Newaygo Principal Shopping District approves Pocket Park, storefront window replacement and M‑37 tree policy

The Newaygo Principal Shopping District on Oct. 8 approved plans for a downtown Pocket Park, authorized a storefront window replacement at 47 N State Rd, and agreed to keep pear trees along M‑37 when replacements are needed to preserve a uniform streetscape.

Vice‑Chair Fedell called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m. and the board voted, by motion of Parsley and second by Byrne, to approve the Pocket Park plans and to paint the wall of 14 State Rd a brick‑like color to match the front of Independent Bank. City Manager Jon Schneider said requests for bids for the Pocket Park are due by the end of October and added, “the park could be completed by Memorial Day 2026, depending on bid costs and contractor availability.” Schneider described elements under consideration including artificial turf, a fireplace, and a wall with signage behind the clock.

The board also approved, on a motion by Slominski and second by Fedell, replacement of the front windows at 47 N State Rd (owner Donna Friar). Friar said the large picture window would be replaced with a smaller three‑lite slider double‑pane window while the remaining front windows would retain their original size.

On streetscape policy, the board voted (Slominski/Parsley) to retain pear trees along sidewalks on M‑37 when replacements are required to maintain a uniform look; different species may be used in parking lot areas. Schneider displayed photos of Ginkgo and Linden trees during that discussion.

The motions noted at the meeting carried with the shorthand “AIF/MC” (all in favor/motion carried); no roll‑call tallies were recorded in the minutes. The board adjourned at 8:30 a.m.

The next procedural step for the Pocket Park is solicitation and review of bids due at the end of October. Completion will depend on contractor availability and prices received.