DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids has more than a dozen parks projects in the works for 2023. Plaster Creek Trail – Trail improvements and additional seating along the trail. Project partners include the Garfield Park Neighborhood Association, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks and Meijer. SE) – Improvements include a community-built playground expansion in partnership with the Junior League of Grand Rapids, GameTime and Sinclair Recreation. Read more:These 4 notable Grand Rapids, MDOT road projects hit targeted completion goals in 2022What are Michigan Senate Dems’ priorities as new majority in 2023?

JACKSON, MI – Jackson’s Downtown Development Authority executive director is leaving his position for a new job with the city. With this change, Mays will aid the city in pursuing grants and other funding opportunities for the city. He will also help head city grant programs. Related: Grants to help with building improvements available to downtown Jackson businessesThe DDA isn’t directly connected with the city of Jackson, Mays said, but it works closely with the city and has an office inside Jackson City Hall, 161 W. Michigan Ave. In his new position, Mays said he is excited to be able to work more closely with city staff and residents, hoping to make an even more direct impact.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Jeff Watson, Ann Arbor’s Downtown Development Authority executive director, has left his post after less than a year on the job. Watson’s employment with the DDA concluded Wednesday, Dec. 7, when he and the DDA board agreed to part ways after a closed-session performance review, officials said. Wednesday’s DDA board meeting included a closed session at Watson’s request to discuss his performance review, a human resources audit report and attorney-client privileged communication. He previously was Dearborn’s director of community and economic development and replaced longtime Ann Arbor DDA Executive Director Susan Pollay. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:What’s that in downtown Ann Arbor?

A Michigan city agreed to pay $1,000 to a driver to settle a lawsuit about marking tires to catch parking violators.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Downtown Ann Arbor’s first curbless street is now open to vehicle traffic. As the first phase of a major State Street redesign and rebuild winds down, the Downtown Development Authority announced the street’s reopening Saturday, Oct. 8, after four months of construction. The DDA has cautioned there will be intermittent lane closures on State Street necessary for the contractor to complete remaining work items. And from next April through Labor Day 2023, State Street from North U to Washington will close for the second phase of full reconstruction with curbless design. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Fall color is here in the Ann Arbor area.

The Fourth and Washington public parking deck in downtown Ann Arbor on Oct. 7, 2022.Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor NewsAnn Arbor police said a 24-year-old Ann Arbor man jumped from atop the seven-level Fourth and Washington parking deck at about 1:46 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, using a ledge to go around the chainlink fencing. The DDA is now having conversations about installing additional and enhanced barriers, DDA officials said. There still are openings without any fencing on levels as high up as four stories in downtown parking garages. The Liberty Square public parking deck in downtown Ann Arbor on Oct. 7, 2022.Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor NewsOfficials have cited high costs as one reason a better solution than chainlink fencing hasn’t been implemented yet. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor now making EV drivers pay for power at downtown charging spotsAnn Arbor renters applaud new law, but landlords aren’t celebratingSparks fly as Ann Arbor council factions debate importance of party labelsSee robots, live music at Ann Arbor’s weeklong technology showcaseAnn Arbor bans red-light turns at 50 intersections in downtown area

The Downtown Development Authority has implemented an EV charging fee at its charging ports.

ANN ARBOR, MI — The day Ann Arbor warned electric vehicle drivers would someday come has arrived. Starting this week, drivers now must pay 25 cents per kilowatt hour while their cars charge at downtown EV spots. That’s on top of regular parking fees they’ve always had to pay, which are $1.20 an hour in parking structures. But as it’s designed now, once an EV is fully charged, the charging fees stop, with no financial incentive to move to a non-EV spot. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:5 things to know about Ann Arbor’s climate-action tax proposalZingerman’s Soy Vey!

Business owners in the construction zone on State Street say they're concerned sales will be impacted by the roadwork ahead of the biggest home football weekend yet.

“So that’s going to help us along in marking our plans with this project.”The alleyway starts at Fulton Street and runs south along the arena’s eastern edge. The idea is to repave the alleyway, adding new benches, overhead lighting, trees and greenery, and adding outdoor seating for nearby restaurants. Funding is expected to be sought from the DDA, which owns the property along the arena alleyway, Miller said. The $2.1 million project, completed in early 2021, added new bricks, trees and landscaping in the arena’s front plaza along Fulton Street. A $4.5 million project to enhance an alleyway between the Van Andel Arena and Fulton Street would repave the alleyway, add pedestrian seating and new lighting, and relocate dumpsters used by nearby restaurants.

