Newaygo PSD approves two façade permits and advances Pocket Park plan

The Principal Shopping District board on Sept. 10 approved two façade permits for downtown properties and reviewed an initial site plan for a proposed Pocket Park that the city aims to complete by Memorial Day 2026. Chair Cooper called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m. at City Hall, 28 N. State Road.

The board approved a façade permit for 47 W. State Road, The Free Spirit Retreat, with a motion by Trustee Fedell and a second from Trustee Faulkner. City Manager Jon Schneider said the owner plans to remove the existing front steps and install a concrete patio; the façade application and photos were included in the meeting packet. The board then approved a façade permit for 30 Quarterline Road (Ken Armour). Schneider said the Quarterline Road work will include exterior repairs, repainting and tuckpointing of some brick, with the owner seeking to keep colors similar to existing finishes.

Schneider presented an initial Pocket Park site plan, saying suggested revisions were returned to the engineer and a final revision is expected in the coming weeks. He said the clock in the existing downtown location will remain and showed a rendering of a proposed wall with signage behind the clock. Schneider said the plan addresses vegetation, a fireplace and the wall of the 14 State Road building and that "the hope is to have the park completed by Memorial Day of 2026." He added that the current benches in front of the clock would be relocated to the Peace Memorial.

The permits and park update were approved as recorded in the meeting minutes. The board adjourned at 8:49 a.m.