DDA

JACKSON, MI – Jackson’s anticipated social district did not launch as expected on the Memorial Day weekend, and downtown restaurants are starting to lose interest. But, it didn’t happen, as officials were tied up with other projects, Cory Mays, Jackson Downtown Development Authority executive director, said. Related: Some final touches are being added, but Jackson’s social district is expected to launch soon“There are a lot of moving parts in the social district, and we want to make sure we launch it right,” Mays said. “We don’t want to rush it.”A social district allows patrons to legally purchase alcohol and consume it in designated outdoor spaces. The Jackson City Council approved the creation of a district downtown in April 2021, and it was hoped to be up and running in summer 2021.

The Riverside Arts Center closed a deal with the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority on April 25, exchanging a check for the deed to 76 North Huron St., said William Kinley, one of the organization’s board members and founders of the center in 1995. Read more: Arts center becoming independent from city of Ypsilanti under 8-year purchase agreementThe organization has steadily worked through upgrades to the building, once a Masonic Temple, and the neighboring DTE Energy building it partially occupies. That could begin with expanding the litany of performing arts studio space the center already makes available for community groups to rent, including theater space, dance studios and galleries. The arts center plans to hold some listening sessions to shape plans for the space, said fellow board member Chad Wiebesick. Read more: Riverside Arts Center makes a comeback with residency program after a year without artArt facilities elsewhere have struggled to remain viable over the long-term, but the future is a priority for the center’s leaders.

Celebrate all things cycling at a downtown event with the DDA.

JACKSON, MI – Jackson’s social district is planning to get underway this spring, more than a year after it was approved. “We didn’t want to launch a social district that’s not going to look fantastic.”A social district allows patrons to legally purchase alcohol and consume it in designated outdoor spaces. Throughout the year, the DDA has been working with the eligible restaurants to see what has prevented them from registering for the social district. For many, it was the cost to apply, difficulties with staff shortages or just a general lack of knowledge on the social district, Mays said. The DDA is ready to print maps, rules and other items to finally activate the social district, Mays said.

City council said Warren Mayor Jim Fouts has been spending money without their approval and a judge has told him to stop.

JACKSON, MI — Food trucks, classic cars and late-night films are back for the summer in downtown Jackson. The city of Jackson has approved several event applications from the Jackson Downtown Development Authority. Popular events, including the Cruise Ins, Food Truck Tuesday and more, are back in 2022, said Cory Mays, DDA executive director. “We’re going to put on some great summer events that will be family-friendly,” Mays said. But Mays is hopeful this summer’s events will operate ‘as close to normal’ as before the pandemic, he said.

Downtown residents are needed to fill open positions on Ann Arbor’s Citizens Advisory Council.

Since the pandemic started, Ann Arbor DDA has supported businesses in the area with several initiatives.

Joseph A. Pagano was named winner of Flat Rock's Diane L. Parker Community Champion Award for 2021.

JACKSON, MI – While the city of Jackson has established an outdoor social district downtown, residents possibly won’t see it launch until later this year. A social district allows patrons to legally purchase alcohol and consume it in designated outdoor spaces. Jackson City Council approved creating the social district in April 2021, and it was hoped to be up and running in summer 2021. But a lack of restaurant participation has caused the Jackson Downtown Development Authority to delay the launch, Cory Mays, DDA executive director, said. “We felt that opening the social district with lower participation, might make the social district just not look as good as we wanted it to.”There are 15 restaurants and bars eligible for the social district in the downtown area, Mays said.

Downtown Clawson has a clock at the intersection of 14 Mile and South Main Street.

Hundreds of people turned up for Saturday's inaugural Bedford Boo Bash, which took place at Pearl Albert Green Park in downtown Lambertville.

