Courtesy photo Pictured is a Blackwarters NE rendering of a stage upgrade on the Alpena County Fairgrounds property.

ALPENA — Local leadership in the Alpena community express their support and excitement for the proposed Blackwater on the Water entertainment complex that is headed to the fairgrounds. Final approval is contingent upon the Alpena County Fair Board’s approval for their portion of the contract.

Anne Gentry, Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA) executive director, said that she believes that the entertainment complex will be a good addition to the community. She said that the DDA worked with Blackwaters NE, the developer, previously to scout areas in downtown Alpena for the project.

“We connected with them early this year when they started looking for the right space ,” she said. “There were a few spaces downtown they were looking at … there weren’t spaces downtown that fit their needs.”

Gentry said that the project has the potential to bring more foot traffic and visitors to the downtown area which will in turn support the local business economy.

“Honestly, the more people that come downtown the better,” she said.

“It’s a big deal to have entertainment options,” Gentry added. “That’s going to be a really positive thing … I like seeing the vision of what Alpena can be. I would love to see Alpena grow as a destination in the region.”

Gentry noted some concerns that have been discussed in the public space since the announcement on Friday which concern parking and lodging, among other things.

She said that from a developer perspective, this scenario raises a ‘chicken or the egg’ situation: do you build hotels or build the entertainment complex first.

Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce President Paige Fisher said in an email that the chamber is in support of Blackwaters NE’s proposal as it aligns with the chamber’s mission to support “thoughtful investment that strengthens our community while honoring its traditions and long‒standing institutions.”

“We have met with representatives from Blackwaters NE and believe their broader vision represents a potentially positive opportunity for regional investment and growth,” she said.

She also acknowledged the concerns of the community and the discourse surrounding the proposal, encouraging community members to engage in dialogue that will further the betterment of the community.

“We encourage open, respectful dialogue rooted in facts rather than fear,” she said. “Alpena is strongest when we listen to one another, ask questions, and work together toward solutions that serve the whole community, today and for future generations.”

Fisher explained that a project “of this scale” can support economic growth in the community which will have a lasting impact.

“If pursued thoughtfully, the project has the potential to generate positive economic impact for Alpena’s business community,” she said. “Private investment of this scale can support job creation, engage local contractors and suppliers, and increase overall economic activity.”

“Expanded events and year‒round use of the facilities could also drive additional visitors to the area, benefiting restaurants, lodging, retail, and other small businesses, while reinforcing Alpena’s appeal as a community open to future investment,” she added.

Though she highlighted the potential benefits of Blackwaters NE’s proposal, she said that with any development project there will be concerns from the community. She highlighted the need for clear communication and transparency as the project progresses.

“As with any significant proposal, it is important that community questions are addressed clearly and transparently,” she said.

She noted the necessity to preserve the legacy of the fairgrounds and to ensure that ongoing programing continues.

“Key considerations include preserving long‒standing community traditions, understanding how ongoing programming would coexist with existing uses, and ensuring open communication with residents,” she said. “The Chamber also believes it is critical that discussions remain respectful and grounded in accurate information. Productive dialogue is essential to making decisions that are in the best long‒term interest of Alpena.”

Ben Young, board member of the DDA, expressed his support and excitement for the entertainment complex project. His family also owns Players Pub & Grill in Alpena. Representing the DDA, Young said that a project like Blackwater on the Water aligns with the DDA’s strategic plan to bring more culture and activities for people of all ages to engage with and appreciate.

Like Fisher, Young acknowledged the concern from the public regarding the proposed changes to the fairgrounds. However, he said that he believes the project will be a positive addition to the community.

“I think it’s going to be an economic explosion,” Young said. “I know there is a lot of fear and unknown, but everything I’ve seen points to it being great for Alpena.”

Young said he believes that the project is a “once in a generation opportunity for the betterment of Alpena.”

Young also suggested that the Alpena County Fairgrounds has the potential to be more than what the community has come to accept it as. Young backed remarks County Administrator Jesse Osmer made during the public comment portion during the Alpena County Board of Commissioner’s meeting Friday concerning the status of the fairgrounds and how it had been overtaken by recreational drug use and “obscene acts” in recent years.

“The level of expectations we’ve been beaten down to accept what it is … now we can drive by with pride to see what is next,” he said. “This is the tip of the ice berg.”

During the second public comment portion at Friday’s meeting, Young spoke on the behalf of his family’s business and his position on the DDA board. He commented on concerns that were raised by 4-H members and other members in the public who were concerned about preserving the legacy of the fairgrounds, 4-H programming, and the small town culture of Alpena.

“I respect your concerns and your energy, but I think we can’t afford to pass this opportunity,” Young said. “I think there’s such an upswing potential that you’re not going to see until it happens and we’ll all be smiling at the end.”

Representatives from Blackwaters NE said in a Facebook post on Monday that the Blackwater on the Water project is entirely privately funded. No taxpayer dollars are being requested or utilized.

The post added that Blackwaters NE will work with the 4-H, FFA, and the Alpena County Fair Board to ensure existing programming at the fairgrounds continues and thrives in the future.

“The intent is to enhance and support these longstanding community pillars, not replace them,” the Facebook post stated. “However other programming and development would need to take place to make the continued use of the fairgrounds viable and safe. This takes reorganization and proper monetization of the space.”

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.