Copyright M Live Michigan
MUSKEGON, MI - Rezoning of waterfront properties and a tax break for a new restaurant were approved by Muskegon city planners in October. The Muskegon Planning Commission approved that a majority of Fisherman’s Landing be rezoned for future industrial port operations and a portion of the Mart Dock property be rezoned to allow for future upgrades at that location. The Muskegon City Commission has final say on the zoning changes, and is expected to vote on a land swap proposal that includes these properties on Nov. 25. The proposed deal would close Fisherman’s Landing campground and allow Mart Dock to move port operations to that space on the east end of the city on Muskegon Lake. The city would acquire neighboring land from Verplank Co. for a public park, as well as some property on Third Street downtown next to Mart Dock’s current operations. The city commission approved on Oct. 14 the establishment of a commercial redevelopment district, plus a commercial facilities exemption certificate, for Gigi’s Grill, a Mexican/American restaurant planned for 431 E. Laketon Ave. in Muskegon. Planners approve rezoning of properties included in land swap deal The planning commission approved on Oct. 23 to rezone 23.5 acres of the 43.5-acre site owned by West Michigan Dock & Market Corp. at 560 Mart St. from Waterfront Marine to Waterfront Industrial PUD. Planning Director Mike Franzak said this would bring existing port activities into compliance with current zoning and would allow for potential operational changes or expansion. City Manager Jonathan Seyferth described the change as an “insurance policy” and “olive branch” for Mart Dock. If the land swap deal falls through, this rezoning would still allow them to operate and upgrade their business at its current location. The commission also voted to rezone the majority of Fisherman’s Landing from Open Space Recreation to Waterfront Industrial PUD to allow for new port activities. If the land swap is approved, Mart Dock plans to move the bulk of its port activities to the city-owned property that currently houses a campground, public pavilion, boat ramp, fish cleaning station and restrooms. Gigi’s Grill moving into brick-and-mortar spot The commercial facilities exemption certificate approved by the commission will freeze the taxable value of the building and exempt new real property investment from local taxes for eight years. Luis Santillanes, owner of Gigi’s Grill, plans to rehabilitate the 18,686-square-foot facility, starting in November. Gigi’s Grill has been operating a food truck and tent outside the building, where it serves authentic Mexican food. The $65,000 project is expected to create between seven and 10 jobs, according to city documents. The new restaurant will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and serve Mexican, Cuban and American dishes. It also will have indoor seating, a drive-thru and a children’s play area, Santillanes said. The building at 431 E. Laketon previously was a church, where Santillanes served as pastor for about four years. Prior to that, the building was a restaurant, and it has the capacity to be one again with a kitchen, dining room and two bathrooms, according to city documents. The biggest transformation would be in the kitchen, with an estimated $50,000 investment that includes plumbing, commercial refrigerators, a commercial stove, a flat grill and stainless-steel counters, Santillanes said. Santillanes said he still has to secure workers and a building permit but plans to be open by March of next year.
