Downtown Development Authority Minutes

Present: Christopher Johnson, Margene Buckhave, Lynda Heaton, Lou LaChance, Dave Larsen, Jim Long, Greg Presley, Rick Shaffner.

Absent: Jim DeHaan

Also Present: City Manager Gary Word, DDA Director Lori Ward, DPW Director Jim Gallogly, Councilmember Jerry Mittman, School Board Representative Joan Wadsworth, Reporters from the Northville Record and the Northville Journal, and two citizens.

Joan Wadsworth, chairperson of the Downtown Steering Committee, reported that the Steering Committee has tentatively planned to have a series of meetings in January and February for the purpose of the community learning about and responding to the Gibbs Planning Study. The Committee has taken on the responsibility of generating material and publicity for these meetings. The next meeting of the Steering Committee is scheduled for January 5, 2005 at 7:00 PM

Discussion took place over the content of the Gibbs presentation, the significance of the data, how to transmit the information to the public, and the need to proceed expeditiously.

Councilmember Mittman stated the Gibbs report would hopefully quantify the need for a parking deck. It was stated that, once a model of growth was chosen, the long-term parking needs would be addressed. Concern was expressed that local expertise would be accepted in lieu of out-of-town consultants.

All comments and feedback regarding the draft report of the Gibbs Planning Study are to be forwarded to Joan Wadsworth and/or Lori Ward.

Director Ward reported that the riders of the shuttle bus that traveled from Northville Downs to their place of business totaled four to six people per day. A brief discussion followed regarding why there was so little participation.

Motion Shaffner, seconded by Larsen to disband the shuttle bus system as of Friday, December 24, 2004. Motion carried unanimously.

Resident Bob Buckhave revealed his tentative plan to purchase the MGM building and requested the DDA Board to be as proactive as possible regarding the problem of long-term parking.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz
Recording Secretary