THE CITY OF A CASE STUDY {ALPENA
Michigan Coastal Community Working Waterfronts A CASE STUDY
THE CITY OF ALPENA
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Michigan Coastal Community FELLOWSHIP MENTORS Working Waterfronts Mark Breederland, Michigan Sea Grant Extension Emily Finnell, Office of the Great Lakes
NOAA FELLOWSHIP ADVISORY COMMITTEE This case study was compiled as part of a set of 11 working Jon Allan Richard Norton John Warbach waterfront case studies in coastal communities. For more Dave Knight Chuck Pistis Ronda Wuycheck information on the series, please see the Introduction, Carol Linteau Jennifer Read Lynelle Marolf Frank Ruswick Value and Context, Waterfront Land Use, Best Practices, and Recommendations and Next Steps sections. OFFICE OF THE GREAT LAKES AND SEA GRANT STAFF OTHER CASE STUDIES IN THIS SERIES: PREPARED BY Charlevoix Monroe Saugatuck Elizabeth Durfee Manistee Muskegon Sault Ste. Marie 2011-2013 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Coastal Manistique Ontonagon Zone Management Fellowship with the Michigan Coastal Zone Marquette Port Huron Management Program and Michigan Sea Grant.
Cover photos: Alpena Community College, Elizabeth Durfee, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
June 2013 | MICHU-13-726 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction...... 4 FIGURES AND TABLES Summary...... 5 Figure 1. State of Michigan and Alpena County and aerial image of the city of Manistee with Context ...... 7 Lake Huron on in Lake Huron and the Community Profile...... 8 Thunder Bay River...... 6
Community Overview...... 9 Table 1. Intent, permitted uses and special uses of zoning districts that accommodate Waterfront History...... 10 water-dependent uses and/or public access...... 13
Waterfront Summary...... 11 Figure 2. City of Alpena 2010 zoning districts...... 14 Zoning...... 13 Table 2. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities Working Waterfront SWOT Analysis ...... 14 and threats related to maintaining Alpena’s Tools, Strategies and Best Practices for working waterfront...... 20 Maintaining Working Waterfronts...... 15
Guiding Principles...... 16
References and Resources...... 17 Michigan Sea Grant INTRODUCTION Many coastal communities have areas known fish stocks and regulations, aging and inadequate This case study: as working waterfronts — waterfront lands, infrastructure, decline in waterfront industry and n Characterizes one of many working waterfronts waterfront infrastructure and waterways that are economic recession — threaten the viability of found throughout Michigan’s diverse coastal used for water-dependent uses and activities. water-dependent businesses and access to the communities. These uses may include ports, small recreational public trust waters. Left unchecked, these threats n Identifies existing waterfront amenities, waterfront boat and fishing docks and other types of places can result in the slow loss of working waterfronts history, waterfront zoning and land area occupied or businesses where people use and access the and permanent conversion of waterfront property by water-related uses. water. Coastal communities’ working waterfronts to non-water-dependent uses. n offer economic and cultural value, contribute to a Highlights examples of waterfront challenges, community’s identity and are intrinsically tied to Active waterfront planning and the sharing and threats and opportunities as well as tools and a region’s natural resources. implementation of tools, resources and strategies strategies for maintaining the working waterfront. for maintaining and protecting working waterfronts A number of factors — such as population can ensure access for water-dependent uses and change, competing land uses and development activities, as well as preserve options for future pressure, fluctuations in water levels, changes in waterfront uses.
