Ontonagon village requests funding for demolition

By JAN TUCKER

[email protected]

Ontonagon — The Ontonagon Village Council Monday is asking for funds under the Michigan Rural Community Demolition grant program for funds to demolish the former Wager’s Restaurant/Captains Lounge Building on River Street in Ontonagon. The village held a hearing Monday for comments on the request and heard from the Downtown Development Authority, township, Recreation Commission and others that they have sent letters to the grant program in support of the demolition. The village is applying for $50,000 from the grant. In the long narrative of why the demolition is necessary, the text indicates the former restaurant-bar, will be demolished down to the foundation and will translate to approximately 230-260 tons of debris to include all utilities, fixtures and miscellaneous amenities. The vacant land will be a green area while it is being marketed by the village.

The budget for the removal includes $22,000- $28,000 for asbestos containing materials and $14,400-$15,600 for demolition of the structure.

An Ontonagon County Board member, Marlene Broemer, who sits on the County Land Bank program, said the county will also ask for demolition of a residential property at 401 Michigan Avenue.

The township park is also seeking demolition funds to tear down a building at the park. The council also will send letters of support for grant applications to the Portage Health Foundation for improvements at the township park and campground and for the Ontonagon Area School District for improvements to the tennis court. The village council said it is also in support of the other projects as well.

The Council also Approved a donation of $1,500 to UPSET West.

—Heard Village Manager Ken Waldrop remark that residents can help the village by keeping the fire hydrants in their block clear of snow. He said the village crew is trying to get to all of them but it would be helpful if those who are able can assist, and heard Sue Lockhart note that the banks on River Street are high and businesses on the end of the block are difficult to get into. Lockhaart said recently an elderly lady trying to crawl over a bank fell and it was difficult getting her out of the bank. She asked if the snowblower could be used to help clear an entrance to some of the businesses.