ESCANABA — The Escanaba City Council has adopted a new master plan outlining an ambitious future of diverse housing, stronger neighborhoods, a revitalized downtown and productive use of the North Shore—while emphasizing that the document is not a law, not binding and should not be interpreted as a promise that any of those things will actually happen.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Joey Walker told council the plan would guide future zoning changes, including allowing more duplexes, apartments and small neighborhood businesses.
He also highlighted the North Shore, where the city has deep-water access, rail lines, electrical infrastructure and several decades’ worth of plans describing what could someday be done there.
One council member praised the report’s research but noted that many of its conclusions seemed vague.
Walker agreed, explaining that the flexibility allows future councils to interpret the plan based on changing conditions, available tools and whichever direction the wind is blowing off Little Bay de Noc.
Council then approved a verbal $14,850 quote to replace 550 feet of crumbling curb along Washington Avenue North. Officials said no formal written quote was attached because the contractor was already working nearby and had discussed the price on site. Concerns over Rory Mattson possibly having a part in the handshake agreement were quickly dispelled among members in the audience after determining no dump trailer would be involved in the curb project.
The curb, described as too deteriorated to repair, became the only item of the evening with a firm redevelopment timeline.
Council also approved an employment agreement for incoming City Manager Brian Chapman after a lengthy discussion over whether he should receive severance if terminated during his first year.
Members debated approving the contract, delaying it, changing it or approving it while allowing changes later. The city attorney clarified that Chapman could be terminated at will, but the disputed language determined whether he would receive severance.
After repeatedly noting there was no need to rush, council approved the agreement.
The recreation board reported that a vocal group of pickleball supporters wants dedicated courts rather than shared tennis courts. Royce Park was identified as a possible location, although no project is currently planned.
The city’s new splash pad has also opened, but officials said children are already riding bicycles through it and damaging sprinkler heads.
The incident may inspire a new guiding principle for the master plan: municipal water features should not be used as bicycle obstacle courses.
The meeting ended with an announcement that U.P. Fest was underway at the fairgrounds.
“If you’re a U.P.-er, you can go up there and fest,” the mayor said, offering the evening’s most direct and actionable plan.
