Downtown Development Authority Meeting - 2020-06-04

Detailed briefing

Downtown Development Authority Meeting — June 4, 2020 • The DDA approved the minutes from its May 7 meeting. Members reviewed a substantially changed summer calendar: most events had been canceled, while Street Music was set to begin July 2. The regatta was still possible at the time of discussion, but racing would occur without related gatherings if it proceeded. • Members considered whether the DDA should organize Fourth of July activity, such as a vehicle parade, food options, or expanded farmers market activity. No program was adopted. Discussion emphasized supporting existing downtown restaurants and retailers rather than creating additional events without clear demand. • Outdoor shopping, dining, pop-ups, and use of private parking spaces were discussed as possible COVID-19 adaptations. Staff said current zoning rules prevent the DDA from simply authorizing these uses. Potential temporary code changes would need Planning Commission review, a public hearing, and City Council approval. Businesses were encouraged to bring concrete ideas forward. • The board discussed promoting Thursday evenings around Street Music and possibly designating selected Thursdays as more intensive downtown shopping and promotion days. Retailer staffing limits and uneven interest in outdoor sales were identified as major constraints. No final promotional schedule was set. • A possible donor-funded small-business grant program was introduced, based on a Charlevoix model. Businesses could apply for aid under criteria still to be developed. Members raised questions about fundraising capacity and whether small contributions would justify the effort, but agreed the idea should receive further committee review. • A proposed new DDA website was presented. The draft would focus on visual promotion of downtown Harbor Springs, business listings, events, parking, outdoor activities, downtown projects, and business resources. The board generally supported the direction and assigned detailed review to the Downtown Enhancement and Promotions committees. Possible payment for the website work will require budget review. • The city was purchasing five rectangular metal picnic tables for Zorn Beach. The DDA had commitments for six, and possibly seven, square tables intended for Marina Park. Staff also discussed possible placement of a temporary shade structure in Marina Park; no final placement decision was recorded. Worth watching: • Whether Planning Commission and City Council act quickly on temporary outdoor-business flexibility. • Whether committees develop grant criteria and determine whether to launch a donation-supported small-business fund. • Whether the DDA finalizes website content, budget, and launch process. Upcoming: Beaches were expected to officially open with lifeguards June 15; pop-up issues were expected at the June 18 Planning Commission meeting; Street Music was scheduled to start July 2. Why it matters: The DDA is weighing practical ways to support downtown businesses and public outdoor activity during a summer shaped by COVID-19 restrictions.

No open public follow-ups are linked to this meeting yet.