Flat Rock DDA to consider Christmas lighting, facade grants

ANN ARBOR, MI — Motorists in downtown Ann Arbor accustomed to only driving north on Ashley Street and south on First Street can expect big changes soon. The city has announced a timeline for the conversions on Ashley, First and Kingsley streets. Ashley Street will covert to two-way traffic from Madison Street to Miller Avenue starting Monday, Aug. 9. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:‘Advisory bike lanes’ coming to 2 more Ann Arbor streets. Ann Arbor launches 30-member committee focused on equity and inclusionBefore and after: See Ann Arbor neighborhood block’s total transformationAnn Arbor OKs street closures for 7 University of Michigan football gamesAnn Arbor voters to decide election reform proposal in November

ANN ARBOR, MI — The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority is extending its search for a new executive director after two candidates dropped out. The DDA’s executive search committee last week decided to invite six candidates for interviews July 12-13, but two of the invited candidates have withdrawn from consideration for personal reasons, DDA officials announced Friday, July 9. “Our interim executive director is doing a great job of keeping the important business of the DDA going,” DDA Chair Tyler Kinley said in a statement. GovHR USA and i4x, the DDA’s search consultants, will continue to recruit candidates through August and the search committee now plans to review and schedule interviews for current and additional candidates in September and October. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Group sets sights on bringing food trucks to Ann Arbor’s future central park siteAnn Arbor OKs high-density zoning for transit corridors, but not without dramaHistoric District Commission clears way for demolition and pollution cleanup in Ann ArborBob Johnson, former Ann Arbor councilman and land preservationist, dies at 83Ann Arbor gives initial OK to new law standing up for renter rights

Cast your vote to bring artist pop-ups to Fourth Ave. this summer and fall.

This year, the nationally-known art fair has been reduced to three days from July 15-17 instead of its traditional four.

ANN ARBOR, MI — The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority is continuing to move forward with plans to create two more protected bikeways downtown. The DDA board approved a series of contracts totaling over $2.2 million Wednesday, June 30, for planned improvements along Division Street and Catherine Street/Miller Avenue, including new two-way protected bikeways. The increase for the Division Street work brings the DDA’s construction contract with Fonson to $10.5 million. DDA board member Darren McKinnon said downtown parking revenue is still down due to the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s expected to take years to dig out of the hole. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Six semifinalists in running for Ann Arbor DDA director jobAnn Arbor may seek $7M from state to help fund riverfront redevelopmentDowntown Ann Arbor’s west side rebranded as city’s Creative DistrictAnn Arbor taking next steps to redevelop blighted site across from YMCADowntown upgrades planned to coincide with new Ann Arbor affordable housing

ANN ARBOR, MI — Six candidates are in the running to become Ann Arbor’s next downtown leader. There were 60 applicants for the Downtown Development Authority executive director position and six semifinalists have been selected for interviews, DDA Board Chair Jessica Letaw announced Wednesday, June 30. Because the candidates have requested confidentiality, their names won’t be released until they have been notified and accepted invitations to do public interviews, Letaw said. After the first interviews, the search committee will select finalists for a second round of interviews, Letaw said. DDA staff will be able to provide feedback on the finalists prior to the DDA board considering selecting a new executive director Aug. 4, Letaw said.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A push to make the Grand Rapids Public Museum more connected to the Grand River is getting a boost from the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The museum’s proposed $7 million expansion is designed to capitalize on efforts to restore the rapids in the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids. The city of Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Whitewater want to remove a series of dams in the river between Fulton Street and Ann Street to bring back the city’s namesake rapids. The $7 million expansion is one piece of a larger $64 million proposed museum expansion. The museum expects the design and construction plans tied to the river expansion to be complete within the next 12- to 18-months, officials said.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A host of improvements throughout downtown Grand Rapids, from the renovation of Lyon Square to enhanced pedestrian street crossings, are included in the city’s $14.9 million downtown development authority budget. “It’s a priority project right on the river,” said Tim Kelly, president and CEO of Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI), which manages the DDA’s funding. Having a quality and safe trail network along the Grand River is important because it provides recreational opportunities and aids in economic development, Kelly said. The idea is to activate vacant retail space in downtown Grand Rapids and expand the number of women- and minority-owned businesses. The project is a partnership between the city of Grand Rapids and the DDA, which is contributing $550,000.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — As far back as 2015, city leaders have talked about switching a stretch of Ottawa and Ionia avenues that run through downtown Grand Rapids from one-way to two-way streets. On Wednesday, while discussing a $2.25 million proposal to resurface a portion of Ottawa Avenue, two Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority board members asked: What’s the hold up? “When is that going to happen,” asked Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, who noted the recommendation to change the streets to permit two-way traffic was included in GR Forward, the plan that guides development in downtown Grand Rapids. Employees of the city of Grand Rapids and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., which manages the DDA’s funding, encouraged the DDA board members to approve the DDA’s recommended share of the project cost, $581,800. However, Winn encouraged city of Grand Rapids staff to remain focused on opening the streets to two-way traffic.