ALPENA Michigan Coastal Community Working Waterfronts Case Study 4 SUMMARY
Michigan Sea Grant Alpena, Michigan was settled mid harbor include cement, coal, petroleum Nine of the city’s non-residential Potential threats to the long term 1800s in Northeast Lower Michigan at products, sand, gravel, salt and districts permit water related uses by sustainability of the community’s the mouth of the Thunder Bay River limestone. This shipping generates right or special use permit. The city working waterfront include the loss along Lake Huron’s Thunder Bay. The $78 million annually in direct revenue has a waterfront development district of industry, decline in tourism, lack city’s 2010 population (10,483) decline and supports 700 jobs. that is intended to promote mixed of an exit plan for Lafarge and the approximately 7.3 percent since 2000. The two major channels used for uses that incorporate the waterfront, combination of a lack of adequate, The abundance of natural resources shipping in Alpena include the Port of promote public access and integrate available dock to attract new including furs, fisheries, forest, Alpena/Thunder Bay River and the the riverfront and riverwalk with the businesses or the commodities and farmland and limestone made this Lafarge Corporation port. The city’s downtown. shipping to finance construction of a region a prime location for early marina is the only public or private The city is invested in the economic new dock. settlement and industry. Major marina in the area. Alpena has a development and potential future use Best practices for maintaining access industries in Alpena include logging, harbor advisory committee, marina of the Lafarge Dock and the currently to the waterfront for the public and commercial fishing, extraction and department and is engaged in a underutilized West Dock. Alpena is water-dependent uses include: manufacturing, including cement regional ports study. Boating, diving also collaborating with the Northeast n Regional port collaboration. manufacturing. In addition to the and fishing are among the popular Michigan Council of Governments to n Collaboration with regional council manufacturing industry, the medical recreational opportunities in Alpena. investigate opportunities to increase of governments and Michigan State and tourist industries are important to Thunder Bay and surrounding waters the viability of ports in the region University to conduct a port study. the local and regional economy. through collaboration. The community’s near shipping lanes are home to over n Riverwalk construction. Alpena Harbor is a deep draft 80 discovered shipwrecks. Most of waterfront planning includes rezoning commercial, cargo and recreational these shipwrecks are protected within of waterfront property for public access harbor. The harbor ranks 20th among the boundaries of the National Oceanic and waterfront redevelopment, reuse Great Lakes Harbors (2008) with 3.1 and Atmospheric Administration’s of former industrial waterfront property million tons of material shipped or Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary and new launch and dock facilities received by the harbor annually. Bulk Boundary. along the Thunder Bay River, for commodities that pass through the example.
ALPENA Michigan Coastal Community Working Waterfronts Case Study 5 ALPENA, MI
Thunder Bay River
Michigan Alpena County 100 miles N City of Alpena
Thunder Bay
Lake Huron
FIGURE 1. STATE OF MICHIGAN AND ALPENA COUNTY (LEFT) AND AERIAL IMAGE OF THE CITY OF MANISTEE 1 mile N WITH THUNDER BAY IN LAKE HURON AND THE THUNDER BAY RIVER.
ALPENA Michigan Coastal Community Working Waterfronts Case Study 6 CONTEXT
Jurisdiction / Government City
Region Upper Peninsula
County Alpena
Land Area 5466 acres / 8.5 square miles
Watershed / Subwatershed Lake Huron / Thunder Bay River
Dominant Land Use of subwatershed Forest
Adjacent Bodies of Water Lake Huron / Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay River
Types of Water Body Great Lake / Bay, River
Percent of Land Area within the CZM 14%
Population (2010) 10,483
Michigan Sea Grant Percent of County’s Population 35%
Percent of County’s Land Area 1.5%
Urban / Suburban / Rural Urban
Federally Authorized Harbors/Projects Alpena Harbor
Type of Port Commercial, Cargo, Recreational
Michigan Sea Grant
ALPENA Michigan Coastal Community Working Waterfronts Case Study 7 COMMUNITY PROFILE
