Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By P.J. GLISSON
Bessemer — Members of the Bessemer Downtown Development Authority are looking to the future in relation to how to achieve the city’s greatest potential.
In a meeting last week, they discussed a number of priorities, including expanded parking, new main street trees and even the potential for a YMCA or similar facility.
Samantha Dorr, a city secretary who also now heads up the DDA, said as a starting point that she has studied the city’s master plan and noted that any DDA goals should be approached “as cheaply and efficiently” as possible in accordance with that plan.
Beyond that, she said there should be consideration as to what makes Bessemer special, whether historically, culturally or geographically.
“We have a lot of stuff going well for us,” said Dorr.
The idea for a YMCA or similar facility came from Bessemer resident Ashley Oliver during the public comment session. She said she’d like to see a pool as part of the package.
“We’d be potentially happy to have something like that in our community,” said DDA Chair Dave Osier, who added that the YMCA in Escanaba is “really nice.”
YMCA centers, which offer a variety of programs, typically charge membership fees for individuals or for families. Dorr said the closest such center now is in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, about 80 miles away.
DDA member Kady Meinke asked about grant potential for a recreation center, and Dorr said that could vary, depending on the location or existing structure.
In related news, Dorr also reported that she is working with a tree specialist in relation to spaces for 11 trees on Sophie Street. Regarding existing trees, she said, “Some of them aren’t doing so hot.”
Dorr said that Ron Zillmer, president of Legacy Trees in Merrillan, Wisconsin, is checking soil samples to see what types of trees will work best.
Regarding the use of trees, DDA member Stephanie Matonich noted that “usually, they provide a nice look,” but she also asked, “Is there another type of greenery that isn’t so high?”
Matonich said that it would be great if people could look up the main street and see what the city has in the way of businesses.
Members also continued a discussion from a previous meeting in relation to expanding parking options for downtown renters, as well as for snowmobilers.
No decisions were made, but Osier emphasized the importance of noting zoning regulations and of moving toward a decision that benefits the greatest number of people and objectives.
In relation to broader DDA interests, the agenda packet included a long list of objectives, including the following goals: attracting and retaining young people, creating a walking tour and spaces where people of all ages can congregate, continuing to aid city businesses with façade improvements and technological upgrades, and serving the needs of tourists.
Dorr strongly recommended that the city undertake a new survey and/or hold a session for public input, so as to gauge the priorities of local residents.
In other news at the Oct. 12 meeting, DDA members also:
—Voted to fund $214 for a camera, along with up to $250 for related hardware, to be placed in an as-yet-undetermined spot within the Ethnic Commons area.
—Learned that the new Kwik Trip management has placed a walkway starting from near the pavilion on the west side of the Ethnic Commons Park and running between the park and the motorized trail that is going past the convenience store/gas station complex. The west-side pathway is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Dorr explained that, although an east-side path also had been planned, Kwik Trip has determined it is not feasible due to safety concerns and so will fill in a related opening within the east-side bricks.
The DDA currently has a board opening. Interested persons should email [email protected] or stop by the Bessemer City Hall to fill out an application.
The DDA’s next regular meeting will be on Nov. 9 at City Hall.
