Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By P.J. GLISSON
Wakefield — Thanks to action on Tuesday evening by the Wakefield Planning Commission, some city property owners soon may have an opportunity to buy city land that is within — or adjacent to — their own property lots.
Commissioners voted unanimously to recommend to the City Council that it “offload” the targeted lots by putting them up for minimum bids.
City Manager Robert Brown, Jr. said gradually selling lots that the city does not need will result in “a little bit of pocket change” for city coffers while also facilitating the “main issue” of possible development of some lots, which in turn would result in more property tax income.
In recent months, commissioners have been discussing how to process some of the city’s excess properties and have studied several dozen available plots now lying dormant.
Commissioners agreed that some city plots may prove useful eventually. For example, Brown said city land next to Eddy Park may allow for long-desired park expansion relating to greater pull-through ease of large campers in Eddy Park.
Many other lots, however, serve no perceived value for the city, either now or in the future.
In citing a few examples of unwanted lots, which were random rather than comprehensive, Brown said minimum bids could range between $1,000 to $2,000.
Commissioners discussed properties in various geographical regions, including lots on Sunday Lake Street or off of M-28 and on the corners of Ahola Avenue and Hill Street, Ashlund Avenue and Budgick Road, Bedell Avenue and Maki Street, and Ahola Avenue and E. Pierce Street.
About a half dozen lots, so far, are at stake, depending on whether the council decides to merge some properties.
Commissioner James Anderson recommended combining some lots, and Commissioner Marsha Vestich agreed. “I think people are looking for bigger lots today,” she said regarding construction potential.
Mayor Dale White added that some property owners might wish to purchase an adjacent, vacant lot because it “guarantees more privacy.”
In other news, the city manager reminded commissioners that a new master plan will be among this year’s major goals. He also listed other 2021 plans such as the Phase 1 Water Project, an electrical substation project, recreational grant potential, and a goal to pursue grant funding for a new fire truck.
The commission’s next regular meeting normally would be on Feb. 9, but instead will be on Feb. 8 at 5:30 p.m. This will be in combination with the Wakefield City Council. Due to pandemic concerns, persons wishing to attend the virtual meeting should first call the municipal building at 906-229-5131 for access information.