POPULATION INCOME Alpena County Great Lakes Jobs Snapshot (NOAA) n The population of Alpena declined n The median household income n 7.3 percent from 2000 to 2010. In between 2006 and 2010 in the City In 2009, Great Lakes related jobs 2010, the city’s population density of Alpena was $31,463, compared accounted for 3.8 percent of total was 1,227 persons/square mile. to the median household income in jobs in Alpena County, a decrease of 26 percent since 2005. n The population of Alpena County Alpena County of $36,695. n decreased by 5.5 percent from 2000 Great Lakes related jobs provide to 2010. EMPLOYMENT employment for 425 people, provide $4 million in wages and provide $9 n The median age in Alpena increased Of the city’s population over age 16: million in goods and services. from 39.6 in 2000 to 42.5 in 2010. n 52 percent are in the labor force and employed and 11 percent are HOUSING EDUCATION unemployed. n From 2000 to 2010, the total n Of the city’s population age 25 n 50 percent are employed in the top number of housing units in Alpena and older (69% of the city’s total 3 (of 13 total) industries classified increased by 1.5 percent and the population), 89 percent have a in the American Community Survey: percent occupancy of housing units high school degree or higher and educational services and health care decreased by 4.3 percent. 19 percent have a bachelor’s degree and social assistance (15%); retail n or higher. trade (13%); and arts, entertainment Owner occupied housing units decreased by 4.3 percent and renter Michigan Sea Grant n Of the county’s population age 25 and recreation and accommodation occupied housing units increased by and older (72% of the county’s total and food services (11%). 0.1 percent from 2000 to 2010. population), 88 percent have a n 30 percent are employed in sales n high school degree or higher and and office occupations, 29 percent Residential construction in Alpena 16 percent have a bachelors degree in management, business, science County declined from 312 buildings or higher. and arts occupations, 22 percent in 1990 to 129 buildings in 2000 and in service occupations, 15 in then to 21 buildings in 2010. production, transportation and material moving occupations and 6 percent in natural resources, Michigan Sea Grant construction and maintenance occupations.
ALPENA Michigan Coastal Community Working Waterfronts Case Study 8 COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
The city of Alpena is located in Northeast Michigan at The city considers the Thunder Bay River, Lake the mouth of the Thunder Bay River on Lake Huron. Huron, waterfront, natural beauty combined with city The city is approximately 240 miles north of Detroit layout, parks and wildlife, recreational opportunities, and 100 miles southeast of the Mackinac Bridge. marina, Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary and industry Alpena is the county seat of and largest city in Alpena to be among its top assets to protect. Among the County. The city is a commercial, cultural, medical and city’s desired future visions include a city waterfront educational center in rural Northeast Michigan. Alpena acquisition program and controlled, planned growth is characterized by an urban core with surrounding that balances waterfront development and open space. industry and residential land development. CAPACITY From the early days of logging and commercial fishing The city of Alpena operates under a city manager/city to today’s extraction and manufacturing industries, council form of government with five council members. Riverwalk. Michigan Sea Grant natural resources have been the foundation of the The city has a Planning and Development Department local and regional economy in Alpena. Major industries with one director who is also the interim city manager. in the city include Lafarge Corporation, a cement Alpena has a Marina Department and two Thunder Bay manufacturer and exporter and Besser Company, a Shores Marine, Inc. staff who operate the city marina. manufacturer of concrete block making machinery and Decorative Panels International, a drywall board The city has a comprehensive plan and an Area Wide manufacturing facility. The city’s industrial based Transportation Plan. Alpena has a number of boards economy is augmented by the medical industry and including a seven member harbor advisory committee tourism. The Alpena Regional Medical Center is the and eight member planning commission. The largest employer in the city. Northeast Michigan Regional Council of Governments (NEMCOG) is currently conducting a regional port Alpena has a rich maritime history. The city is home to study. the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Alpena shoreline. Elizabeth Durfee (NOAA) Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. Over 50 shipwrecks have been discovered and are protected within the boundary of the 448 square mile sanctuary and additional 30 shipwrecks are located nearby.
Among the region’s natural assets include the Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Thunder Bay River State Forest and the Huron National Forest.
