Planning the future of the village’s waterfront

PENTWATER – In mid-March, more than 45 Pentwater residents met at the village hall to discuss the future of the village’s waterfront. The Pentwater community is now invited to the next phase of the case study to identify sustainable harbor management strategies.

The village and project team will host a three-day planning meeting, or “design charrette,” April 17-19, to identify a shared vision for the community’s waterfront. Three public events and several technical meetings are scheduled. Participants will explore ways to further distinguish Pentwater as a unique waterfront community and destination on Lake Michigan. The state- and federally-funded project aims to assist coastal communities in identifying planning objectives to ensure a secure future for public harbors.

Pentwater is one of only four waterfront communities in the state to be selected for this unique process. Charrettes are also scheduled for New Baltimore, Au Gres and Ontonagon.

Participants in the charrette will consider many community’s characteristics, including accessibility, available dockage, retail and service amenities, aesthetic values and finances.

Public events at the at the Pentwater Yacht Club include:

– A public input workshop Friday, April 17, from 6-8 p.m. Participants will select several design options for the waterfront and surroundings, focusing on harbor and dock options and walking paths.

– An open house Saturday, April 18, from 6-8 p.m. Attendees will view visual depictions of design options and state their preferences toward selection of one preferred vision for the waterfront.

– A “Work in Progress” public session Sunday, April 18, from 4-5 p.m. The community’s vision and research team’s supporting materials will be presented.

Refreshments will be available for the three public sessions, and no registration is required.

The community can also visit the research team at the yacht club Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For seasonal residents or others unable to participate in person, check the Pentwater Charrette Facebook page to participate remotely. For more information, visit Small Harbor Sustainability.