Bay City, Michigan Development News
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7-6-26 Commission Meeting
Published: Jul 6, 2026
City Commission Extends Interim City Manager's Contract Amidst Transition
The commission discussed and voted on extending the temporary employment agreement for Dana Muscott to serve as city manager. This extension would last until July 31st, 2026, or until a new city manager's employment agreement is approved. While some commissioners expressed concerns about the length of extensions and the availability of a deputy city manager to take over, others argued that the extension is necessary to finalize contract negotiations with the incoming city manager and ensure a smooth transition. Concerns were also raised about taxpayer dollars and community feedback opposing the extension. Ultimately, the motion to approve the extension passed with a 5-4 vote.
Hey Bay City Initiative Concludes Q1 2026 Reporting with Significant Workforce and Marketing Impacts
The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation presented its first quarter 2026 report on the Hey Bay City initiative. The program, designed to strengthen visibility, workforce connections, employer support, and community pride, has utilized all its ARPA funding. Key activities included employer sign-ups, job postings, and partnership meetings. The initiative focused on connecting people to opportunities, bridging workforce development and placemaking. Measurable outcomes from Q1 2026 included 16 new employer sign-ups, 80 jobs posted, nearly 9,000 job views, 18 partnership meetings, 300 apply clicks, and 43 applications. The program also offered direct job seeker support, receiving 21 résumés and providing six tailored opportunities. The initiative amplified partner organizations' work and promoted Bay City's assets. Overall, Hey Bay City facilitated over 260 employer signups, 1,000 jobs posted, 235,000 job views, 422 partnership meetings, 7,470 apply clicks, and 707 applications. The program's marketing impact included 28,000 website views in Q1 2026 and over 13.9 million social media views overall, highlighting businesses, community assets, and job opportunities. The program's storytelling efforts have been archived for future use.
Residents Voice Concerns Over Mixed-Use Zoning Changes in Neighborhoods, Advocate for Housing Solutions
Residents expressed concerns about proposed changes to mixed-use zoning in the Mundy and Germania neighborhood during the zoning ordinance review. Paul Travis and Emily Madison, longtime residents, advocated for preserving the area's residential character and open space, citing the future land use map's designation of the Monday block as residential with open space. They argued that widespread mixed-use zoning could negatively impact the neighborhood's infrastructure and character. Madison, an urban designer, suggested that any development on the Monday block should go through a Planned Unit Development (PUD) process rather than changing the zoning outright. Michael Hatch raised concerns about the Ionia block being rezoned and the potential for buyouts, noting his intent not to leave. Carrie reiterated concerns about the impact of mixed-use zoning on the neighborhood's delicate infrastructure and safety, advocating for it to remain a safe place for children and animals. Kevin Synynic objected to the premise that views equal results in job creation and highlighted the need for more job assistance. Joe Lojinski and Carolyn Klores spoke in strong support of any measures that would alleviate the housing crisis, emphasizing the difficulty young adults and the elderly face in finding affordable and available housing, and supported increased housing density.
City Commission Reviews Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Rewrite
The city commission reviewed a proposed zoning ordinance rewrite, developed over the past year by Geles Webster, a planning and engineering firm. The rewrite is based on the 2024 master plan and includes changes to the zoning map. Key changes include merging R1 and R2 districts with a reduced minimum lot size from 5,000 to 4,500 square feet and increased maximum lot coverage. RM1 and 01 districts were merged into a mixed-use district, with a slight decrease in land area required per multifamily unit. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are now permitted everywhere. The ordinance modernizes wireless communication standards, reorganizes content for clarity, encourages adaptive reuse of vacant institutional buildings, and allows more uses in more districts. Site development standards for lighting, landscaping, and parking have been updated and grouped. Review processes have been streamlined, with a development review guidebook being created. Off-street parking and loading standards are reorganized and more market-driven, including standards for EV charging and bike parking. Landscaping and screening content has been consolidated, with clearer terminology and thresholds for updates. Wall and fence standards are clarified, and permits are better defined. The ordinance's hierarchical list structure and definitions have been updated, and illustrations modernized. The zoning map has been changed to reflect the future land use plan. The proposed ordinance requires a second reading and adoption before becoming effective, likely in August. Commissioners discussed the ordinance's role in making the city redevelopment-ready, potential amendments, and alignment with state housing preemption bills. Concerns were raised about the mixed-use zoning in the Mundy and Germania neighborhood, potential impacts on infrastructure, and the definition of tiny homes, with the minimum square footage for homes reduced from 960 to 760 square feet. The ordinance aims to make it easier to build, particularly middle housing, and addresses nonconformities, allowing for easier updates and maintenance of existing nonconforming uses.
Residents Advocate for Preservation of Neighborhood Character Amidst Zoning Rezoning Proposals
Residents voiced concerns about the proposed rezoning of the Mundy block, citing its current designation as residential with open space in the future land use plan. Emily Madison, an urban designer, expressed preference for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) process over outright rezoning to mixed-use, citing concerns about the neighborhood's delicate infrastructure and the potential impact of increased retail and density. Paul Travis supported this, emphasizing the need for input and a better location for the Riverwalk Bridge. Carrie also reiterated concerns about the mixed-use designation being too widespread for their neighborhood, advocating for its preservation as a safe space. Mr. Herrick noted the Ionia block rezoning and his intent to stay in his home. The discussion highlighted the sensitivity of the neighborhood regarding development and density.
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The Bay City News archive
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Planning Commission Meeting Agenda - June 17, 2026
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