Vessels docked in the Thunder Bay River. Elizabeth Durfee
ALPENA Michigan Coastal Community Working Waterfronts Case Study 9 WATERFRONT HISTORY
The city of Alpena was incorporated in 1871. The and businesses developed in the 1880s. Fish stocks community was founded in 1856 as Fremont and became - impacted by the lumber industry, settlement and the Alpena in 1859. The community was originally part of port - declined by two-thirds within 50 years. Today the Anomickee County, which was founded in 1840 and fishing community is comprised of recreational anglers, changed to Alpena in 1843. commercial fishers and Native Americans fish comprise the fishing community in the region. History and development of the region centered on natural resources including furs, fisheries, forests, Coal was a major import in the 1800s. In 1887 the Detroit farmland and limestone. The first Europeans in the region and Mackinac Railroad reached Alpena and the city were likely French trappers in the 1600s. The first major became a transportation hub for logging and milling. Alpena industry. Elizabeth Durfee European vessel, the Griffon, passed by Thunder Bay The region emerged as a major limestone producer and in 1679. The Thunder Bay region was purchased by the cement manufacturer in the late 1800s and into the 20th federal government from Native Americans in the 1819 Century. Treaty of Saginaw. Trading and supply boats frequently passed by Thunder Alpena’s industrial history includes logging, commercial Bay on the way to Mackinaw, Sault Ste. Marie and Green fishing, extraction and manufacturing. Logging was Bay. Numerous shipwrecks occurred in the region as the first major industry in Thunder Bay and thrived ships passing though nearby shipping lanes sought from 1836 to 1921. A fishing camp was established on shelter in the Bay. U.S. Life-Saving Service Stations were Thunder Bay Island in 1835 and by 1840s Thunder Bay established at Thunder Bay after frequent shipwrecks Island and surrounding island were used extensively occurs in the region in the early 1900s. There are six for fishing operations. By the 1850s, Alpena was a lighthouses located in or near the National Marine Thunder Bay Underwater Preserve. Elizabeth Durfee center for fur trading, fishing and lumbering. Residences Sanctuary, five of which are still operational.
Thunder Bay River with NOAA facilities in background. Elizabeth Durfee
ALPENA Michigan Coastal Community Working Waterfronts Case Study 10 WATERFRONT SUMMARY
The city of Alpena has over 7.5 sand, gravel, salt and limestone, or private marina in the area. The miles of frontage on Thunder generate $78 million annually in marina is operated by Thunder Bay Bay. Land use along Thunder direct revenue, $32 million annually Shores Marine, Inc. Bay consists of residential uses in personal income and support on the south side of the Thunder 700 jobs. A loss of one to two feet The primary boat launch locations Bay River and industrial uses of channel depth increases the include is the North Riverfront to the north. Frontage along the cost of transportation by $285,000 Park downstream of the Ninth Thunder Bay River consists of to $708,000 annually. The harbor Avenue Damn and the Eleventh a mix of commercial, waterfront is a regionally significant harbor Ave Boat Launch upstream of the development, industrial and and a Harbor of Refuge. Major damn. Deep water dockage for larger boats is available at South residential uses. The greatest stakeholders of Alpena Harbor Alpena Marina. Michigan Sea Grant designated land use along the river include the U.S. Coast Guard, Riverfront Park. City owned parks is parkland. Lake Carriers’ Association, Lafarge with swimming beaches on Lake Corporation, Alpena Oil, Seaway