Eaton Rapids asks $4 million to demolish, remediate and ready Horner Mill riverfront site

Eaton Rapids city and county land‑bank officials told the Appropriations Subcommittee that the Horner Mill property is a long‑standing blight at the gateway to the city and poses physical and environmental hazards.

City manager Ivon Ridge said the site covers about 7.45 acres with roughly 1,000 feet of Grand River frontage, contains eight unsafe structures and has known environmental contamination documented in Phase I/II studies. "In its current condition it generates no economic value, poses a public‑safety risk, and threatens the Grand River," Ridge said, urging state assistance for demolition, abatement and floodplain restoration work.

Officials told the committee that the Eaton County Land Bank now controls the parcel and that demolition and remediation would unlock the site for potential mixed‑use redevelopment, commercial opportunities or expanded riverfront green space. Committee members asked about the nature of contamination and floodplain constraints; Ridge said some soil removal and specialized remedial work should be expected and that the land bank will determine final redevelopment options after cleanup.

No appropriation was taken at the hearing; the request will be evaluated in the upcoming budget process.