Public hearing on West Ludington Avenue

LUDINGTON — A public hearing on improvements on the west end of Ludington Avenue will take place tonight during the Ludington City Council meeting.

The City of Ludington is looking to create improved pedestrian access at the waterfront and specifically at the west end of Ludington Avenue. The project would also provide improved universal access to people with physical disabilities. It would include a promenade at the west end of Ludington Avenue using stamped concrete and low-lying vegetation.

The promenade would be designed to hold a 60-foot by 100-foot tent for special events. A new concrete walkway would connect the west end of Ludington Avenue with the existing breakwater that leads to the lighthouse. Additional phases, which would involve changing the way vehicular traffic moves in this area would take place in the future as funding allows.

In 2012 the city applied for a $300,000 grant through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund to pay 75% of the costs of the project. The grant was denied and the city now intends to reapply for the grant, which requires two public hearings to be held to obtain public input. The second public hearing will be March 4.