ALPENA, Mich. — The Alpena Township Planning Commission has approved site plans for a new headquarters building for Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union, clearing a key regulatory hurdle for a project that would replace a former industrial property with a three-story financial services complex.
The commission voted 4-1 to approve the proposed development at 1700 M-32 West, the site of the former Alpena Diesel Service building. Commissioner Tom Hilberg cast the lone dissenting vote, citing concerns about a traffic impact study conducted by the Michigan Department of Transportation and requesting additional information before granting approval, The Alpena News reported.
Plans presented to the commission by architect Sara Lepich of The Redmond Company call for a modern headquarters facility that would house both member-facing and administrative operations.
According to Lepich, the first floor would include a credit union branch, investment services offices, a coffee shop and a conference center with seating for approximately 140 people. The proposed headquarters would serve as a central hub for the credit union, which has operated in the Alpena and Alcona County region since 1953 and maintains multiple branches.
The Development Plan
The development plan for the $857-million credit union includes 195 parking spaces, room for 71 additional future spaces, extensive landscaping featuring 16 trees, and stormwater management, lighting, signage, utility and drainage improvements. Existing wetlands located on part of the property would remain undisturbed under the approved plans, according to The Alpena News.
Township officials said the project could provide broader economic benefits beyond the construction of the building itself.
Alpena Township Supervisor Abbi Kaszubowski told The Alpena News that a credit union headquarters can create employment opportunities ranging from executive and administrative positions to technology, operations and support staff jobs, while generating additional spending at local businesses.
Hope is for More Development
Kaszubowski also said the facility could help spur further economic development through community partnerships, financial education programs, housing initiatives and small-business lending efforts.
The project remains subject to additional permitting and coordination among the credit union, township officials, MDOT and contractors. Further updates on the development are expected in the coming weeks, according to The Alpena News.