Ann Arbor's State Street is going to transform over the next two years.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — As the Van Andel Arena celebrates its 25th anniversary, officials are applauding more than the concerts, sports games and other gatherings held at the 12,000-seat venue credited with helping jumpstart downtown Grand Rapids’ revitalization. Last month, the Downtown Development Authority paid off the $57 million bonds it borrowed to finance the $78 million area, which opened in October 1996. Today, the arena is credited with touching off a renaissance of restaurants, bars and loft-style urban housing in downtown Grand Rapids. The DDA, which paid the bonds using tax revenue it collects, made its first payment on the bonds in 1995, he said. “It’s going to be a $175,000 house by the time you’re done paying it over 30 years.”Richard MacKeigan, regional general manager of ASM Global, the company that manages Van Andel Arena, said paying off the arena bonds is “symbolic.”“However, it is reason to celebrate,” he said.

ANN ARBOR, MI — A significant transformation of State Street in downtown Ann Arbor is now underway. Over the next year and a half, the city and Downtown Development Authority are teaming up to create downtown’s first curbless street of the modern era, giving the entire streetscape in the business district a major overhaul to make it more pedestrian-focused and business-friendly.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Not to be confused with Lollapalooza, the annual music festival in Chicago, a new bicycle festival called Bikeapalooza is coming to downtown Ann Arbor. The free, family-friendly event will feature activities in the parking lot and four education stations along the bikeway. The DDA has installed two-way protected bikeways on three downtown streets in the last few years, starting with William Street, followed by First and Division streets. City officials also are making plans to extend the Division Street bikeway near the University of Michigan campus and add a two-way protected bikeway on part of State Street from Hoover Avenue to Granger Avenue in 2023. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor OKs deal to move forward with $9M State Street redesign3-story addition proposed for historic building on Ann Arbor’s Main StreetAnn Arbor OKs street closures for YMCA block party, Fourth of July eventsAnn Arbor councilwoman remembers when abortion was illegal in MichiganAnn Arbor OKs plan for 5-story development in Kerrytown district

GROSSE POINTE PARK — The city council voted 6-1 on Monday, May 9, to adopt a municipal budget for the upcoming fiscal year starting July 1. “One of the most significant actions this body takes is to adopt its budget,” Grosse Pointe Park Mayor Michele Hodges said. The $13,132,182 general fund budget for fiscal year

The city is partnering with the DDA to expand its EV charging network downtown.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Buried under a thin layer of asphalt in downtown Ann Arbor’s State Street historic district is an old brick street from a century past. But what will come of the old brick street in the process? Local historian Susan Wineberg, who lives just off State Street on the north side of downtown, estimates the bricks in the South State Street commercial district downtown were probably put in around 1900, perhaps in the 1890s. The only protected brick streets are in the Old Fourth Ward Historic District, including on Detroit Street and North State Street, Wineberg said. Work on Washington Street in 2014 also exposed a brick street underneath, while work on Huron Street that same year unearthed a set of old railway tracks.

ANN ARBOR, MI — A portion of Washington Street in downtown Ann Arbor is getting a facelift this week as the city continues to transition away from brick sidewalks. Crews work on replacing brick sidewalks along Washington Street in downtown Ann Arbor with concrete on April 11, 2022.Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News“Brick sidewalks present ongoing maintenance challenges and are slippery when wet. Crews work on replacing brick sidewalks along Washington Street in downtown Ann Arbor with concrete on April 11, 2022.Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor NewsBricks will remain only in the “amenity zone,” the area adjacent to the curb, the DDA indicated. A schedule for when other brick sidewalks downtown might be replaced with concrete wasn’t immediately available. Crews work on replacing brick sidewalks along Washington Street in downtown Ann Arbor with concrete on April 11, 2022.Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor NewsMost of downtown Ann Arbor’s sidewalks already are concrete, though brick sidewalks still remain in some areas.

