ELK RAPIDS -- A prime piece of land in Elk Rapids was the center of discussion at a Village Council meeting Tuesday night.
As part of it's expansion plans, Short's Brewery proposed to transform the old mustard factory property, located on the 200 block of Dexter Street, into a brew pub, banquet hall and condos.
However, the Village of Harbor Commission already had plans to make the space into a park.
Tuesday night, community members had a chance to weigh in on which one they want.
Elk Rapids resident Josh Veith says, "Some of the positives of opening it up to a private industry is that it would create jobs for a region that is suffering from unemployment, it would create a tax bas for the Village, where tax revenues would be used. It would create, especially if it's a brewery, a tourist destination for people coming from out of town."
Elk Rapids resident Bert Weyhing says, "What's lacking in that space is open area. I think that the view of the bay and harbor, Elk Lake, Elk River and sadly the power dam, which has been around for long time, is blocked by those buildings. I think it should be an open green space, with some restrooms for boaters, and a few parking spaces, to make it into a walking space."
Public comment lasted for an hour and a half Tuesday night. Now It's up to the commission to decide whether the space should be kept public or if a private enterprise, like Short's Brewery, should have the opportunity to buy it.
