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Commission votes 5-2 to pursue CDBG application for 111 Portage Ave. after contested public hearing
Summary
After a 42-minute public hearing, the Three Rivers City Commission voted 5-2 on Jan. 6 to authorize applying for a CDBG MI Neighborhood Grant to rehabilitate 111 Portage Ave., despite neighbors’ concerns about roof damage, liability and developer plans. Mayor said final acceptance will return to the commission.
The Three Rivers City Commission voted 5-2 on Jan. 6 to authorize applying for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG MI Neighborhood Grant 2025/2026 Round 3) to fund rehabilitation of the unoccupied rental at 111 Portage Ave.
Mayor Angel Johnston opened a public hearing at 6:05 p.m. and heard more than a dozen neighbors and stakeholders. Kendra Eldridge, owner of 109 Portage Ave., said the roof at 111 Portage was causing damage to her building and asked what would happen if the commission declined to apply for the grant. Michael Eldridge, also an owner of 109 Portage Ave., raised concerns about a deteriorating concrete platform that leads to shared interior spaces. Other speakers asked about inspections and liability insurance (Lynn Hall-McLeod), the planned sale of the property after grant work (Daly Broekema), and whether demolition grants were available (Terrance Moyer). Jenni Koski, Planning Commission secretary, summarized the design-plan process; John "Charlie" Wolgamood, chair of the Downtown Development Authority, stressed the importance of downtown investment.
After the public comment period closed at 6:47 p.m., commissioners debated whether to proceed with the grant application. At-Large Commissioner Torrey Brown moved to hold the public hearing, approve the resolution to assign an authorized official, and move forward with the application; Fourth District Commissioner Carolyn McNary seconded. The motion passed 5-2, with First District Commissioner Pat Dane and At-Large Commissioner Lucas Allen opposing. The commission did not accept the grant at the meeting; Mayor Johnston said any grant award would return to the commission for final acceptance.
The decision begins the formal application process but does not commit the city to accepting funds or carrying out construction until later approvals. Residents at the hearing asked for clearer plans addressing nearby property damage, liability coverage and the identity and responsibilities of any private developer tied to the project. The commission vote authorizes staff to pursue the application; next steps, including conditions attached to any award and a final acceptance vote, were not specified at the meeting.
