Portage's Marina Shores complex moves along

PORTAGE — The 300-slip marina that is part of a $200 million development on the city’s north side is expected to be ready this boating season.

Bill Baker, the general manager of Brant Co.’s Marina Shores Development, said he is already taking reservations for the boat slips and the condominiums, cottage houses and custom properties expected to be built.

“The majority of activity is coming both locally and from Illinois,” Baker said.

Marina Shores is a 66-acre development that is expected to include 61 single-family home lots and 368 condominiums.

Last fall, the Portage City Council approved an $18 million special tax bond. Money from that bond was given to Brant Co. to build the infrastructure for Marina Shores.

The future residents of the development are expected to pay it back through special taxes.

That money has been used to build much of what has been constructed so far, said John Shepherd, Portage’s economic adviser.

The marina basin has been built and other utilities are being installed.

“It’s looking great out there,” Shepherd said.

Baker said construction on the homes there will begin soon. Models, he said, will be completed within the next three to four months.

“We’re hopeful to have residents into the development by the end of the summer,” Baker said.

People who put down reservations for property, Baker said, will have the first chance to put down reservations on the boat slips.

Slips will also be rented to non-residents on an annual basis, Baker said.