
Former Luna Pier School Could Become Assisted Living Center
Former Luna Pier School could become Assisted Living Center
BY DANIELLE PORTTEUS
dportteus@monroenews.com
A spot that once was a place for a community’s younger citizens could be home to older residents in the future.
More than a decade after Luna Pier Elementary School closed, Mason Consolidated Schools has sold the property to a couple who hopes build an assisted living center where the old school stands.
The building would have to be razed because of its condition, said Luna Pier Mayor David Davison.
Mason Supt. David Drewyor said the board of education voted 6- 0 Monday night to sell the property at 10701 Elmhurst St. for $75,000 to Harborside Investments, LLC of Brooklyn, Mich. Treasurer Chandra Fowler was excused from the meeting.
Denny Latoszewski of Harborside told The Monroe News that the plans are to create an assisted living facility for 20 people.
“My wife owns a six person facility in Hudson. She also has an in- home care business,” he said. “There are 10,000 people a day who turn 65, so that’s a lot.”
Mayor Davison said Harborside has not submitted a site plan to the city, which would have to go to the zoning board and ultimately the city council for approval.
“It has got to be a deal that he makes a commitment to tear the school down,” Mayor Davison said.
Mr. Drewyor credited the work of board Secretary Tara Tubbs who “ had a lot to do” with the creating the purchase agreement. Ms. Tubbs works in real estate.
Luna Pier School opened in 1935 and operated for 73 years.
The school was shuttered at the end of the 2002- 03 school year for budgetary reasons. Students were consolidated with Mason Central Elementary the next academic year.
Since then, the property has been vacant. In all, 2.977- acres were sold including the school.
For many years, the school district had been in negotiations with the City of Luna Pier to buy the property. Talks between the district and city began in 2007, according to Monroe News archives.
The two parties began discussing the use of the property recently as well.
Mayor Davison said the city considered buying the land to relocate city hall, the police department and the library.
Harborside had come to the district with an idea for the property, but could not make an offer initially, Mr. Drewyor said.
“We had negotiated with the city and agreed on a price then the other company came back,” Mr. Drewyor said.
Mr. Latoszewski said the investment company still is working with the bank before it finalizes plans and submits site plans to the city.
Two years ago, the district sold North Elementary on Wood Rd. for $105,000 to a private owner who lived near the property, Mr. Drewyor said.
“The board voted to put the North money into the capital improvements budget,” the superintendent said. “ That money has not been used. My guess is the board might be doing the same with this, but it could go into the general fund since we passed the sinking fund.”