SAUGATUCK, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Apr. 22, 2024) – After a legal pause, it’s apparently back to “full steam ahead” for the renovation of a playground in Saugatuck.
On Apr. 12, city officials had called off a scheduled three-day Playground Community Build planned for Village Square Park, after 48th Circuit Court Judge Matt Antkoviak issued a restraining order following a lawsuit filed by the Maplewood Hotel, which is adjoining the park. Last Wednesday, the Saugatuck City Council held a closed-door special meeting to go over a proposed settlement with the hotel, and after apparently approving the deal, the agreement was signed last Thursday.
In the settlement, which was part of documents attached to the agenda of the regularly-scheduled Council meeting this Monday, Apr. 22, the hotel and the city agreed to the following:
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The main features of the new playground that were situated predominantly within the footprint of the previous playground can be constructed without further challenges.
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No additional trees will be removed.
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The City will reapply for Historic District Commission (HDC) approval for portions of the new playground that are situated predominately outside the footprint of the previous playground. These are referred to as the “additional features”.
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The neighboring property owner will reserve its appeal rights with respect to the HDC approval or denial of the additional features.
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No zoning approval is required.
During the upcoming meeting, Council will be asked to approve a resolution in line with these settlement terms. There was no initial indication as to when the playground rebuild will now take place.
An online link to the 7 PM meeting agenda and supporting documents for the business session in the second floor meeting room of Saugatuck City Hall (102 Butler St.), including the legal settlement with the Maplwood Hotel and drawings of the new playground, is here.
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