sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com
News Photo by Steve Schulwitz
Tom Dihle and his wife, Cecilia, look recently at an Alpena home they considered purchasing. The couple is looking for a home because they are moving to Alpena from the St. Joseph area.
ALPENA A shortage of housing could weaken the local workforce and future development if people wanting to invest money and talent in Alpena can’t find places to live, Northeast Michigan business leaders say.
People trying to move to Alpena sometimes have to wait months to find a place to call their own, with housing demand exceeding supply or high prices for existing homes or new construction pricing some out of the market entirely, The News learned through weeks of research and interviews with homebuyers, sellers, and officials in real estate and economic development.
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Feb 27, 2021
We doubt very many Northeast Michiganders want to see our rusticly beautiful home turn into a bustling mini-metropolis.
We certainly don’t.
However, recent reporting by News staff writer Crystal Nelson shows Northeast Michigan moving in the wrong direction. For years, death rates here have exceeded birth rates, and too few people have moved into the area to make up for that natural population loss.
To a potential developer, fewer residents means fewer customers, and our long-term trends could cause that potential developer to look elsewhere for places to spend his or her money.
Now, we face a bit of a chicken-or-the-egg situation. Investment, which means jobs and a quality of life, could cause more people to stay here or move here, but we may need more people to stay here and move here before we get that investment.
sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com
News Photo by Steve Schulwitz
Northland Area Federal Credit Union Assistant Branch Manager Carrie Burr does some computer work behind one of the customer service desks at the company’s new headquarters in Alpena. The credit union is expected to open fully on Feb.1, but are offering appointments, ATM, and drive-thru services at the new building on Bagley Street.
ALPENA Feb. 1 will be a special day for members and staff of Northland Area Federal Credit Union as its new headquarters in Alpena will open to the public.
The new, four-story building on Bagley Street has taken several years to complete, but it is nearly ready to serve current and new members.
Pictured above are members of the Alpena Police Department posing with their lunches provided by NAFCU.
Pictured are members of the Alpena County Sheriff s Department posing with their lunches provided by NAFCU.
Jennifer Lipps, NAFCU Alpena Branch Manager, stands with a member of the Michigan State Police Alpena Post after lunch delivery.
Courtesy Photos
In honor of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Northland Area Federal Credit Union stopped by several law enforcement agencies to say thank you. Meals were purchased from numerous local restaurants. Agencies have reported that this was a tough year with COVID-19 with first responders having to deal with the effects of the pandemic. “Anything we can do to bring attention to our law enforcement agencies – and what they and their families sacrifice every day for our communities is worth it,” said Northland Marketing Director Matt Duthler.
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