Downtown Development Authority Minutes

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Present: DDA Members: Jim DeHaan, Greg Presley, Lynda Heaton, Margene Buckhave, Rick Shaffner, Lou LaChance, Jim Long. Others: City Manager Gary Word, DDA Director Lori Ward, School Board Representative Martha Nield, Recording Secretary Carol Kasprowicz.

Absent: Mayor Christopher Johnson, Dave Larsen (excused)

Approval of Minutes: Motion Shaffner, seconded by Buckhave to approve the minutes of the meeting of April 10, 2001 and April 24, 2001. Motion carried unanimously.

Action Items:

Mark Guidobono reviewed the latest changes regarding the Cambridge Project due to be built on Cady Street. The most recent revisions included the enlargement of the central plaza, a separate lobby for the businesses and one for the residents, and a setback of the roof line on the penthouse level. It was pointed out that 60 underground parking spaces will be reserved for the residents. Residential units include 12 units on the 3^rd floor (two of which will be studio apartments), the fourth floor will be identical to the third floor, and the fifth floor will contain seven penthouse units. The first floor will house service related businesses and hopefully a restaurant. It is still the intent to have the project look like three different buildings by using three different color bricks. It is projected that the average price for a unit will be $500,000 to $600,000. Mr. Guidobono expressed concern over the time taken to have the project approved. He stated there is a similar project to be built in Plymouth, and he also expressed his reluctance to initiate marketing the project in the winter months.

Motion Heaton, seconded by Shaffner to recommend to City Council approval of the latest revisions in the Cambridge Place project as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Presley reviewed the results of two meetings held by the subcommittee whose purpose was to investigate (1) downtown traffic circulation, (2) redevelopment of Cady Street, and (3) future visions for the Cady Street "terminus" (Foundry Flask block). He gave a brief synopsis of the "blue sky" ideas generated in the two meetings. Ideas included an overlay district or text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance regarding setback and/or height requirements, and the development of a marketplace in the Foundry Flask area. Presley offered to present a final report of the subcommittee at the next meeting.

Post Office Project: City Manager Word stated the Mayor and City Council had appointed a citizens ad hoc committee to investigate and review the variables involved in the possible remodeling and/or relocation of the Northville Post Office. The group has met twice and has focused on the possibility of a split operation with the retail aspect being retained in the City proper. The Township has passed a resolution stating their willingness to donate five acres of land on Seven Mile for the purpose of a distribution center for the Post Office. Word once again stated the Post Office has put a freeze on their building program but Northville is one of four projects on the list for the Detroit area.

Miscellaneous:

- Jim Long presented photos of newspaper boxes he found in Florida that he found attractive and a possible match for Northville.

- The City and School District received an MDOT grant for the construction of a sidewalk on the north side of Eight Mile between Taft and Center Street, to be constructed in the year 2002.

- Ford Field construction should begin this week.

The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for July 10, 2001.

Meeting adjourned 9:12 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz

Recording Secretary