ANN ARBOR, MI -- Ann Arbor’s Downtown Development Authority’s work during the pandemic is now award-winning, according to the city’s Main Street Area Association. Ann Arbor authority wins award for supporting downtown during pandemicThe MSA named the DDA as the recipient of its Dennis Serras Award, which is normally given in recognition of an individual who is a “champion supporter” of Ann Arbor’s downtown area, according to Sandra Andrade, the executive director for the MSA. The award, first given in 2018, is named after Dennis Serras, who started Main Street Ventures in the 1980s by opening Gratzi, Palio and Real Seafood Company. The association has “true appreciation” for the award, Thomson said. “The Main Street Association giving us this award, in our mind, validated the work that we did helped,” Thomson said.

ANN ARBOR, MI -- The City of Ann Arbor is offering free downtown parking to city residents to help ease the way for snowplows as the city braces for an impending snowstorm. Those looking to obtain free parking must provide the attendant with their city address upon exiting the structure. The free parking will help clear streets to make way for snowplows. Leaving vehicles on the street hinder snowplows’ ability to fully clear street, which can pose safety issues from narrow lanes, the City of Ann Arbor said. The free parking follows the city’s announcement that it will be closing its municipal offices and canceling meetings for two days.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Plans are being finalized for a major streetscape overhaul in downtown Ann Arbor’s State Street commercial area this year. The Downtown Development Authority shared its latest plans with the city’s Transportation Commission last week, unveiling design drawings showing what the makeover could look like with reduced automobile travel lanes and more accommodations for pedestrians, cyclists and businesses.

ANN ARBOR, MI — The Ann Arbor City Council has approved the hiring of Jeffrey Watson as the city’s first new Downtown Development Authority director in over 25 years. The DDA board recently tapped the Dearborn official to replace Susan Pollay, who had served as Ann Arbor DDA executive director since 1996 before retiring in early 2021. 32 Ann Arbor developments to watch in 2022, including new downtown high-risesWatson was chosen from a pool of 122 applicants following a national search. In his resume, he describes himself as well-versed in planning and community development. He also spent nearly a decade before that working in a community development department in Douglas County, Colorado.

But Broderick, who won Best Overall in the Ypsilanti’s Downtown Development Authority storefront window holiday display competition, said she is “tickled” to be awarded the $1,000 top prize. The DDA’s competition, the voting for which closed on Jan. 9, pitted downtown Ypsilanti storefronts against each other for the best display. The results of each category — which included Best Overall, Best Holiday Lighting, Best Traditional Display and Most “Ypsi” Display — were chosen by online voting. While This, That and The Odder Things took home Best Overall, Aubree’s Pizzeria & Grill won Best Holiday Lighting, A2vintage won Best Traditional Display and The Rocket Candy & Novelties won Most “Ypsi” Display. Morrissey said that while the store’s display is “nostalgic,” they were not aiming to win the Most “Ypsi” Display category.

ANN ARBOR, MI -- The Ann Arbor Energy Commission has passed a resolution commending the city’s Downtown Development Authority’s work on decarbonization and sustainability. The resolution, filed with the Ann Arbor City Council on Jan. 3, highlights the DDA’s “long history of providing strong environmental leadership in our community to reduce the use of fossil fuels” through the promotion of renewable energy sources, as well as encouraging a transition to electric vehicles and other more sustainable forms of transportation, such as walking or biking.

FLINT, MI -- The interim executive director of the city’s Downtown Development Authority will have to wait for the City Council’s approval of her appointment after multiple votes to approve her were rejected. The votes on Kiarira May’s appointment as executive director came after several members of the council questioned her credentials for the position despite a unanimous vote of the DDA Board of Directors, which is chaired by Mayor Sheldon Neeley. She told council members she has been working to build partnerships in Flint since that time and worked to develop the “Food Truck Sundays” program downtown. The bylaws of the DDA say that if an executive director candidate is approved by the mayor, the individual’s name is then submitted to City Council for confirmation. “Because the City Council did not confirm Ms. Kiaira Mays’ appointment, she is the acting executive director,” according to Melissa Brown, a spokeswoman for the city.

