Downtown Development Authority Minutes

City Council: Carolann Ayers, Kevin Hartshorne, Tom Swigart

Others: City Manager Gary Word, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Nickie Bateson, DDA Director Lori Ward, DPW Director Jim Gallogly, Fire Chief Jim Allen, Recording Secretary Carol Kasprowicz, Matt Jobin and Pat Haggerty of Rich & Associates, Reporters from the Northville Record, Detroit News, and Northville Journal, and approximately 60 citizens.

DDA Director Ward began the meeting with an explanation of the purpose and accomplishments of the DDA since its inception in 1978. Mayor Johnson narrated a slide presentation of photos of downtown Northville, illustrating the changes which had occurred over a 30-year span.

Ward explained the process by which the DDA came to focus on the need for another parking deck in the downtown. The process included a survey of downtown businesses, the findings of a parking study, the implementation of a parking management plan, and the investigation of material and financial possibilities. The option of a parking deck at Wing and Main Street was formulated when two private project developments were proposed at the same site. Both financial and aesthetic benefits could be realized for the City if and when the deck and the projects were combined. Ward also pointed out the areas of the lot on Main and Wing Street that are owned by private individuals. Facts and elements of interest were pointed out regarding the design of the proposed parking deck. The proposed plan of financing the deck through the purchase of bonds was also explained.

Questions and an extensive informal discussion took place between the citizens and the DDA members. Questions and areas of concern included:

• the height of the deck in relation to the buildings on Center Street
• the number of parking spaces in the deck
• the egress and ingress of the parking lot and deck
• the number of levels of the deck
• the demolition and/or change of use of the homes across from the deck
• financial ramifications of the proposed bond issue on Northville taxpayers
• possible proliferation of 3-story buildings in downtown Northville
• suggestion to place the deck behind the Marquis Theater
• the relocation of Edward’s Catering
• impact on businesses during construction period
• fear of deck parking by women

Several business owners reiterated the need for more parking in the downtown area, while others agreed with the need but voiced an objection to the proposed location, design, and size of the deck. Mayor Johnson stated the DDA will revisit the size and location of the proposed deck.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz, Recording Secretary