LUNA PIER, Mich. — A century ago, one could board an electric train in Toledo and ride 10 miles or so to the north to visit the beach and amusement pier in this small Monroe County city.
While its waterfront has remained an attraction over the years for some beachgoers and fishermen, the interurban trains stopped running long ago, and the private automobile extended people’s reach to travel far and wide in search of summertime relaxation or entertainment.
But now, with Consumers Energy planning to close the power plant that provides more than half the city’s tax revenue — and has adorned the city seal since the 1960s — early next year, Luna Pier is looking to spruce itself up and renew emphasis on its lakeside location.
Transportation-enhancement projects recently approved for federal funding by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments includes a “streetscape” remodeling of about a quarter-mile of Luna Pier Road, the city’s main street, to make it more attractive and pedestrian friendly — and perhaps spur private development.
“We’re trying to use the assets we have, especially the beautiful beach here, to attract different kinds of businesses to come into town,” Mayor David Davison said. “When you lose 65 percent of your tax base, it hurts.”
Even with $393,374 in federal funds, for which Luna Pier must provide a matching $98,344, the project had to be broken into phases.
Initial funding, Mr. Davison said, will cover only the street and sidewalk reconstruction and related improvements between Harold and Lakeside drives that include street trees and decorative lighting.
Not included in the first phase are the plan’s 100-square-foot rain garden, a grassy area for picnicking, a pavilion and playground equipment, and a new municipal parking lot to replace existing parking where the park facilities are proposed.
With plans to tap city reserves for about half the matching money and obtain a State Infrastructure Bank loan, repaid from future state funding, to finance the rest, Mr. Davison said the goal is to start construction in March and complete the first phase by next year’s end.
Ideally, he said, the heaviest work will be done before summer so it doesn’t disrupt the peak tourism season.
“People come here from all over — from Toledo, from Downriver [Detroit’s south suburbs],” the mayor said. “They’ll drive right past Sterling State Park because they like it better here. And our beach is only a half mile from the expressway.”
The hope is that a nice setting might bring in a restaurant or two, perhaps some shops or entertainment to get those visitors to spend a little more money in Luna Pier.
Maha Shalout, owner of Luna Pier Market, is among those eager to see how the city’s main drag can be spiffed up.
“It’s a great idea. This could maybe bring in more people into the community,” Ms. Shalout said.
Contact David Patch at: dpatch@theblade.com or 419-724-6094.
First Published July 27, 2015, 4:00 a.m.
