Midland · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in City of Midland public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Parking reconfiguration at 315 McDonald Street apartment building
The owners of a renovated eight-unit apartment building lost permission to use a neighbor's driveway and now need a new curb cut on MDOT-controlled E. Buttles Street plus redesigned parking. They say the delays and stormwater requirements are costly while they can't lease units without parking.
Affordable housing expansion at 3400 Isabella Street
The Affordable Housing Alliance is replacing its old bank-branch office with 10 below-market rental units — part of a bigger county push to renovate 69 units and build 60-70 new ones. The parking math only works if City Council passes the new parking rules in November, so there's some risk attached.
The Dean Apartments facility tour
The Planning Commission took a firsthand look at The Dean Apartments, touring four rental units and the community room. Site visits like this usually inform future housing or land-use decisions coming before the commission.
Sale of Larkin Parking Deck
The city was set to sell its Larkin Parking Deck to Midland Main ST Investments LLC, but council wants to know more about what the structure is worth before signing off. Downtown parking could change hands if the deal moves forward.
New credit union development at 4600 Bay City Road
Isabella Community Credit Union is building a 2,850-square-foot branch with drive-through near Costco. The big question was parking — they got permission for double the normally allowed spaces because they plan to double their staff. The site adds sidewalks, a bike rack, and underground stormwater detention.
Diamond View Farms Phase IV subdivision
A 96-unit duplex development is coming to Waldo Avenue, and neighbors from Primrose are worried about privacy, density, and traffic at Diamond Drive and Waldo Avenue. A recent traffic study found the intersection doesn't meet signal warrants, but the city says it will keep monitoring.
New auto repair garage on S. Saginaw Road
Zaremba Group got approval for a 6,607-square-foot auto repair garage, bringing a new commercial service business to the S. Saginaw corridor.
Drive-through restaurant on S. Saginaw Road
A new 4,408-square-foot commercial building with a drive-through restaurant is planned at 1815-1917 S. Saginaw Road, next to Popeye's and Jersey Mike's. Cross-access agreements with both neighbors are being worked out.
Midland Daily News brownfield plan cancelled
The 2020 brownfield redevelopment plan for the old Daily News building was scrapped at the developer's request, ending the associated redevelopment incentives.
Child Care Shortage and the Wackerly Street Center
A new child care center serving up to 50 kids could fill a real gap in Midland's child care options, but two immediate neighbors worry about traffic and noise in their single-family neighborhood. The commission recommended approval; City Council makes the final call.
New office and dental clinic on West Wackerly Street
A 6,200-square-foot building with an architecture firm and a dental clinic is proposed on a vacant lot between West Wackerly and US-10. The commission wants landscaping, sidewalk, and lighting details cleaned up before voting June 23.
Redwood USA 170-unit apartment development
Midland's need for workforce housing came up during the approval of the 78-unit Fieldstone Reserve Apartments project. The Midland Business Alliance endorsed it, saying the community needs more housing options for workers.
Washington Woods senior housing renovation
Federal disaster recovery dollars are flowing to Washington Woods senior living — an extra $565,000 plus a $717,911 window and door replacement contract. Residents of the senior facility get upgraded, more accessible units.
Public Participation Plan update
This update governs how the city seeks and incorporates resident input on planning decisions. The commission recommended adoption to the City Council, so the public will ultimately have more formalized channels for engagement.