The Downtown Development Authority DDA's Next Meetings' Update

The Downtown Development Authority is working on a redesign of Main Street, Bay Street and 3rd Street to change the “Streetscape” into what they think may be an improvement. The DDA operates independently of City Government and has its own budget derived from taxes. They currently have a targeted $500k budget for these enhancements.

This Wednesday, July 8th, at 8 am at City Call the DDA will be reviewing feedback from the community. City Planner Beckett & Raeder will present a review of the Public Input Survey and a Project Status Update. Public comment will be taken.

There was a DDA Survey that began June 1st regarding Harbor Springs Downtown - and what might be accomplished. Ideas like brick crosswalks, more flowers, black sky lighting, more benches, differnt traffic routing. The community is being asked for all the improvements and ideas we have for our downtown. What makes it better, and what may make it safer. Without your input, DDA and Beckett & Raeder will define a new look for downtown.

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) collects tax revenue, which it uses to invest in downtown improvements and fund professional planning for Harbor Springs. The planning for this project costs approximately $24,000, with the streetscape design scheduled for completion in October. Following Wednesday's meeting, members of the public are invited to stop by City Hall to share their opinions on Wants and Needs, as well as Don't Wants and Don't Needs.

Join the DDA Tuesday, July 14 (8:00-9:00 AM), Friday, July 17 (12:00-1:00 PM), or Monday, July 20 (5:00-6:00 PM) - all sessions at City Hall. These informal sessions are one of your opportunities to tell the DDA what you really think and to learn more about possibilities you may not have considered.

Then, on Thursday, July 30 at City Hall, 5 pm to 7 pm: a Community Open House is scheduled to give additional feedback and public comment.

A NEW survey will then be made available from Thursday July 30 through August 10

• Wednesday, August 12: DDA Board Meeting. Beckett & Raeder will present a review and summary of input received during the Preferred Plan Showcase presentation and second online survey. This will be a dialogue with the DDA Board. Public comments will also be welcome.

• Wednesday, September 9: 8 am DDA Board Meeting. The DDA Board will hear a final overview of the concept plan from Beckett & Raeder. The public is welcome.

• Tuesday, October 13: 8 am DDA Board Meeting. The DDA Board will have on its agenda consideration of adopting the Final Streetscape Project Plan and forwarding it to the Planning Commission for review and City Council for approval. The public is welcome.

Here is the link to the Streetscape website Learn how the community can participate in the master planning process! By attending these DDA meetings and their committee meetings, you can follow all the steps - taking part in the process to know what is really going on in Harbor Springs. We hope to see you there. Thank you.