Martin Erskine

The meeting involved discussions regarding special land use requests, including the approval of special land use applications for Tiger's Towing Project at 775 Industrial Road for outdoor storage of vehicles and self-storage units. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to the adoption of updates to Chapter 52, the Sanitary Sewer Ordinance. These updates are necessary for implementing an Industrial Pre-treatment Program (IP) as required by the state of Michigan (Eagle) and include updating definitions, adding authority rules for enforcing the IP, and establishing local limits for constituents, which are dictated by the EPA based on the treatment plant's capacity. The council also discussed the calculation methodology for local limits, including the significance of using the most restrictive limits derived from various scientific analyses.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, which involved removing several New Business items from the BRA and DDA sections due to lack of readiness, and reordering items under LDFA New Business. The consent agenda was approved, which included the minutes from the December 18, 2025 DDA/LDFA meeting and December 31, 2025 financial reports. A presentation focused on the 2026 economic development strategy, emphasizing a balanced approach involving historic preservation, job promotion, new revenues, and creating enhanced signage for walking tours and celebrating America 250. Other initiatives included preserving Bear Creek as a trail hub and enhancing workforce development partnerships. The main discussion centered on DDA New Business item A concerning the Bluesfest special event application, specifically whether to maintain the open social district or restrict alcohol consumption to the designated beer tent. Arguments were made regarding the negative impact of the social district on beer tent sponsorships and profits. The board discussed that businesses with existing liquor licenses could potentially obtain sidewalk licenses (costing $100 annually) if the main social district was closed. The discussion concluded with a motion to close the social district and proceed only with the beer tent for the event.

Public commentary during the meeting heavily focused on the severe toxicity of Hexavalent Chromium (Chromium 6) in water, drawing parallels to the Erin Brockovich case concerning contaminated water in California. Concerns were raised about industrial contamination risks potentially affecting Marshall's water supply. One speaker urged the council members to conduct thorough due diligence by consulting peer-reviewed journals and unbiased experts before making decisions that could impact future generations, emphasizing the severe long-term healthcare costs associated with exposure to such toxins.

The meeting began with an approval of the agenda, which included amendments to correct a previous date (July 25th to July 24th) and to add informational items regarding 211 to 213 Michigan Avenue under both BRA and DDA new business sections. Discussions covered construction progress on storage units, noting that site work, including pad pouring and basin lining, is underway, despite an early morning noise complaint that required contractor notification regarding neighborly conduct. The main focus under BRA new business involved reviewing the 2026 calendar for the Marshall Downtown Build Authority and Local Development Finance Authority, requesting the inclusion of the Mouthfield Redevelopment Authority for clarification. Significant time was dedicated to discussing the proposed redevelopment project at 211-213 Michigan Avenue, which involves maintaining first-floor retail and creating eight new residential apartments on upper floors. The developer is seeking concurrent incentives through an OPRA (up to 12 years without property tax increase on improvements) and a Brownfield plan (for reimbursement of eligible environmental costs up to an estimated $577,000, covering asbestos and lead removal). It was noted that the OPRA requires the creation of a district via City Council action, and both the OPRA and Brownfield approvals are contingent upon each other for the project to proceed.

The meeting, which was a regular session for the LDFA, DDA, and BRA entities, primarily focused on public comments concerning a proposed Altera data center and natural gas power plant project at the Brooks Industrial Park. Discussions from the public highlighted significant concerns regarding environmental impact, including the effect on wetlands, water usage (aquifer drainage), potential utility bill increases from power lines, and a lack of perceived community benefit via local employment. There was a strong request from residents for a dedicated public information session to understand the project's scope, timelines, and approval processes before the purchase agreement finalized on October 30th is acted upon further. The entity also addressed the formal agenda, which included business related to a brownfield relocation project for downtown Marshall development.