Project Meetings

Date: September 12, 2005
Time 11:30 – 1:30
Place: Bellacino’s

Members of GAP met with representatives of LIAA to identify other potential project partners and to determine the primary objectives of the project. The group identified several agencies and other local officials as potential project partners and established following three main objectives:

• Preserve and enhance the downtown Victorian historical theme.


• Control non-point source pollution to protect the Rifle River


• Increase tourism along the entire loop.

Date: October 4, 2005
Time 9:30-11:30
Place: Bellacino’s

After extending invitations to potential project partners, nearly seven regional and state-wide agencies joined GAP Committee members and local officials at the second meeting. The meeting provided another opportunity to discuss key objectives of the plan with particular focus on preserving the downtown Victorian them. Representatives from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) presented on how to apply for National Historic Registry status and how to establish a local historic district.

Date: November 9, 2005
Time 9:30-11:30
Place: Bellacino’s

Representatives from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Ogemaw Conservation District presented information on traffic trends, enhancement funds, and efforts to control non-point source pollution.

Date: December 6, 2005
Time 9:30-11:30
Place: MSU Extension Offices

Project Partners reviewed the "Fact Book" and planned for the January 9th Public Meeting.

Date: January 9, 2006
Time 6:30-8:30
Place: Forward Conference Center

Over 90! interested West Branch citizens participated in the first public meeting of the I-75 Business Loop Planning Projects. GAP members began the evening by welcoming participants and providing a brief introduction and review of the project. Featured speakers for the evening included Matt Radulski (Traffic and Safety Engineer -MDOT, who provided participants with an overview of current business loop transportation trends and Debra "Green" Abraham, who provided participants with an overview of storm-water management. Attendees then participated in several group discussion exercises in which they were asked to give their opinion on the current and future state of the I-75 Business Loop. Those responses will be used throughout the planning process to help direct the development of the I-75 Business Loop Plan. If you were not able to attend Monday's meeting or would like to submit additional comments, please link to "Project Comments" under the Project Directory. Thank you to all that helped and participated to make the first public meeting such a successful event! Please stay tuned to this web-site to learn more about future public meetings.

Date: March 8, 2006
Time: 9:30-11:30
Place: Bellacino's

Project Partners revisited the project plan, reviewed the results from the public meeting and discussed options on how to pursue stormwater managment along the business loop.

Date: April 5, 2006
Time: 9:30-11:30
Place: Bellacino's

A representative from the Ogemaw County Genealogical and Historical Society presented ideas on how to better incorporate the Victorian theme along the Business Loop. Afterwards, project partners brainstormed on the community’s historical assets and further refined their vision for the Victorian theme aspect of the Plan. The meeting ended with a review of example community surveys for the potential Market Study.

Date: July 14, 2006 2005
Time 9:30 – 11:30
Place: Bellacino’s

After a couple month hiatus, GAP members and LIAA staff resumed planning efforts for the I-75 Business Loop. At this meeting we reviewed our progress, discussed preliminary sub-goals of the Plan, and celebrated receiving the market study grant.

Date: August 4, 2006 2005
Time 9:30 – 11:30
Place: Ogemaw Township Hall

This meeting provided an opportunity for participants and the GAP committee to meet with Anderson Economic group and discuss the preliminary work plan for the Market Study.

Date: December 15, 2006 2005
Time 9:30 – 11:30
Place: MSU Extension Office

This meeting provided an opportunity for participants to review and discuss the preliminary results of the I-75 Business Loop, including the market study conducted by Anderson Economic Group. In addition, participants deliberated and coordinated the next public meeting scheduled for Jan. 9, 20007

Date: January 9, 2007
Time 6:30 – 8:30
Place: Forwards Conference Center

Over 100 interested citizens attended! Representatives from Anderson Economic Group (AEG) and DLZ provided an overview of the Market Study results. Afterwards, participants were invited to provide feedback on preliminary Business Loop Plan recommendations and strategies during a gallery walk. Stay tuned for the final draft of the Market Study. Below are the responses from the gallery walk.

Date: February 16, 2007
Time 9:30 – 11:30
Place: Trinity Episcopal Church

Project Partners and volunteer citizens met to discuss the results of the last public meeting, review a draft version of the Business Loop Plan, and plan for the final public meeting.

Date: March 30, 2007
Time 9:00 – 11:00
Place: Trinity Episcopal Church

Project Partners and volunteer citizens met to review the final Plan, divide into task force groups, and plan for the final Public Meeting. The final Public Meeting was held on May 15, 2007 at Forward's Conference Center at 6:30.