GROSSE POINTE PARK — At meetings of the Tax Increment Finance Authority and the Downtown Development Authority, the boards discussed and approved parking

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Gazelle Sports is planning to open a store at 52 Monroe Center in downtown Grand Rapids in May. The running and outdoor apparel retailer on Wednesday received a $67,000 retail grant from the Downtown Development Authority. In a memo to DDA board members, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., the organization that manages the DDA’s funding, said Gazelle has “long been identified as an ideal retailer” for downtown but barriers such as cost “prevented them from making an investment.”“To combat that, staff has worked collaboratively with the Gazelle team and the proposed landlord, Monroe Center, LLC, to identify the appropriate space and price point to give them the best chance for success,” the memo said. Read more:Walnut & Park Café opens second Kalamazoo coffeehouseBusiness, community leaders push to make Grand Rapids a top Midwest tech clusterGroups ask judge to file briefs supporting former MDHHS director in Flint water case

JACKSON, MI – A new sound system, ready to help ring in the Christmas season, is up and running along the streets of downtown Jackson. The new outdoor sound system and its seven new speakers along Michigan Avenue, between S. Jackson and Mechanic streets, is the project of the .Jackson Anchor Initiative and the Downtown Development Authority. The downtown area had a functional sound system, but it became inoperable with age, city officials said, adding the Anchor Initiative saw the need to rejuvenate it and approached the DDA to help make it happen. The Anchor Initiative purchased the system for about $15,000, said Scott Fleming, its CEO. “The DDA is fortunate to have had the Anchor Initiative lead the way for this project,” said Cory Mays, DDA executive director.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor’s search for a new Downtown Development Authority executive director is down to three finalists after a first round of interviews. The DDA’s search committee interviewed four candidates last week and selected three to advance to interviews with the full DDA board.

The Dundee Downtown Development Authority is spending money to upgrade the alley to make it more attractive for customers.

ANN ARBOR, MI — A year and a half into the COVID-19 pandemic, activity in downtown Ann Arbor is picking up, especially with University of Michigan students back in town, but it’s still not back to pre-pandemic levels. Officials also discussed the possibility of continuing weekend street closures for outdoor restaurant dining and retail sales on downtown streets after the pandemic is over. “And I just feel like the repurposing of the streets, in ways, helped bring a different atmosphere and a different energy downtown. Noting some companies like DTE Energy have left downtown, Thomson said some businesses have turned in their parking passes, creating new availability. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:82-unit housing development proposed on Ann Arbor’s west sideAnn Arbor considering law to require menstrual products in all public restroomsAnn Arbor library creates self-guided walking tour of historically Black neighborhoodDingell calls on feds to explain path forward for new Ann Arbor train stationAnn Arbor releases 19-page legal defense of city’s COVID vaccine mandate

ANN ARBOR, MI — A third protected bikeway is coming soon to downtown Ann Arbor. The Downtown Development Authority is moving forward next week with installing a two-way bikeway along the east side of Division Street. Construction for the Division Street bikeway is being broken down into two parts and first is the section north of Huron Street, said Maura Thomson, DDA interim director. The easternmost lane of Division Street from Huron to Catherine is closing for construction starting Monday, Oct. 11, and Division Street will be reduced to one lane of northbound traffic. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor OKs design costs for new Border-to-Border Trail tunnel pathwayDowntown Ann Arbor lot long envisioned as future green space gets new coat of asphaltHow they voted: Ann Arbor City Council vote breakdown for September 2021Ann Arbor offering free home improvements to income-qualified seniorsProposed Ann Arbor law requires large buildings to disclose energy data

A pilot program designed to curb excessive speeding has been initiated in Bedford Township.

See when changes to traffic patterns will take place downtown.

ANN ARBOR, MI — “Advisory bike lanes” are coming to two more Ann Arbor streets. The advisory bike lane on William Street will run from First to Third Street, while the advisory bike lane on First Street will run from William to Madison Street. The DDA explained in its August newsletter how the advisory bike lanes — a new concept for Ann Arbor — will work. Thomson said she’ll have a better idea about the timing for adding the advisory bike lanes after a weekly construction meeting this week. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Before and after: See Ann Arbor neighborhood block’s total transformationAnn Arbor council gets earful from residents at latest meeting on administrator controversyHow they voted: Ann Arbor City Council vote breakdown for July 2021Catholic church fights Ann Arbor’s new EV parking requirements and winsThese 6 tax proposals are on the Aug. 3 ballot in Washtenaw County

It was designed to support a building above it, not a park, Thomson said. Any potential changes to the structure need to be evaluated for impacts they could have on the parking deck, she said. But some still have hopes of seeing something along the lines of a town square with some greenery on the Library Lot. Nearly $50K in private funding raised for future downtown Ann Arbor central parkAs far as planning for Ann Arbor’s central park, the DDA’s top priority is maintaining the structural integrity of the parking deck, Thomson said. The DDA also has an obligation to maintain safe and unimpeded access to the parking deck for patrons, she said.

