TL/DR –
City officials in Negaunee, Michigan have discovered that the 315 acres of the Old Town area are permanently protected from non-recreational development, rather than being limited to a 30-40 year restriction as previously believed. This is due to an agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) which requires the land to remain recreational, and any breach of this could risk the city having to pay back grant funds to the DNR. City Manager Nate Heffron stated that this aligns with the city’s recreation, master, and economic development plans, as their economic future is tied to recreation and outdoor tourism.
Old Town Area in Negaunee Protected From Development
City officials of Negaunee have discovered that the Old Town area, consisting of 315 acres of land, has permanent protection against nonrecreational development.
City Manager Nate Heffron stated, “We initially believed the nonrecreational development of the Old Town area was limited to 30 to 40 years. However, after discussions with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the city attorney, we have learned that the Old Town land is entirely safeguarded from all nonrecreational development indefinitely.”
An agreement with the Michigan DNR, involving the construction of the Jackson Mine Playground, mandates the land remains recreational. Any development activities risk repayment of grant funds to the DNR.
Heffron deemed the news as positive, aligning with the city’s recreational and master plans, along with past and current economic development plans. “We are not in a position where we can return grant dollars. Our economic future is tied to recreation and outdoor tourism, hence we cannot risk our relationship with the DNR or potential grants,” he added.
Heffron can be reached at 906-475-7700, ext. 11 for further queries.
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