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June 17, 2004State OKs brownfield redevelopment plan for downtownMoney will help fund demolition, cleanup of sitesByRecord-Eagle staff writer CHEBOYGAN - A $4.1 million project intended to redevelop downtown properties and create 28 new jobs is taking shape in Cheboygan following state approval of environmental cleanup plans. The Michigan Economic Growth Authority approved the Mariner's Village Brownfield Work Plan request for the city of Cheboygan this week. The approval allows Cheboygan to capture $247,250 in tax revenues that will allow Boathouse Restaurant owner John Knaffla and business partner Donald Temroski to clean up contamination at the former Thompson Lumber Company and the Cheboygan Convenience Store properties. The funds will pay for the demolition of the buildings as well as the cleanup of fuel, gas and tar left over from the operation of a gas station and lumber company, Knaffla said. The Mariner's Village project will include a new 35,000-square-foot marina with inside storage, overnight docking, boat supplies, shower facilities, a gazebo and a picnic area. It would be connected to the Boathouse Restaurant at 106 Pine Street just off Main Street in downtown Cheboygan. Knaffla said the developers hope to work in tandem with city officials to revitalize the downtown, bring in more tourists and create 28 new jobs. "I know Cheboygan is going somewhere and things are going to happen in this town," Knaffla said. The project still needs approval from the Department of Environmental Quality and Army Corps of Engineers before dredging of the Cheboygan River can take place. The project includes about 500 feet of river frontage. Knaffla hopes to begin work on the project next month and to have the new businesses open by next spring.
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