JACKSON, MI -- Downtown Jackson businesses looking to improve their buildings could get some help from the city’s Downtown Development Authority. The DDA has approximately $60,000 in grants available in its Facade Loan Program, Building Rehabilitation Program and Sign Grant Program. The funds can be used to improve buildings and the downtown area, said Cory Mays, Jackson DDA executive director. “Our goal is to bring people downtown, get them to recognize the value of working downtown, living downtown, eating, shopping, not just spending money downtown, but being a part of the downtown atmosphere,” Mays said. Applications and guidelines for the grants can be found at the Jackson DDA website.

ANN ARBOR, MI-- Ann Arbor City Council has approved a more than half-million dollar budget increase to the Downtown Development Authority for street improvements, pedestrian amenities and other improvements to the downtown district. The $554,704 budget increase was approved by the council at its regular meeting on June 21, for the 2021-22 fiscal year, which begins July 1. One improvement planned with the money is the downtown’s third two-way protected bikeway on Division Street. The Division Street bikeway will run from Packard to Catherine streets. READ MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Saline hashes out framework for city’s medical marijuana businessesWater main break causes Ann Arbor boil water advisory, road closureAnn Arbor makes race-based hairstyle discrimination illegalFather paints colorful tribute to children - on back of Ann Arbor neighbor’s garageAnn Arbor music festival looking for dancers, musicians and comedians

FLINT, MI -- Flint’s Downtown Development Authority has hired a new executive director and made history in the process. A Wayne State University graduate, May becomes the first woman and first African American to ever lead the DDA, which was established in 1977 and which promotes the revitalization of the city’s core and manages paid downtown parking. MLive-The Flint Journal could not immediately reach former DDA director Gerard Burnash, who had served in the position for several years. Flint Director of Economic Development Khalfani Stephens had most recently served as DDA executive director on a temporary basis, according to DDA Board of Directors’ meeting minutes. “Flint’s downtown is full of energy,” May said in a statement released by the DDA.

Those who come out will receive the Pfizer shot and they will have a second shot scheduled three weeks later. When people get their second shot, they’ll get a second gift certificate.

ANN ARBOR, MI — By this time next year, Ann Arbor may have approved plans for a major housing development on a city-owned site on the west edge of downtown. SmithGroup’s cost estimate for the pre-entitlement work is $155,000-$195,000. Delacourt presented the city’s request for funding for the pre-entitlement work to the DDA’s Affordable Housing/Economic Development Committee last month. She has recommended the Housing Commission shouldn’t be the developer of the site. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:$15M hotel planned in downtown Ann Arbor up for approvalNew nonprofit group aims to bring ‘equitable housing’ to Ann ArborOversight commission to investigate case where AAPD broke down wrong door‘A reenvisioning of policing in our community.’ Takeaways from Ann Arbor forumSee pay breakdown for 20 highest earners in Ann Arbor city government

FLINT TOWNSHIP - Flint Township Police Department has begun performing it’s Public Safety Pilot Program, which seeks to give more presence to law enforcement in the township’s Downtown Development Authority district. The Public Safety Pilot Program was set to begin the weekend of April 17, but it got pushed back by a week. “That’s what the main thing is, to get more visibility for patrol,” Flint Township Police Chief Kevin Salter told MLive-The Flint Journal. Officers have made over 60 business checks, taken over 20 calls for service, and conducted six traffic stops within the pilot program area. Salter said they’re looking to run the pilot program for 19 weeks, meaning that the total cost will come out to just under $20,000.

Is it like getting a Purple Heart? These downtowns got awards for surviving the COVID bashing and then fighting back for their restaurants and shops.

JACKSON, MI – Walking around Jackson and grabbing a beer with friends may soon upgrade from wait times for tables to strolling around town. At its 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 27 virtual meeting, the Jackson City Council will consider a plan to establish a “social district,” or a local government-designated area where outdoor drinking is permitted, in downtown Jackson. Jackson’s Downtown Development Authority proposal establishes a social district between Louis Glick Highway, Washington Avenue, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Blackstone Street. “The benefits are for both the businesses and the consumers.”Social districts include specified “common areas” where the liquor can be openly consumed in specially marked cups. Police will patrol the common areas to ensure compliance, DDA officials said in the proposal.