Huron include Thomson, Blair Alpena Harbor is a deep draft Marine Transport, DPI and Everett Street, Starlite Beach and Michi- commercial, cargo and recreational Goodrich Trucking. e-kewis Park. Six of the city’s nine harbor. The harbor consists parks (North Riverfront, South of approximately 700 feet of Two channels are used for Great Riverfront, LaMarre, Eleventh breakwater structures and 12,000 Lakes shipping in Alpena: the port Avenue Boat Launch, Water Town feet of maintained channels with of Alpena/Thunder Bay River and and Washington Ave Park) are project depths ranging from 18.5 the Lafarge Corporation port. The located on the Thunder Bay River. feet at the upper limit of the project city’s West Dock is not able to Riverfront parks including Island, in the Thunder Bay River to 25 accommodate cargo ships but with Duck and Sytek Parks collectively Thunder Bay River riverwalk. Michigan Sea Grant feet in Thunder Bay to 300 feet approximately 16 feet of draft the comprise part of the Wildlife lake-ward of the Alpena Light. The port meets depth requirements for Sanctuary, a 600 acre natural sanctuaries - and the Great Lakes harbor requires dredging on a 5 to cruise ships. Alpena’s municipal ponding area upstream of the Ninth Maritime Heritage Center are located 10 year cycle. In 2008 the harbor marina is a full service marina that Ave Dam. in Alpena. ranked 91st nationally and 20th accommodates both seasonal among Great Lakes Harbors with and transient boats of a variety of The city has an abundance of A number of festivals including the 3.1 million tons of material shipped sizes. The marina has 177 slips, boating and water related recreation Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival, or received by the harbor. Bulk launch ramps, courtesy docks, a opportunities and is well known for Lafarge Downtown Alpena Riverfest, commodities that are shipped or fish cleaning station, marine store its fishing and shipwreck diving. Michigan Brown Trout Festival and received by the harbor, including and maintenance facilities. The City NOAA’s Thunder Bay National Thunder Bay Maritime Festival are cement, coal, petroleum products, of Alpena Marina is the only public Marine Sanctuary and Underwater held in Alpena. Preserve - one of 14 protected
ALPENA Michigan Coastal Community Working Waterfronts Case Study 11 CHALLENGES AND ACTIONS
The lack of city ownership of a deep water port is a A team of Michigan State University students partnered barrier to attracting new business in Alpena. The city with NEMCOG to assist with the port and community is invested in the economic development and potential assets inventory as well as the documentation of future use of the Lafarge Dock and the currently community and port background information. The underutilized West Dock. team assessed options for the West Dock, which was formerly used by Flecher Paper Company. Among The city is collaborating with NEMCOG to assess the team’s recommendations for the dock include the role of regional port collaboration in increasing maintaining communication between adjacent land the viability of Northeastern Michigan ports. In 2011 owners LaFarge, DPI and West Dock Properties and NEMCOG received funding from the Michigan Coastal the city, conducting a site analysis, expanding dredging Zone Management program to assess the economic and extending rail access to the dock. Alpena Harbor. Elizabeth Durfee potential of ports in Alpena, Cheboygan and Rogers City. NEMCOG identified a four stage regional port plan including: 1) establishing a regional ports committee, 2) conducting an inventory of port assets and community assets, 3) compiling community and port background information and 4) assessing the regional role of ports.
