Letter of Support for Allegan County Grant Application to EGLE for 640 Water Street Environmental Cleanup

City Council Agenda Item Report FROM:

Ryan Cummins, City Manager

MEETING DATE:

May 11, 2026

SUBJECT:

Letter of Support for Brownfield Grant Application for The River Market Redevelopment

DESCRIPTION: The Allegan County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority has recommended proceeding with a brownfield grant application to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for the proposed River Market Development. The property is a contaminated former leaking underground storage tank facility. EGLE has reviewed the preapplication materials and has invited the County to apply. The County is requesting a a letter of support from the City for the County to submit the grant application. The County has advised that if awarded, the County will check with the City prior to acceptance to ensure nothing has changed. LEGAL REVIEW: The letter was discussed with legal and legal will be at your meeting for any questions. SAMPLE MOTION: Motion to approve the letter of support for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Brownfield Redevelopment Grant application which is being submitted by Allegan County for the River Market Redevelopment.

May 8, 2026

Mr. Douglas Koop Brownfield Redevelopment Coordinator Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Kalamazoo District Office 6938 Elm Valley Drive RE:

The River Market Redevelopment - Brownfield Grant Application 640 Water Street, Saugatuck, Michigan 49453

Dear Mr. Koop: On behalf of the City of Saugatuck, we are pleased to provide our support for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Brownfield Redevelopment Grant application which is being submitted by Allegan County for the above noted project. The property is a contaminated former leaking underground storage tank facility, which is intended to be redeveloped into a mixed commercial and residential establishment. The proposed redevelopment will repurpose a contaminated site for the betterment of the City, mitigating environment risks and bringing new jobs and increased tax base to the community. The City acknowledges that the proposed project is an allowable reuse of the property and supports efforts to revitalize this contaminated site. The City’s Planning Commission has unanimously recommended approval of the redevelopment (future use of the Site), finding that it will comply with all local zoning and planning ordinances. A final decision by the City Council is anticipated in the coming weeks. We appreciate the support from the EGLE in helping to make the City of Saugatuck a better place for its residents and businesses. We look forward to a successful project. If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely,

Ryan Cummins City Manager City of Saugatuck