REVITALIZATION GAINS MOMENTUM WITH KEY PROJECTS AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

Lake City was buzzing with excitement as a larger than ever crowd gathered to celebrate a spectacular Fourth of July last week. A heartfelt thank you to everyone, volunteers, organizers, first responders, city employees and community members, who made the holiday such a safe, joyful, and memorable success!

Demolition of the diner continues as the city pushes forward with major redevelopment efforts.  Grand Central Park is moving closer to reality. A rendering of the park is now on display, and groundbreaking is scheduled after Labor Day.

In a promising development, our Visioning 66 plan with Networks Northwest and Michigan State to enhance Miltner Park and surrounding infrastructure has been strategically rescheduled to 2027. This timeline will align the upgrades, which include new islands, bump-outs, improved pedestrian crossings, and a redesigned entrance and exit to the park, with the State’s mill and fill resurfacing project on M-55/66 through town. State officials are recommending that the City and MDOT apply jointly for a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant. The competitive but free grant would cover nearly all project costs mentioned above with the exception of new wind-resistant light posts along Main Street. 

While the City Council initially hoped to launch the Main Street improvements in 2026, the opportunity to secure significant cost savings through the TAP grant was a decisive factor in postponing the work while still achieving long-term infrastructure improvements.  In the interim, the City has requested MDOT to grant permission to implement temporary bump-out crossings near the Tasty Treat and the current City Park.  

The City is preparing to meet with County planners to address parking and safety concerns along Canal Street. The goal is to develop solutions that improve accessibility and safety for both residents and visitors.