Glass bottom boat Lady Michigan. Elizabeth Durfee
Boat launch on the Thunder Bay River. Elizabeth Durfee
ALPENA Michigan Coastal Community Working Waterfronts Case Study 12 ZONING ORDINANCE ZONING DISTRICT INTENT OF DISTRICT PERMITTED USE SPECIAL USE Residential Districts Designed for single and multi-family dwellings Nature Parks/natural areas (R1, R2), wind energy systems Docks, launch ramps, Nature parks/natural R1, R2, RM1, RM areas (RM1, RM2), public parks, playgrounds, rec area Central Business Designed to promote uses that generate a high volume of people Boat tours, public parks, playgrounds, rec area, sporting goods stores, Commercial wind energy facilities and District activity among the business, institutions and public spaces in the wind energy systems anemometer towers downtown Commercial Corridor Designed to accommodate office and retail uses serving the Boat tours, public parks, playgrounds, rec area, sporting goods stores, Commercial wind energy facilities and District overall community and the general region and encourage mixed wind energy systems anemometer towers use development General Business Designed to provide sites for more diversified business types Marinas including boat fuel sales, boat supplies and accessories, boat Docks, launch ramps, commercial outdoor District requiring a city-wide general market area and/or arterial exposure tours, public parks, playgrounds, rec area, sporting goods stores, wind recreation facilities, boat and boating accessory energy systems sales, commercial wind energy Facilities and anemometer towers Commercial District Designed to provide sites for more diversified business types Marinas including boat fuel sales, boat supplies and accessories, boat Docks, launch ramps, commercial outdoor requiring a city-wide general market area and/or arterial exposure tours, public parks, playgrounds, rec area, boat and boating accessory recreation facilities, commercial wind energy sales, sporting goods stores, freight terminals, scenic and sightseeing Facilities and anemometer towers transportation, wind energy systems Light Industrial District Designed to accommodate wholesale activities, warehouses and Marinas including boat fuel sales, boat supplies and accessories, Docks, launch ramps, water and wastewater industrial operations commercial docks and assoc. facilities, boat and boating accessory treatment plants, commercial wind energy sales, freight terminals, scenic and sightseeing transportation, wind facilities and anemometer towers energy systems
General Industrial Designed for manufacturing, assembling and fabrication activities Marinas including boat fuel sales, boat supplies and accessories, Docks, launch ramps, water and wastewater District commercial docks and assoc. facilities, freight terminals, scenic and treatment plants, commercial wind energy sightseeing transportation, wind energy systems facilities and anemometer towers
Waterfront Intended to promote mixed commercial, residential and institutional Tourist/commercial fishing boat docks, maritime vessels, marinas Docks, launch ramps, commercial wind energy Development District uses that incorporate the waterfront into the development and including boat fuel sales, boat supplies and accessories, boat tours, facilities and anemometer towers permit and encourage public access and use of the waterfront and public parks, playgrounds, rec area, temp. docking of maritime vessels, link and integrate both sides of the river with each other and the commercial docks & assoc. facilities, boat and boating accessory sales, downtown urban core wholesale trade of fresh fish, wind energy systems Conservation and Intended to permit the establishment of natural resource Docks, launch ramps, public parks, Resources District conservation areas to preserve these areas for the benefit of the playgrounds, rec area public and to protect and enhance the ecological resources in the city and Thunder Bay Watershed Parks and Recreation Intended to permit the establishment of recreational uses that Nature parks/natural areas, public outdoor recreation facilities, public Boat tours District preserve and enhance these area, provide recreational aesthetic parks, playgrounds, rec area and economic benefit to the city TABLE 1. INTENT, PERMITTED USES AND SPECIAL USES OF ZONING DISTRICTS THAT ACCOMMODATE WATER-DEPENDENT USES AND/OR PUBLIC ACCESS.
ALPENA Michigan Coastal Community Working Waterfronts Case Study 13 WORKING WATERFRONT SWOT ANALYSIS There are a number of factors that influence a community’s ability to maintain strategic planning tool with four elements: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities a robust working waterfront. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and and threats. The analysis identifies the positive, negative, internal and external threats (SWOT) analysis below (Table 2) provides examples of the challenges factors that influence an individual, business, organization or place’s ability to and opportunities associated with maintaining Alpena’s waterfront as a place achieve an objective. For example, internal factors may include human, physical that provides public access and supports and is well integrated within the or financial resources and past activities or programs. External factors may community from a planning and physical perspective. A SWAT analysis is a include future trends, the economy, or the physical environment.
