Howard and East Mitchell reconstruction to close intersection for roughly two months, city says

City manager Horn and public‑works staff summarized the scope and schedule for the Howard and East Mitchell Street reconstruction project at the April 6 council meeting.

The project will include a new water main, storm sewer, sanitary sewer replacement, new pavement and subgrade, new curb and gutter, new sidewalks, landscaping and restorations. Work will also include concrete features around the Chamber building and the new Christmas tree area.

Staff said the work is scheduled to start April 7, weather permitting, and to be largely completed by mid‑June. To minimize neighborhood and school‑zone impacts, the Mitchell intersection (Mitchell from Petoskey Street to Wackazoo) will be closed for staging and contractor access; staff expects that closure to remain for most of the construction period. "This is expected to be completed by mid June," a city staff member said.

The farmers market, which begins at the end of May, will likely miss two market events in the downtown location; staff said the Greenway space east of the Darling lot was discussed as an interim location and that businesses will remain open while on‑street parking adjacent to work zones will be managed to preserve customer access.

Council and staff discussed traffic flow, parking allowances adjacent to closures and service‑provider access; staff said alleys will be used where possible for refuse/recycling collection and that the contractor must move trash bins to agreed‑upon collection points. Staff plans to meet with the contractor before sign placement and final staging plans.

The council asked staff to keep businesses updated and confirmed the city will coordinate with the farmers market and businesses to minimize impacts.