110-acres of land will turn into bike park in Tawas
TAWAS, Mich. — Tawas city council members unanimously voted recently to redevelop 110–acres of forest land into an eco–friendly bike park.
The city wanted to turn the land mass into residential housing 20 years ago and sold it to a third party. That owner kept the land for private hunting use instead of industrializing the space. Tawas took back ownership and on March 18 declared official plans for the site.
Former Tawas City Mayor Kane Kelly says there’s up to seven miles of fat–tire bike trails coming to the new park.
“We’re referring it to our planning board,” said Kelly. “We’re making a subcommittee in the planning board where we’ll further investigate cost numbers, etc. If there’s wetlands involved we’re going to try to stay away from the wetlands. There’s possibilities to work with DNR to build little wooden bridges over streams and creeks that we need to cross. We have to coordinate with the DNR. we don’t want this project to involve too much money. we’re trying to stay away from the wetlands as much as possible and make it as cheap as possible.”
In the long run, city council is willing to offer tax abatement for commercial and residential development on the property as well. ideas are welcome. For more information contact Tawas City Hall at 989-362-8688.
