Politics & Government
In Brief: DDA Gives Back Walkway Funding, Considers Brownfield Development Authority
With its vote last week, the Downtown Development Authority wanted to show solidarity to city budget cuts. It also approved new plans for 2011 and agreed to help fund the Buy Michigan Now festival in August.
Walkway Project funds "donated" back to city
In a gesture of solidarity, the Northville Downtown Development Authority agreed unanimously Tuesday to "give back" $250,000 to the city, formerly slated for the East Main Street Walkway Project, to help balance the budget.
The City Council had planned to provide the funds to the DDA for a new covered walkway in the downtown, using money from the city's Public Improvement Fund. However, the council agreed in budget discussions to instead pump the money back into the general fund. The city is trying to make about $1 million worth of cutbacks to balance the budget, with the possibility of a tax increase in the future.
The Walkway project is expected to cost about $800,000. The DDA already has set aside about $550,000 for the plan, and could fund the rest of the project. Authority members voted to hold a special meeting at 8 a.m. on Jan. 11 at city hall to discuss funding the Walkway, and other projects.
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At least one authority member questioned why a vote was needed when the money was never received by the DDA, but most agreed that the vote would prove that the authority is willing to support the city during a time of declining property taxes.
Buy Michigan Now Festival
The DDA also agreed to spend not more than $5,000 to support the Buy Michigan Now Festival. The authority has sponsored the festival the past two years. The event will be held this year in the downtown on Aug. 5-7, and will include musical entertainment, on-street vendors showcasing Michigan products, and educational programs and demonstrations. Catalyst Co., based in Livonia, runs the event.
Find out what's happening in Northvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
2011-12 goals and objectives
The DDA's 2011-12 goals and objectives include a streetscape enhancement project, the Walkway, new downtown signs, a pilot program for electric car parking and charging stations, assistance with the Northville Community Ambassadors Program, new parking, new downtown events and improved business recruitment and retention.
Brownfield Redevelopment Authority possible
The authority will also explore the creation of a city Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, which can provide funding for polluted site cleanup. The DDA members admitted that there are no current known developments that could benefit from a brownfield authority. "We need a group to help kick-start this effort," said Mayor Christopher Johnson at the meeting.
