DOWNTOWN PAVING TO BEGIN AUGUST 20

By Scarlet Thalman
BCR Correspondent

BUCHANAN, MI – Last week, City Commissioners heard updates on the construction project and several other fall events on the horizon for the city in the coming months.

The downtown project has seen major progress, with all water mains installed and sanitary sewer work completed on Redbud, Main, and Dewey. The road base has been finished and is now awaiting pavement, expected to begin on August 20. Downtown Phase Two has completed two water main and service replacements, with ongoing sanitary work and installation of a stormwater separation unit, with completion expected in November. Overall, the project is estimated to be 65–70% completed.

Mayor Mark Weedon emphasized the active local businesses and accessible sidewalks as important positives to focus on during ongoing construction. He urged online critics to consider the impact on business owners before “pointing fingers,” stating, “The business owners are the ones taking the heat.” He called for residents to patronize local businesses and invest their money back into the city to help sustain them. This comes as the new DDA also invests all their liquid funds and refuses to put any money into helping downtown business owners.

City Clerk Langston reported the August 5th special election ran smoothly despite an undesirably low turnout of 12.7% for the city. The election resulted in the Library proposal passing. There is also an upcoming November election for LMC involving two proposals that will affect local taxes.

Rich Murphy, Community Development Director, confirmed that the application and background checks for Red Bud Roots Grower Class C Permit renewal have been completed and fees have been paid. Following Murphy’s recommendation for approval, a motion to approve the permit renewal was made by Mayor Pro Tem Patrick Swem and seconded by Commissioner Dan Vigansky. Voice votes were carried unanimously.

Commissioners heard from a number of concerned citizens, including Norma, a Buchanan resident. She spoke about the conditions on Oak Street, noting that she has experienced “more traffic, more semis, and construction than Oak Street has had for a long time.” She also mentioned concerns about the incoming school year and the impact of school buses. She asked the commission to address both the road conditions and the age of the sewer lines.

Colleen Morris, another Buchanan resident, raised concerns about heavy haul traffic on Fulton Street, a residential area with children, questioning its appropriateness compared to River Road. Mayor Weedon acknowledged the concerns and mentioned an upcoming discussion with the city manager regarding the issue.

Other updates included:

• Interviews for Brownfield Redevelopment Authority consultants were conducted, with a recommendation expected at the next meeting.
• A local feed mill property is being cleaned of contaminated soil following an insurance claim from the former gas station owner. The cleanup is expected to be completed by next month, with the property going on the market shortly after.
• A joint sewer and water board meeting discussed expansion options into joint townships.
• Progress on the community disc golf course was highlighted, with the tee baskets as the final addition before the course opens to the public.
• The COBRA project has been completed with only a few minor issues remaining.

Several community events were highlighted, including the upcoming Buchanan Faith and Family Day event, scheduled for August 24 from 2 to 5 p.m., featuring live music, a reptile encounter, free food — hot dogs, popcorn, snow cones, watermelon, health services, and activities for children, including inflatables, face painting, and free haircuts at the City Center.

Jerry Flenar, a member of the McCoy’s Creek Trail Committee, announced a ribbon-cutting on August 12, 2025, for the nearly completed trail. He also discussed the 20th annual “Trek-or-Treat on the Trail,” taking place October 25 at 12:30 p.m., and expressed concerns about rising candy costs.

Expenditures for August 11, 2025, totaling $60,411.81, were presented for approval. The commission also highlighted improvements in budget reporting, now offering more detailed departmental breakdowns. Voice votes were carried unanimously.

CDBG and Foundations Northside Neighborhood Home Repair: The North Side Home Repair program, aimed at addressing immediate health and safety concerns while helping homeowners maintain their properties and build equity, requested $120,000 in funding split between the CDBG grant and local foundations to complete various home repair projects. Commissioner Larry Money moved to approve the notices and project contracts as presented, supported by Commissioner Dan Vigansky. Voice votes were carried unanimously.

Revitalization and Placemaking “RAP” Grant with MEDC: City Manager Anthony McGhee was designated as the authorized signer for the RAP Grant pertaining to the Buchanan Downtown Infrastructure and Placemaking Initiative Project. This authorization allows McGhee to handle administrative approval of grant funds from MEDC, totaling $1,000,000, anticipated to be received by September or October.