Bowen Printing has been leasing the building at 200 South Michigan Street from the City of Plymouth for over 36 years. During the February flood the building sustained major damage with 14 inches of water inside the building. The damage was estimated at $48,000 and while the city has insurance on the building, the deductable is $100,000. The lease states that if after one month of the building being un-habitual the lease could be terminated.
In March, owner Dawn Smith negotiated the sale of the building and lot with the city. This was allowable since the governor had declared a disaster declaration. That declaration allows the city to suspend normal proceedings and sell the property without the appraisal and bid process.
Smith will purchase the building in as-is condition for $2,500. The property will be split into two lots with Bowen Printing keeping the front lot and the City of Plymouth retaining the back portion of the property. Smith also agreed to give the city a utility easement.
On Tuesday, August 7th at 7 p.m. the Plymouth Plan Commission will consider the request of the City of Plymouth for a two lot subdivision at the 200 South Michigan Street location. The Plan Commission’s approval will be contingent upon the City Board of Zoning Appeals approving a variance for the lot with the building on it being less than the standard for C-2 zoning of half an acre at their meeting at 7:30 that same night.
Both the Plan Commission and BZA meetings are open to the public and held in the conference room of the Fire Department at 111 North Center Street. Those attending should use the south entrance.
