Downtown Development Authority Minutes

Present: DDA Members: Christopher Johnson, Jim Long, Lynda Heaton, Rick Shaffner, Margene Buckhave, Greg Presley, Lou LaChance, Dave Larsen. Others: City Manager Gary Word, DDA Director Lori Ward, DPW Director Jim Gallogly, School Board President Martha Nield, School Finance Director John Street, Reporter Lon Huhman.

Absent: Jim DeHaan

Director Ward identified the properties proposed to be included in the DDA district:

- Properties on the west side of Wing Street, north of Main

- Municipal buildings including City Hall, District Library, Community Center, Public School

- Post Office area including Senior Citizens Building

- Northville Downs site

- Cady Street area including Belanger’s, Foundry Flask, and several properties on Beal Street

- Mill Race Village

- Ford Plant area

- Properties on Main Street opposite the Ford Plant.

Ward also enumerated the benefits and liabilities of expanding the boundaries at this time. It was pointed out that the DDA is unable to influence the solicitation or development of potential projects in areas outside the DDA district. Additionally, at this time, the DDA is unable to contribute to matching fund requirements for potential grants that would benefit properties such as Ford Field or Mill Race.

Discussion regarding the extension of the DDA Plan included an examination of potential expenditures in light of the conceptual downtown development plan. Initially, three major areas of focus have surfaced: Randolph Street extension to Hutton, Beal Street extension to Center, and Cady Street development. It was suggested that the DDA Plan be extended to cover any bond issues that might be needed for these possible projects.

Additional dialogue revolved around the Belanger property, the relevancy of the Gibbs/Green Group recommendations, and the downtown parking problems. It was suggested a parking subcommittee be formed to investigate any possible short-term solutions to the perceived and real parking problems. Lou LaChance, Margene Buckhave, Gary Word, Lori Ward, and several members of the NCBA will comprise the subcommittee.

Motion Larsen, seconded by Buckhave to recommend to City Council the acceptance of the downtown conceptual development plan, the expansion of the DDA boundaries as proposed, and the extension of the DDA Plan by a number of years as determined by possible bond requirements. Motion carried unanimously.

All were reminded of the joint meeting to be held Monday, December 10, 2001.

Meeting adjourned 9:10 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz, Recording Secretary