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES n Public access on both sides of the n Rezoning of existing uses on the n All docks are proprietary, is not tourism and industrial activity River from 9th street almost to the south side of the river to waterfront an open dock that the city or can be a challenge mouth redevelopment, rezoning of 28 acre public can use, need a dock n Marina at about 60 percent n West Dock can accommodate cruise former paper company site along for port authority, West dock capacity in summer river now open to public ships and tall ships has 3 private owners, Alpena n Location and distance from n n NOAA relocated to an old paper Industrial facilities Oil Co. could permit other ship potential markets mill site, active use of waterfront, n New facilities and amenities including to utilize dock but it is not in n Need a feasibility study of the National Marine Sanctuary new launch and a dock with sliders at an ideal location and would community’s capacity n History and tourism - shipwrecks, Duck Park, canoe/kayak rental require everything to come n Need improved stormwater glass bottom boat n Regional collaboration through downtown and river bank management n NOAA, DNR Fisheries, USFWS n MSU student practicum Port n Industries vital to local and facilities Inventory regional economy, blending
OPPORTUNITIES THREATS n Increase use of west dock, a priority, potential to redevelop rail tracks n Loss of industry and/or a finance construction of a new to the west dock decline in tourism would have dock, need export and import n Increase shipping significant impacts at port to be viable n Regional collaboration n Need a long term exit plan for n Low lake levels and shallow n Potential for wood pellet production or similar product Lafarge bedrock, light loading n Passenger ships a possibility n Without a suitable port/dock n Current county priority is it is challenging to attract unmanned aircraft new business, without new n Population aging and declining business it is challenging to n Loss of jobs
TABLE 2. STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS RELATED TO MAINTAINING ALPENA’S WORKING WATERFRONT.
ALPENA Michigan Coastal Community Working Waterfronts Case Study 14 TOOLS, STRATEGIES AND BEST PRACTICE FOR MAINTAINING WORKING WATERFRONTS
REGIONAL PORT COLLABORATION CONSTRUCT A RIVERWALK Investigate the potential to increase the viability of Capitalize on local assets, incorporate local heritage, ports through regional collaboration. Partner with local link maritime assets and increase connectivity between governments, regional councils of governments and the downtown and waterfront by converting a formerly universities to evaluate assets, challenges and needs industrial waterfront to public and recreational use. across the region. Identify opportunities to increase Include interpretive signage along a riverwalk to efficiency and reduce the cost of shipping by receiving educate residents and visitors and help to create a goods at one port in a region and exporting at another sense of place along the river. Install rain gardens to in ports that do not both import and export products create visual interest and manage stormwater adjacent CZMP staff and the Lady Michigan . Elizabeth Durfee or materials. Use resources such as Coastal Zone to the river. Grants from the Cool Cities and Coastal Management Program grants to assist with funding Zone Management Programs can help a community regional port studies. plan and implement a riverwalk.
Lake Huron beach and park. Elizabeth Durfee
Thunder Bay River. Elizabeth Durfee
ALPENA Michigan Coastal Community Working Waterfronts Case Study 15 GUIDING PRINCIPLES MANAGING WATERFRONTS AND WATER-DEPENDENT USES AS AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF A SUSTAINABLE COASTAL COMMUNITY
PROCESS-BASED n Engage diverse stakeholders and local, regional and state partners in waterfront planning. n Integrate waterfront planning with local and regional master and comprehensive planning. n Incorporate adaptation planning into waterfront planning. n Articulate the community’s vision for future of the waterfront.
OUTCOME-BASED n Protect the natural resources that working waterfronts uses are intrinsically tied to and dependent upon. n Maximize the public benefit of working waterfronts through visual and physical access and amenities. n Permit compatible mixed uses along the waterfront. n Emphasize the economic and cultural value of local water-dependent uses. n Preserve visual and physical access to water resources. n Balance waterfront land uses to meet the needs of residents, visitors, water-dependent uses and ecological communities. n Increase resiliency by promoting diverse and flexible water-dependent uses.
CITY OF ALPENA
Preserve visual and physical access to water resources.
Emphasize the economic and cultural value of local water-dependent uses.
Protect the natural resources that working waterfronts uses are intrinsically tied to and dependent upon.
How does your community stand up?
