Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By P.J. GLISSON
Bessemer — Members of the Downtown Development Authority continued a debate at an April 10 meeting as to whether to release a city lot to support a local business or to retain the land for possible future development.
The discussion related to a letter of request from James Thull dated Nov. 16, 2023. Action on Thull’s request has been tabled since that time.
Thull said in the letter that he now owns a building at 119 E. Sellar St. that he uses to rent apartments. His request was to purchase the adjoining lot at 199 E. Sellar St. for tenant parking.
Thull wrote that the additional lot would represent “a win-win” for all parties, as his tenants then would have “dedicated spaces” that would free up city streets for parking by other people.
“This is a tough one because you almost have to give up land for a parking lot,” said DDA Chairman David Osier, who added that he hates to see people parking on the streets but also struggles at the idea of relinquishing land that another business owner might wish to develop in the future.
Osier speculated whether the city could rent the land to Thull, thereby retaining the option to sell it to someone else later if desired.
Samantha Dorr, outgoing executive director of the DDA, said it might be better to advise Thull to explore other options now rather than later.
DDA Member Karen Stevens said that if Thull invests several thousand dollars in improvements and then loses the property, it could be an issue.
In his letter, Thull listed a number of improvements he’s already invested in the building he owns, including electrical and plumbing updates, a new boiler, new flooring and appliances, and some new windows.
He added that he plans to side the building’s exterior as soon as funds allow. If the city sells the extra lot, he also wants to create an upgraded parking area.
“Anyone who has a business needs parking to grow it,” said DDA member Daniel Whitburn. “Personally, I don’t see anyone (else) buying the lot.”
He added that “any progress to me is good” and warned that, if the DDA denies Thull’s request, it will discourage new business. He added that other DDA members are “overthinking” future prospects, which he described as “hoping for a hope.”
DDA member Harry Swanson said that, if the DDA grants Thull’s request, “What we’re really saying is we’re going to stand by any business and help them develop.”
He claimed that any other action could appear “wishy-washy.”
Dorr suggested including in any prospective sale stipulations and timing for gravel, paving and siding.
Swanson asked if the DDA could extend to Thull the DDA’s option for its façade program, and Osier said yes.
Member Mark Serwe, who said he could not support selling the additional lot now, suggested that Thull side his building first and then approach the city again next year to request action on the extra lot.
Whitburn said Thull has invested in property, not only in Bessemer, but also in Ironwood.
Osier said that Dorr should contact Thull first and suggest a $1,000 purchase cost for the desired extra lot, along with a deadline of one year to side the building and pave the parking lot. He suggested apprising Thull of the option to apply for the DDA’s façade assistance program as well.
No motion was made and Osier said the issue will be on the DDA’s next meeting agenda.
During the public comment period, Thull arrived to ask the status of his request and was informed that Dorr will update him on the DDA’s status so far.
“There’s clearly a demand for housing,” said Thull.
In other action, DDA members also:
—Voted to authorize a payment of $1,900 to purchase $1,750 of flowers from Lake’s Flower Cabin in Wakefield and $1,500 to hire Master Gardeners to plant them.
—Voted to approve a formal agreement in relation to authorizing $3,500 toward the cost of a 90-day summer worker, as a shared cost with the city. Dorr said the person hired will water flowers daily and pick up trash. The agreement says that the Department of Public Works, which is sharing the worker’s cost, will assure that designated tasks are completed.
—Voted to authorize the payment of $3,000 for the DDA’s portion for the 2023 summer worker and $3,000 for the cost of clearing snow. Dorr said the payments were overlooked last year.
At the end of the meeting, DDA members entered a closed session to discuss applications for the DDA director position.
The DDA’s next regular meeting will be on May 22 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers of the Bessemer City Hall. This is a rescheduled time from the board’s expected meeting date on the second Wednesday of the month.
