Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
SHOWN ON Monday evening, this property at 508 S. Moore St. in Bessemer stands open to new possibilities, thanks to potential grants that ultimately may lead to private development. The city council already has accepted bids to demolish the structure so that it can prepare a "build-ready" lot to attract possible construction of town homes next to the Iron Belle Trail, which is shown in the foreground.
By P.J. GLISSON
Bessemer - The Bessemer city council voted Monday evening to support a potential redevelopment deal of property at 508 S. Moore St.
The aim has been for the city to partner with the Gogebic County Brownfield Authority and the state of Michigan to create a "build-ready" lot that then would inspire a private developer to engage in construction, resulting in city tax revenue.
Monday's vote was in support of establishing a Brownfield zone that may be eligible for tax increment financing.
The term refers to the state's Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act 381 of 1996, which allows for the creation of redevelopment zones while encouraging renewal of, as one example, blighted property.
In relation to the next step after Monday's vote, city manager Charly Loper said, "The county is the one that has to pass the deal."
The council had discussed the project at its previous meeting on Aug. 5, but had postponed action at that time.
With the help of a separate state grant, the city already has arranged for demolition of the deteriorating building on the land that sits directly next to the Iron Belle Trail.
Loper said progress on the demolition has slowed due to the necessary addressing of asbestos, but she still expects the project to be addressed in full this fall.
She added that the delay will not prevent her from seeking new grants to aid with further progress on the property.