ANN ARBOR, MI — The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority wants the public’s feedback on a number of infrastructure projects currently under consideration in downtown Ann Arbor. A multi-day workshop on March 9, 10 and 11, will offer residents a chance to look at several projects and offer feedback to DDA officials. Included are the State Street project (from Washington to William), 4th Avenue Street & transit improvement project; Miller/Catherine Street improvement project, Division Street two-way bikeway (from Packard to Catherine); and other future downtown infrastructure projects. Virtual feedback will be available for public view throughout the process. READ MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:FoolMoon festival goers can light up Ann Arbor, support local businessesUniversity Musical Society offering free virtual screening of ‘Some Old Black Man’Ann Arbor mayor vetoes St. Patrick’s Day event on Main Street

click to enlarge Google MapsA temporary plan to bring outdoor entertainment is coming to the site of Bedrock's Monroe Blocks project, which is behind schedule.An $800,000 proposal approved by the Downtown Development Authority Board on Wednesday and first reported bycalls for a movie screen, stage, food and beverage concessions, a no-touch play area for children, and stalls for 77 vehicles for the site, located on the corner of Monroe and Farmer Streets downtown.As the Detroit News reports, the proposal comes as Bedrock prepares to launch a "Decked Out Detroit" initiative to draw visitors downtown with space heaters, tables, and chairs in front of some downtown restaurants. "Bedrock remains committed to creating a safe, festive and family-friendly environment Downtown Detroit throughout the winter season and beyond," Bedrock said in a statement. "As a continuation of our Decked Out Detroit initiative, we are investing millions and working with a number of partners to imagine new socially distanced and innovative attractions for the whole community to enjoy. "Even before the pandemic, the $830 million mixed-use Monroe Blocks project faced numerous delays, which Bedrock blamed on tackling too many projects at once.The real estate company has four projects in the works totaling $2.14 billion, including the massive $909 million skyscraper on the former site of the iconic Hudson's department store, the $311 million Book Tower redevelopment, and a $95 million addition to One Campus Martius. "Bedrock is finalizing engineering and the sequencing of construction for the Monroe site as we have become increasingly sensitive to the significant traffic and business interruption that occurs with multiple large scale projects in a concentrated urban district," Bedrock CEO Bill Emerson told Crain's last year.On Wednesday, the DDA wrote in a memo that market changes and "uncertainties that have been amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic" have placed the project behind schedule, and anticipates an extension request.Bedrock received a total of $618.1 million in tax breaks from the state of Michigan last year for the four projects, and must complete them by May 2023 for the full amount.The pandemic may be causing economic disruption — but not for Bedrock owner Dan Gilbert, whose wealth grew more than 656.4% since March, from $6.5 billion to at least $42.7 billion.