ALPENA Michigan Coastal Community Working Waterfronts Case Study 16 REFERENCES AND RESOURCES
City of Alpena (2010) City of Alpena Zoning Ordinance. Retrieved from http://www.alpena.mi.us/zoning%20ordinance/zon- National Marine Sanctuaries National Oceanic & Atmospheric U.S. Census Bureau (2010). Profile of General Population and ing%20ordinance%20binder%202010.pdf Administration (2013) Thunder Bay’s Maritime Heritage. Housing Characteristics, City of Alpena. Retrieved July Retrieved from http://thunderbay.noaa.gov/maritime/wel- 2012 from http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/ City of Alpena (2012) History of Alpena. Retrieved from http:// come.html searchresults.xhtml?refresh=t www.alpena.mi.us/alpena.html Personal Communication Greg Sundin, Interim City Manager, U.S. Census Bureau (2010). Profile of General Population and City of Alpena Planning Commission (2007) City of Alpena Com- Planning and Development Department, City of Alpena Housing Characteristics, Alpena County. Retrieved July prehensive Plan. Retrieved from http://www.alpena.mi.us/ (October 11, 2012) 2012 from http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/ documents/Comprehensive%20Plan%202010.pdf searchresults.xhtml?refresh=t Personal Communication Greg Sundin, Interim City Manager, City of Alpena Zoning Map (2012) Retrieved from http://www. Planning and Development Department, City of Alpena U.S. Census Bureau (2010). Profile of General Population and alpena.mi.us/maps/Zoning%20Map.pdf (September 6, 2012) Housing Characteristics, Alpena County. Retrieved July 2012 from http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/ Coburn, M., Fukushige, T., Gross, E., Jackson, C., Jones, M., Personal Communication Rich Sullenger, Engineering Depart- searchresults.xhtml?refresh=t and Masserange, E. (2012) Alpena Port & Community Asset ment, City of Alpena (October 11, 2012) Inventory. Michigan State University. Retrieved From http:// U.S. Census Bureau (2010). Selected Economic Characteristics ced.msu.edu/upload/Alpena%20Port%20Inventory_2012. Personal Communication Rick Deuell, Northeast Michigan Coun- 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates, pdf cil of Governments (October 11, 2012) Alpena County. Retrieved from http://factfinder2.census.gov/ faces/nav/jsf/pages/searchresults.xhtml?refresh=t Digital Coast NOAA Coastal Services Center (2010) Alpena U.S. Census Bureau (2000). Profile of General Population and County, Michigan Snapshot. Retrieved from http://www.csc. Housing Characteristics, City of Alpena. Retrieved July U.S. Census Bureau (2010). Selected Economic Characteristics noaa.gov/snapshots/#ocean%2626007 2012 from http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/ 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates, searchresults.xhtml?refresh=t City of Alpena. Retrieved from http://factfinder2.census.gov/ Lighthousefriends.com (2012) Alpena Harbor, MI. Retrieved from faces/nav/jsf/pages/searchresults.xhtml?refresh=t http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=177 U.S. Census Bureau (2010). Educational Attainment 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates, City of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (2012). Alpena Harbor, MI Fact Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy (2008) Alpena Lighthouse. Alpena. Retrieved from http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/ Sheet. Retrieved from http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/_kd/ Retrieved from http://www.michiganlights.com/alpenalh.htm nav/jsf/pages/searchresults.xhtml?refresh=t go.cfm?destination=Page&pge_id=2133&dialog=0
National Marine Sanctuaries National Oceanic & Atmospheric U.S. Census Bureau (2010). Educational Attainment 2006-2010 Administration (2013) About Thunder Bay National Marine American Community Survey 5-year Estimates, Alpena Sanctuary. Retrieved from http://thunderbay.noaa.gov/about/ County. Retrieved from http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/ welcome.html nav/jsf/pages/searchresults.xhtml?refresh=t
ALPENA Michigan Coastal Community Working Waterfronts Case Study 17