The city of Royal Oak is preparing for some foot traffic with a new social district.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Some members of Ann Arbor’s new central park planning group are eager to have the city fund initial improvements to transition the Fifth Avenue Library Lot from a parking lot to a gathering space. Crawford will make budget recommendations for next fiscal year this month and City Council will adopt a budget in May. There’s over $130,000 in annual debt service for the Library Lot parking spaces, officials said. Ann Arbor planning group begins task of envisioning downtown central park“With respect to Liberty Plaza, it does need a major redo and it has for probably 20 years,” added group member Rita Mitchell. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Downtown Ann Arbor gets new street mural ahead of FoolMoon eventAnn Arbor police chief says having unarmed responses to some 911 calls ‘makes sense’$2.5M pledge from anonymous donor is biggest-ever boost for Ann Arbor Treeline projectProposed housing, commercial development in rural township north of Ann Arbor ignites debateMan faces felonies for 36-hour standoff, prompts pro-gun protest in Ann Arbor

ANN ARBOR, MI — Maura Thomson shared a sobering statistic with City Council this past week. Barriers block the upper floors off at the William Street parking garage in downtown Ann Arbor on Friday, March 26, 2021. As for where the nearly 400 who were in downtown Ann Arbor will land after the pandemic, it could be a mix, he said. An empty conference room still holds the remnants of a DTE corporate presentation at the Ashley Mews building in downtown Ann Arbor on Friday, March 26, 2021. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Downtown upgrades planned to coincide with new Ann Arbor affordable housingMore than 100,000 Washtenaw County residents have received first COVID vaccine doseCity withheld police records about Ann Arbor official and ex-senator, citing privacyAnn Arbor Public Schools pauses spring sports after surge in COVID-19 casesSome University of Michigan regents call on Weiser to resign following ‘three witches,’ assassination comments

JACKSON, MI -- Jackson officials are feeling bullish about having some “normal” events this summer. After a year of canceling summer programming that attracted people downtown, like Food Truck Tuesdays and Cruise In nights, because of the coronavirus pandemic, things are starting to look up, the city’s Downtown Development Authority officials said. Events will follow whatever restrictions or requirements are in place at the time, as set by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. But with declining cases and increasing vaccinations, Mays said the DDA is optimistic events can happen in some form, even if it means more street closures to ensure adequate spacing, or requesting drivers at the classic car events park further away. “We’re looking forward to helping everyone feel like the world is not such a gloomy place,” Mays said.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Several publicly owned parking lots near the David D. Hunting YMCA in downtown Grand Rapids are being eyed for redevelopment in a plan being crafted by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. The parking lots have about 1,300 spaces, and are owned by the city’s Downtown Development Authority, according to the city’s parking and mobility department. If the decision is eventually made to transform the parking lots into housing, officials would aim to replace the necessary parking that was lost with a parking ramp and additional on-street parking, Kelly said. (Map courtesy of Downtown Grand Rapids. Inc.)Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) hired Lott3Metz, a Grand Rapids-based architecture and urban design firm, to help create the plan for the area.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor’s First Street bikeway has been named one of America’s 10 best new bikeways of 2020. Bicycling advocacy group PeopleForBikes included downtown Ann Arbor’s new north-south bicycle highway in the No. The protected bikeway, stretching for several blocks, was created this year as the Downtown Development Authority undertook a major redesign of the First Street corridor, including new and improved sidewalks along the reconstructed street. Downtown Ann Arbor’s new First Street bikeway now open to cyclists“The First Street Bikeway creates a low-stress corridor on the west side of downtown and connects to the existing protected lane on William Street and the future The Treeline – Allen Creek Urban Trail,” the PeopleForBikes website states. Other bikeways on the list are in Chicago, Denver, New Orleans, Boston, Pittsburgh, Austin, Memphis, Providence and Fremont, California.

