Let us know what you think . . . about working at the mill, about the mill's contribution to our community or about the future of the SAPPI property.
Do you have a story to tell, a photo to share or would just like to let your voice be heard, let us know and we can publish your information here.
Feedback from site users:
The idea to bring in a graduate school is an awsome idea. We already have other schools in the area that can contribute to such a program. There is definitely a need to educate our population for the future. I think that our leaders should pursue this idea in more detail to find out how feasibly this can be accomplished.
David Hilliard - September 11, 2009
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First off thank you for putting up this site.
Now onto the good stuff. The first thing that needs to happen is clear and clean the site at Sappi's expense of course. This should start immediately and will put some people to work. This will take a while and it will give the Muskegon Community time to discuss ideas for the site. In my personal opinion I don't think that this area should be developed into a manufacturing site of any kind. Let's think about technology oriented businesses. The 119 acres should be able to hold several businesses and employee people in this community that is much needed.
Myself I think a courtship to some of the big Silicon valley tech companies is in order. We really need to start thinking forward about what is right for our great grandchildren not just us.
We have a lot to offer these types of compaies. Not to mention the schools around here to train people for these types of jobs. I really love the Muskegon area and have lived here for 39 years but at the current time there are many more places that are attracting our youth to move out because they have done the leg work to get these types of companies to their areas.
Lets start putting Muskegon back on the map. Think technology.
David Hilliard - September 1, 2009
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THE LARGEST MISTAKE WOULD BE TO FOREGO A CLEAN-UP. The most concerning aspect of the former papermill is the enviromental liability. Properties with extensive pollution problems can be left untouched for DECADES if not longer. MUSKEGON MUST FIRST GET THIS SITE CLEANED UP, whether it be through negoitations with SAPPI or forced legal proceedings; just any way possible. Allowing this issue to pass by the way side will be asking for a disaster that could last for more then 20 years . . .
Jonathan Hoogstra, former Muskegon resident - September 1, 2009 -
Read Full Comment from Jonathan Hoogstra >>
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"We know a replacement for Sappi will not be found immediately or even in the next year. Some have called this a 100-year decision."
- Muskegon Chronicle Editorial Board - August 30, 2009
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"I hope within a year a year it is ready for development. Does SAPPI think we were big enough suckers to think it was going to reopen" - A.O. Muskegon, Michigan - August 26, 2009
Former City of Muskegon Economic Development Official and President of Muskegon Area First Offers Advice About SAPPI Property - Muskegon Chronicle August 31, 2009 - Read More >>
With All of the Property's Issues Redevelopment Would Likely Take Years
Muskegon Chronicle September 1, 2009 - Read More >>
