment at a scheduled work session; the city is in the 60‑day due diligence window on the Oakland University purchase agreement that Shipman said expires Sept. 1 (with a potential extension). No formal vote on acquisition or development approvals occurred at the work session.