ANN ARBOR – Downtown area associations have joined an annual campaign to encourage visitors to continue shopping and dining in the city throughout the month of January. Typically a slow time of year for business, the pandemic has only exacerbated the lack of customers at local establishments. The Main Street Area Association, State Street District, Kerrytown District Association, and South University Area Association have partnered with the getDowntown Program for “Conquer the Cold - Pandemic Edition.”The annual challenge by getDowntown -- in partnership with the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide), the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority and the City of Ann Arbor -- is designed to encourage and educate commuters to use alternative modes of transportation during the cold winter months. Many restaurants will be participating in the Comfort Food Challenge, and users can get prizes for dining outdoors, ordering curbside and shopping downtown. “The Downtown Districts are excited to be partnering with GetDowntown for Conquer the Cold this year,” Sandra Andrade, executive director of the Main Street Area Association said in a statement.

ANN ARBOR, MI — As the city tries to envision what a downtown central park and civic commons could look like, Alan Haber is proposing starting with a holiday tree. Haber, a leader of the Center of the City ballot initiative in 2018, proposed the holiday tree idea at this week’s Downtown Development Authority board meeting. City and DDA officials did not respond to requests for comment on Haber’s proposals. As for planting a holiday tree, Haber suggested timing it around Dec. 10, the anniversary of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Ann Arbor’s future commons “should certainly be a place where those human rights are enlightened,” Haber said.

ANN ARBOR, MI — To install another piece of the Treeline urban trail through Ann Arbor, the nonprofit Treeline Conservancy is planning a pilot project to create a mid-block pedestrian pathway on the west side of downtown. The DDA’s Operations Committee met late last month with Nan Plummer, Treeline Conservancy executive director, and Greg Holcombe, conservancy board member. “They are interested in doing a pilot trail, if you will, through the 415 W. Washington lot,” McKinnon said. “Additionally, Summerfest is exploring the possibility of holding portions of the 2021 festival on the 415 W. Washington lot,” DDA committee meeting minutes state. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:MLive wins FOIA appeal, gets Ann Arbor to disclose police discipline informationAnn Arbor DDA bids farewell to Susan Pollay after 24 years leading downtown authority36-bed student apartment development proposed on Ann Arbor’s Main StreetAnn Arbor official suggests being ‘sneaky’ to avoid controversy over new planNew segment opens along Border-to-Border trail in Ann Arbor area

ANN ARBOR, MI – After nearly a quarter of a century leading Ann Arbor’s Downtown Development Authority, Susan Pollay is retiring from city government. Pollay was director of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival and State Street Area Association before joining the DDA in 1996. She doubled as associate city administrator at one point during her time as DDA director. Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Susan Pollay appears before the Ann Arbor City Council to discuss downtown parking issues Oct. 21, 2019. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Downtown Ann Arbor’s new First Street bikeway now open to cyclistsWhat does the loss of Urban Outfitters mean for downtown Ann Arbor?

MUSKEGON, MI – As long as the pandemic subsides, Lakeshore Art Festival will return to Muskegon next year though likely in a smaller form and under the direction of the Downtown Development Authority. The two-day art festival features a juried fine art show, craft fair, artisan food market, performing arts, interactive art and children’s activities. It takes over Hackley Park and much of West Western Avenue as well as side streets in downtown Muskegon. Related: Popular Lakeshore Art Festival may be taken over by city of MuskegonThe DDA plans to contract with Carla Flanders to organize the festival. “As a businessperson, I can say this is a really important festival downtown,” said DDA Board Member John Riegler.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Two City Council members sponsoring a proposal to prepare to disband Ann Arbor’s Downtown Development Authority pulled the resolution from council’s agenda Monday night, Oct. 5. That led to a lengthy council debate over whether confidential legal advice to council should be aired publicly. Bannister said she wants the memo out in the public ahead of an Oct. 13 joint session of the City Council and DDA. The DDA also controls most downtown parking revenue and, the way the DDA is structured, the money couldn’t be used for park-and-ride lots outside the DDA area, Griswold said. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Washtenaw County issues mask mandate, restaurant capacity limits to replace Whitmer ordersSee where Ann Arbor plans to plant 500 trees this fallHow they voted: Ann Arbor City Council vote breakdown for September 2020Washtenaw County schools await guidance on how court ruling impacts in-person classesWrite-in candidate for City Council emerges in Ann Arbor’s 1st Ward

