CITY OF HOUGHTON MASTER PLAN 2019-2023 1 Acknowledgements Houghton City Council: Mayor Robert Backon Mayor Pro Tem Robert Megowen Rachel Lankton Mike Needham Daniel Salo John Sullivan Philip Foltz Houghton Planning Commission: Tom Merz, Chairperson Mike Needham, Vice Chairperson Gary Lubinski, Secretary Robert Backon, Mayor Eric Waara Kristine Bradof Dan Liebau Bill Leder Michele Jarvie-Eggart Eric T. Waara, P.E. City Manager Ann Vollrath, Assistant City Manager A special thank you to all Houghton citizens who participated in the community survey and public planning workshops associated with this Master Plan. 2 table of contents Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: The Master Plan Process Chapter 3: Historical Timeline Chapter 4: Demographics Chapter 5: Physical and Natural Setting Chapter 6: Community Facilities Chapter 7: Recreation Chapter 8: Neighborhood Preservation and Development Chapter 9: Transportation Chapter 10: Downtown Chapter 11: M-26 & Sharon Avenue Business Corridor Chapter 12: Economic Development Chapter 13: Zoning Plan and Future Land Use Chapter 14: Sustainable Practices & Energy Conservation Chapter 15: Life in a Winter City Chapter 16: Strategies Appendices 3 - Demographics - Downtown Development Map - Existing Recreational Facilities Map - City of Houghton Vacant Land Map - City of Houghton Future Land Use Map - City of Houghton Zoning Map - City of Houghton Resolutions 4 Glossary ADA – Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 DDA – Downtown Development Authority EGLE – Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Form-Based Zoning – an alternative means of regulating urban development, such as in downtown districts, that focuses more on physical form than use, allowing for mixed use where traditional zoning would not KCVB – Keweenaw Convention and Visitors Bureau KEDA – Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance KTS – Keweenaw Trail Service LDFA – Local Development Finance Authority LED – light-emitting diode LEED – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design MDEQ – Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (now EGLE) MDOT – Michigan Department of Transportation MEDC – Michigan Economic Development Corporation Michigan Tech – Michigan Technological University MSBDC – Michigan Small Business Development Center MTEC – Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation Placemaking – creating a livable, walkable, vibrant community 5 SmartZone – a specially created technology park designed to spur the growth of technology-related or research-oriented businesses and employment opportunities Sustainable City – a city that meets the needs of the present without sacrificing the future The City – City of Houghton TIFA – Tax Increment Finance Authority UPPCO – Upper Peninsula Power Company WUPPDR – Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region 6 chapter 1: introduction Introduction: This is Houghton’s Master Plan; documentation of our community’s principles and guidebook for our future. The preparation of this document involved community leaders, citizens who participated in the citywide survey and public meetings, the planning commission, and staff. This plan reflects what the residents of Houghton said is important to them and thus provides a guide for future decision-making, actions, and policies by city leadership. The Michigan Planning Enabling Act of 2008 requires each community to have a master plan that satisfies three criteria: • Is coordinated, adjusted, harmonious, efficient, and economical • Considers the character of the planning jurisdiction and its suitability for particular uses, judged in terms of such factors as trends in land development and population changes • Best promotes public health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare This Master Plan is a flexible document serving as the foundation of community vision—what the people of our community envision for their collective future. This Master Plan incorporates significant community and regional input which aids in establishing appropriate goals and strategies consistent with our regional identity. The Master Plan establishes a framework for zoning and other public policies affecting the community. Community goals relating to growth, economic development, recreation, environment, education, historic preservation, and resource management provide criteria for updating this Master Plan. A desirable community implements policies consistent with community goals conveying a strong sense of identity and pride of place, while stimulating public and private investment. This Plan’s Guiding Principles: • Attract and retain a diverse and talented workforce • Foster a “sense of place” • Preserve our rich history • Improve non-motorized and motorized travel and create connectivity with neighboring communities • Assist Michigan Tech in attracting a diverse student body • Strengthen neighborhoods • Establish a more vibrant downtown • Plan future land use 7 • Promote a viable business community • Incorporate sustainable practices into daily operations. Use of the Plan This Master Plan is prepared under authority of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, P.A. 33 of 2008, as amended. It provides the basis for zoning under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, P.A. 110 of 2006, as amended. The Master Plan also provides a basis for subdivision regulations, local land use regulations, and the capital improvements program to ensure consistency with expressed community goals and policies. This Master Plan is designed to be consistent with other regional plans, thereby setting the stage for regional collaboration. The Master Plan provides advisory guidelines for development based on public vision, interests and intentions. This aids private sector landowners and developers in making decisions that are consistent with public goals. 8 Chapter 2: the master plan process • The City conducted a community survey to garner opinions related to the quality of the present services provided, areas where the City can improve, and what city services should be provided in the future. A total of 1,500 surveys were distributed and the response rate was 32 percent. • The planning commission hosted three open house events involving the community in the planning process. City residents, business owners, and city officials played an important role in the development of this Master Plan. During the planning process, the City offered several opportunities for public involvement. Survey In order to gain public input for the Master Plan, the City distributed a survey to all households. Thirty-two percent of the paper surveys were returned, and 87 percent of the online surveys were completed. The respondents represented a good cross section of residents by location and age. The survey team, consisting of City staff, a faculty member from Michigan Tech, and a student intern from Michigan Tech School of Business and Economics, prepared a detailed report and analysis of the survey responses. Overall results were very positive, matching closely the input provided at the open house events. Highlights from the survey are reported below. The full report can be found on the City’s website. • The demographic of survey respondents closely matched the 2010 U.S. Census demographic numbers. • Almost 90 percent of survey participants perceived an improvement in parks and recreation since the 2011 survey. • Over 50 percent of respondents saw improvement in neighborhoods. Over 80 percent feel they live in a secure and peaceful environment. There is less satisfaction with the condition of the neighborhoods. • About 75 percent of respondents perceived improvement in transportation. Respondents are satisfied with the maintenance of bike paths, sidewalks, and roads. • Almost 90 percent of respondents feel curbside recycling is important. The City has offered curb-side recycling since 2016. • Respondents are very satisfied with city services. Over 50 percent are satisfied with the police department, fire department, water and sewer service, maintenance, and snow removal. The survey measured respondents’ satisfaction levels and perceived improvement since the last survey. Recommendations from the survey included increasing social media, and improving Dee Stadium, code enforcement, public transit, road conditions, and public restrooms. 9 Open House Events Residents, business owners, landlords and developers from the City were invited to imagine the future of the City of Houghton and discuss any issues or opportunities the City is facing. Planning commissioners and staff were on hand to meet with the public. The topics included: • Future land use • Neighborhood improvements • Traffic, transportation, walkability and cycling • Recreation opportunities • Parking • Smart Growth and sustainability The open house included map displays for participants to comment on and informational presentation boards covering event topics. Suggestions received from the events included: more accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists, opportunities for public composting, allowing owner-occupied Airbnb rental’s, and improved code enforcement in neighborhoods. 10 chapter 3: historical timeline 1850 – Houghton’s first downtown building is constructed. Most of today’s downtown buildings are over 100 years old. 1861 - Houghton becomes a village shortly after both entrances to the Keweenaw Waterway are developed to accommodate larger boats. This establishes Houghton as the area’s commerce and business center. The area’s copper mining boom is just starting and by 1890 Houghton County is the wealthiest