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Commission transfers Boyne City Theater deed to Main Street/DDA after years of dispute
Summary
After lengthy public comment and debate about past transfers and financial transparency, the commission voted to transfer the deed for 216 South Lake Street (the downtown theater) to the Downtown Development Authority/Main Street so the organization that funded the purchase can move forward with inspections and a plan.
The Boyne City Commission voted to transfer the deed for the downtown theater, 216 South Lake Street, to the city’s Downtown Development Authority/Main Street after months of public scrutiny and a long history of disputed transactions.
Supporters said transferring ownership to Main Street/DDA aligns legal title with the entity that supplied most of the purchase funding and will allow that organization to pursue inspections, develop a feasibility plan and seek funding. Commissioner Pritchard said the deed will let Main Street “move forward with inspections” and budget planning so the building is no longer left to deteriorate.
Residents and other speakers urged caution. Marty Moody told the commission the original purchase used an LLC and a so-called “straw buyer” and urged the city to be made whole, saying the public deserves clarity on whether money changed hands and how previous contracts were handled. “Main Street is Boyne City and Boyne City is Main Street,” Moody said during public comment, arguing for strict accountability before any transfer of ownership.
Other speakers including Chris Christensen and Cindy Banner urged the commission to retain ownership because the building was purchased with taxpayer-derived funds and elected officials should preserve oversight. Christensen said taxpayers have a right to retain ownership of property financed with city revenue: “The buck stops here,” he said.
City staff told the commission they had reviewed past payments and bank reconciliations and that the city’s portion of the original purchase paid for the parking lot while the DDA funded most of the building cost. The city attorney reviewed the transaction and advised the commission on approaches to realign title with the original funding source.
After deliberation — during which commissioners repeatedly emphasized the need for Main Street to present a clear plan if it assumes ownership — the commission approved the deed transfer and authorized the city manager or clerk-treasurer to execute the necessary documents. Commissioners said they expect the DDA/Main Street to pursue inspections and a restoration plan and to report progress to the commission.
The transfer resolves a long-standing ownership question but does not itself obligate the city to fund future renovations; commissioners directed that plans and any future funding requests be brought back for review.
The commission’s action: approved (roll-call vote recorded in meeting minutes).
