HOUGHTON — The Houghton City Council approved rezoning Wednesday that will allow for denser development along part of Houghton Avenue.

The rezoned area includes 24 parcels — most on the south side of Houghton Avenue between Townsend Drive and Agate Street, along with one on Emerald Street and two on Vivian Street. The properties were rezoned from R-1 (single-family residential) to R-3 (multi-family residential).

Most of the houses in that stretch are already being used as student rentals. They had effectively been R-3 already, as their uses were grandfathered in. The rezoning was requested by property owner Jon Lehtinen, who recently purchased an eight-bedroom house he is turning into a student rental.

“The city gets eight more MTU students moving closer to campus … income from the above students would allow us to improve the parking situation in that East Houghton Avenue neighborhood,” Lehtinen wrote to the council.

Lehtinen plans to develop parking in the alleyway behind his property, which would alleviate the nine to 10 student vehicles that have been grandfathered into being able to park along the street.

While past Planning Commission and City Council meetings included comments from people concerned the move would allow for the rezoning of single-family areas further from the university, Wednesday’s feedback was positive. Robert Sundstrom, who lives in the last single-family home in the area proposed for rezoning, said Wednesday he supports the rezoning.

In other action, the council:

— Approved a notice of intent to issue up to $1.5 million capital improvement bonds to demolish the Lakeshore Drive parking deck, conduct restoration and site work and construct improvements to surface parking. The bond would be paid back within 20 years. Voters will have 45 days after the notice is published to ask for referendum.

— endorsed a letter of support for the proposed Keweenaw Waters Resort, which includes a campground, RV Park and boardwalk. The project would be built within the city along Houghton Canal Road. The Houghton County Board approved a similar letter Tuesday. The council previously approved rezoning for the property.

— Approved the use of $320,200 of state money to replace culverts at Kestner Waterfront Park and purchase equipment necessary to prevent future flood damage like that seen in 2018. Waara said the city would look at getting a new sewer camera and equipment for repairing manholes, many of which have seen damage to the blacktop around them after the flood. The state will provide half the money up front; the city will be reimbursed for the rest after completing the work.

— Heard from Waara the city will start discussions near the end of may with Houghton County about the county giving up its right-of-way on Pewabic Street to ensure the permanence of the community garden.

— Heard from Waara pile driving had resumed for the Mattila Square pier project.

— Announced the dates for this year’s spring cleanup. It will take place this year from April 29 to May 30. Dumpsters will be available at the Department of Public Works on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Senior citizens and those with disability issues can schedule pickup from DPW on May 13 and May 27. IDs will be checked to ensure the cleanup is for residents only. Security cameras will also be in place.

Moveout dumpsters will also be put out the week before Tech graduation and be left up until Tuesday after graduation. Dumpsters will be in Lot 21 and at the parking deck near the Portage Lake District Library.

Since it started several years ago, it had reduced the amount of material students leave by the curb after moving out, Waara said.

“We haven’t had any burning couches either since we started doing that,” Mayor Pro Term Robert Megowen said.

— Heard from Waara construction work and detours on College Avenue will start the Monday after Tech’s graduation April 30. Signage will be placed the week before.