ANN ARBOR, MI — Proposals to explore dissolving Ann Arbor’s Downtown Development Authority have sparked debate. City Council Members Anne Bannister, D-1st Ward, and Kathy Griswold, D-2nd Ward, are co-sponsoring a pair of resolutions on council’s agenda Monday night, Oct. 5. Susan Pollay retiring after over two decades as Ann Arbor DDA directorDDA officials did not respond to a request for comment on the proposals on council’s agenda. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor’s Michigan and State theaters are reopeningHow they voted: Ann Arbor City Council vote breakdown for September 2020Upscale neighborhood suing U.S. Postal Service to try to get Ann Arbor ZIP codeWrite-in candidate for City Council emerges in Ann Arbor’s 1st WardAnn Arbor officials oppose deal to let polluter discharge dioxane into ‘pristine lake’

ANN ARBOR – On Friday evening, two resolutions to dissolve the Downtown Development Authority were added to Monday’s city council meeting agenda. “If you don’t have a resolution on the agenda, it’s very hard to have a discussion at council,” said Griswold. We’re in the midst of a pandemic and downtown businesses are on their knees and DDA is working hard to find strategies. Pollay said that during the winter months, downtown businesses will face their toughest test yet. “The DDA is the only City entity that has offered and provided support through this pandemic.”Monday’s city council meeting will take place virtually at 7 p.m.

MUSKEGON, MI – A portion of downtown Muskegon will officially launch as a ‘social district,’ where outdoor alcohol sales will be permitted, beginning Friday, Sept. 25. RELATED: Downtown drinking ‘social district’ proposed in MuskegonThe district currently stretches down Western Ave., from Second to Fifth Streets, and includes the corner of Pine and Clay Streets. Business leaders have wanted a social district for downtown Muskegon for several years, Alexander told MLive, spurred by a desire to offer visitors to the Lakeshore Art Festival a chance to drink while perusing booths. Muskegon lawmakers got to work after that state law passed, he said, and the city commission approved the proposed district in late August. By next spring, Alexander hopes the entirety of downtown can be included in the district.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. On Tuesday, the Ann Arbor City Council approved a resolution that would allow Ann Arbor restaurants and bars in the downtown area to extend their outdoor patios into closed streets. Andrade said the association gathered input from business owners and residents block-by-block when working with the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority on the resolution. Four blocks in the Main Street area will be closed: Main Street between Williams Street and Liberty Street; Main Street from Liberty to Washington Street; Washington Street from Ashley Street to Main Street; and Washington Street from 4th Avenue to 5th Avenue. The resolution was worked on by all four Ann Arbor downtown associations and the DDA. According to Andrade, some streets have been intentionally left open in the downtown area so that restaurants can continue to offer curbside services, which have been vital to many of the downtown restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

GROSSE POINTE PARK Citing criticism from local officials and conflict he fears could scare away community investors, retired City Manager Dale Krajniak resigned from two key boards Tuesday, May 12. The former city manager said he fears partisan politics could jeopardize philanthropic investment beneficial to all Park residents and he hopes stepping aside will help parties support his successor, Nick Sizeland. The bottom line is whats best for the community.Krajniak first agreed to continue serving TIFA and DDA to support Sizeland, his former assistant, in Sizelands transition to city manager. Sizeland said he initially recruited Leah Smith, who he hired as assistant to the city manager in March, to assume Krajniaks roles directing TIFA and DDA by the end of 2020. Id say that Dales record of accomplishment as a leader, first as city manager and then as TIFA and DDA director, speaks for itself, Denner said.

ROCHESTER, Mich. More cities have started to put out their plans for the so-called new normal," which includes some businesses reopening amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Signs of activity are showing up in downtown Rochester -- so much so that the Downtown Development Authority have relocated into the heart of downtown. READ: Rochester hotel ready to reopen with new safety precautionsIts a space in the heart of downtown meant to help business owners get back up and running. Many have tried to stay open by offering curbside carryout. Watch the full report in the video above.

The William Street Bikeway is the first in a network of planned two-way protected bike lanes across the city. Mayor Christopher Taylor speaks before the ribbon cutting ceremony for the city's first two-way protected bike lane on Oct. 27, 2019. Credit: Meredith BrucknerA police officer shows cyclists a map of the two-way protected bike lane on William Street. The two-way protected bike lane was introduced as a way to help the city achieve Vision Zero -- an international movement to prevent injuries and fatalities on the road. Boober Tours testing out the two-way protected bike lane on William Street.