Two

Jun 09, 2023

Jul 26, 2023

By GARRETT NEESE

[email protected]

HANCOCK — Members of the urban planning group drafting Hancock’s master plan update presented findings from public sessions held earlier this year during Monday’s Hancock Planning Commission meeting.

James Kilborn, an associate planner with the Grand Rapids-based Progressive AE, laid out a series of potential additions to the master plan.

One suggestion was adding the intention of turning Quincy and Hancock streets back to two-way streets, as they had been before the introduction of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge.

By turning Quincy Street back into a two-way, Kilborn said, it could have the effect of reducing traffic speeds and make people give it more consideration as a shopping area.

Some Planning Commission members liked the idea; Planning Commission Chair Kurt Rickard and Commissioner Susan Burack also said they would like to see U.S. 41 rerouted to Hancock Street to remove highway traffic from Quincy Street.

But Hancock officials also mentioned the difficulty in getting even more minor changes approved by the Department of Transportation along a highway.

“Maybe the Superior region is just a lot stricter about adding anything,” said City Manager Mary Babcock. “We’re not allowed to have a flashing light anywhere on Quincy Street that signifies a crosswalk.”

Suzanne Schultz, urban planning practice leader with Progressive AE, said even if it won’t see immediate results, having it in the plan could yield long-term benefits if a window of opportunity comes up.

“They may not like it, but you can point to something and say ‘We have all of this community engagement, we as a matter of policy want to see this happen,’ for MDOT, it’s harder to say no,” she said.

A second community event is planned for sometime in September. Those activities will include getting input on the vision statement, determining what amenities people would like to see in the community, and looking at ways to ensure sustainability in the community.

Progressive AE intends to present its master plan update in November 2023, with final adoption by the city estimated to come the next month.

Babcock also gave the Planning Commission the first look at potential upgrades to the arena, which the city purchased from Houghton County earlier this year. The “Hoco Arena” will remain — though now standing for “Hockey Country.” Babcock displayed lighting, facade and landscaping upgrades at the entrance, as well as changes inside. Rather than swapping out pictures of teams every year, Babcock said they would be featured on TV screens in the lobby.

Babcock said the city would pursue a grant for an elevator inside the building to allow access to the community room upstairs.

The Planning Commission also OK’d a letter of support for a Boyne Falls, Michigan-based company that is seeking a Department of Energy grant that would allow it to produce biofuel in the state. Melissa Davis of New Power Tour gave a presentation to the City Council about the request last week. To meet the grant conditions, Davis said, there would be also a series of community educational events.

Babcock also updated the council on the new clock, recently installed on the corner by U.S. 41 and M-203. The installation had been one of the final projects worked on by late Downtown Development Authority Coordinator Deb Mann. Babcock said she is working on getting some state signage relocated so the clock can be better seen.

The city’s recreation committee also had its first meeting to begin work on the five-year plan. Western Upper Peninsula Planning & Development Region will be assisting in the plan, Babcock said.

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