Contact: Renee’ Ihlenfeldt
231-723-4325

For Immediate Release 

UNDERSTANDING OPTIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR MANISTEE LAKE 

Manistee, Michigan – Two initiatives are underway to better understand the options and opportunities for properties surrounding Manistee Lake, a Rail Relocation Assessment Project and the Michigan State University Small Town Design Initiative. And while these initiatives are related, they have distinctly different purposes that need to be understood.

A Manistee Community Information Flyer entitled “Questions and Answers – Concepts for Manistee Lake: Rail Relocation Assessment and MSU Small Town Design Initiative” is now available from the Alliance for Economic Success: 

• On our web site
• Calling 231-723-4325 to receive a written or email copy 
• Emailing bkeson@manistee.com to receive a written or email copy

“We want everyone with an interest in the future of property around Manistee Lake to participate fully in both of these initiatives,” said Renee’ Ihlenfeldt, Executive Director of the Alliance for Economic Success that is coordinating the two efforts. “To meaningfully participate, it is important for people to understand the purpose of these two initiatives, how they differ and how they may possibly compliment one another.”

Ihlenfeldt explained that the purpose of the Michigan State University Small Town Design Initiative is to develop design concepts and images for properties surrounding Manistee Lake, regardless of the fate of the rail relocation assessment project.

“Manistee Lake, our deep water port and the economic interests surround Manistee Lake have been identified by Envision Manistee County, the City of Manistee’s Strategy and other interests as one of the top priorities for the future of our economic well-being and quality of life,” Ihlenfeldt said. “The intent of the MSU project is to use community input and the creative talents, abilities and imagination of the Small Town Design Initiative faculty, staff and students to develop design concepts that can be considered in our land use plans, ordinances and for directing future development. We anticipate that one of the design concepts will help us more fully understand how properties could appear and be used in the event of rail relocation but that is not the sole focus of this initiative.”

Ihlenfeldt said that the Rail Relocation Assessment Initiative is being undertaken as part of an effort to understand how infrastructure in the county can better support economic development and jobs.

“The Rail Relocation Assessment Initiative is in its infancy,” Ihlenfeldt said. “The first project is to determine if rail relocation is feasible. If it is feasible, then a large number of additional questions and issues need to be addressed, including cost. We want the general public to be fully informed and involved throughout this project and the MSU project and we want to clarify the purposes of both projects.”

“If our ‘Question and Answer’ flyer doesn’t answer all questions, we ask that any additional questions or concerns be directed to our office,” Ihlenfeldt said. “We will make every attempt to answer all questions as quickly as possible, including cases where the answers may be unclear or not known. We cannot overstate the importance of having all interests informed and involved in these two important initiatives.”