Mount Clemens OKs five-year lease for Michigan Transit Museum at downtown depot

The Mount Clemens City Commission approved a five-year lease allowing the Michigan Transit Museum to continue using the historic train depot at 200 Grand Avenue, with an option for an additional five-year extension.

City staff noted the lease was prepared by the city attorney, contains a 90-day termination clause, and requires the museum to provide a certificate of liability insurance naming the city as an additional insured. The current lease had expired April 30, 2018 and the museum had been a month-to-month tenant since.

Tim Backers, who identified himself as “sort of the face of the museum,” told the commission the depot has a new roof and that the museum has completed exterior painting and repairs. He said the museum is celebrating roughly 160 years as part of the community and reported a strong opening to the season and increased enthusiasm driven in part by social media. The board discussed the museum’s ongoing maintenance needs, including the tool house roof.

The motion to approve the five-year lease and authorize the mayor or city clerk to execute the agreement passed unanimously by roll call vote.