JACKSON, MI -- A two-for-one gift certificate program to get shoppers into downtown Jackson has invested $100,000 into businesses there. The Jackson Downtown Development Authority sold out of nearly 400 matched gift certificates to downtown businesses, as part of a program sponsored by Consumers Energy, DDA Executive Director Cory Mays said in an email. In Jackson, Consumers gave $50,000 and residents spent $50,000 for the match. The DDA sold the matched certificates in $20 increments up to $100 that is usable at nearly every business and restaurant downtown on Dec. 8 and Dec. 14. “The line was stretched on the entire second floor of city hall, and outside down the block almost to the post office.”Gift certificates for downtown businesses are still available without matching funds.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A new project managed by the Arts Alliance is redescribing what a cityscape can look like. Through ReVIVE All Zones, the Ann Arbor-based organization has put out a call to Washtenaw County artists to bring “tactical urbanism” to the city. In a partnership with the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority, the Arts Alliance is commissioning four installations around the city. “Tactical Urbanism” is a genre of art that is low-cost, scalable and ties together community engagement, collaboration and local understanding of neighborhoods. Washtenaw County artists can find application materials here.

Two new faces recently joined the Monroe Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors. Mary Hastings and William Slicker were appointed to the DDA board, while Scott Kegerreis has been reappointed to serve a second term. "Each of these appointed DDA Board members are experienced downtown business or property owners that have invested in and improved Downtown Monroe," Clark said. Hastings is co-owner of Brown Bag Boutique, a 2018 addition to the business inventory in Downtown Monroe, located at 15 West Monroe Street. The new board members will take part in an orientation session in October.

Two new faces recently joined the Monroe Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors. Two new faces recently joined the Monroe Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors. Mary Hastings and William Slicker were appointed to the DDA board, while Scott Kegerreis has been reappointed to serve a second term. “Each of these appointed DDA Board members are experienced downtown business or property owners that have invested in and improved Downtown Monroe,” Clark said. “I am happy to be working with them for the betterment of the downtown district.”The new board members will take part in an orientation session in October.

LUDINGTON, MI – A Northern Michigan city is gearing up to renovate a downtown plaza now that the state approved more than $2.1 million in funding. A state grant is expected to cover 85% of project costs; it was approved Tuesday. The advent of a permanent public space and amenities is 12 years in the making, said Heather Tykoski, Ludington community development director. In the past 12 years, the Ludington Downtown Development Authority has made improvements, including adding tables and concrete to the north end of the plaza to allow for a farmers market. The north end of the plaza will be home to the clock tower that is now at the south end of the plaza at Ludington Avenue.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. On Monday, June 8, public parking facilities will resume normal operations according to the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority. Staff are anticipated to return on Monday and modifications have been made to facilities, including social distancing reminders and plexiglass at payment centers. From March 18 to June 7, the DDA did not collect parking fees at public parking garages and non-metered spaces. Parking attendants were not on-site so as to reduce contact between drivers and staff. According to the DDA website, 150 on-street metered parking spaces will be available for free short-term parking for curbside pickup from Ann Arbor restaurants and retail shops.

The board will hold a virtual meeting and teleconferencing via Zoom at 7 p.m. tonight. The Flat Rock Downtown Development Authority Board will discuss rescheduling the annual Business Expo and a regional DDA forum at its next regular meeting tonight. The board will hold a virtual meeting and teleconferencing via Zoom at 7 p.m. Neither the expo nor the Regional DDA meeting have been rescheduled as of yet due to the coronavirus outbreak, said Liz Hendley, economic development director for the city. A banner program with Flat Rock Community Schools and a business assistance promotion will be discussed under new business, she said.

The Monroe Downtown Development Authority (DDA) recently awarded financial incentives to a project as part of the group's newly revised Downtown Reinvestment Grant Program. The DDA board of directors at its Dec. 18 meeting approved support in the amount of $20,000 for improvements at 102 W. Front St., as recommended by the Downtown Reinvestment Grant Committee. The building, which was most recently occupied by Monroe Currency and Consulting, is undergoing major interior renovations of its upper floor living space. Exterior work is expected to be completed by the end of the summer. "We are proud to be working in tandem with the city and the DDA to convert a weary-looking building into a showpiece for downtown," said Joe Peruski, a partner in the project.