Downtown Development Authority Meeting — 2025-05-14

Detailed briefing

Downtown Development Authority — May 14, 2025 ATTENDEES: Roll call recorded Graham Brown, Cora Smith, Sarah Ashel Brunner, Jody Eubank, Charles Gmers, Margaret Tweeden and Maggie Lacy. • The board recognized Jody Eubank at her final meeting after 14 years of DDA service. Because she no longer lives or works downtown, she is no longer eligible for the seat. The vacancy will be posted through May 30; the mayor will review applications and appoint a replacement with City Council approval. Members noted that the board will have no restaurant-sector representative after her departure, although filling the seat from that sector is not required. • The consent agenda was approved with no opposition recorded. Members identified that the March 12 minutes did not include an adjournment time. • No action was needed on the proposed extension for outdoor merchandise displays. Staff explained that the city is again operating under the 2015 zoning code, which already permits displays in front of a business and limits them to 10 square feet. The current language does not distinguish between private property and the public right of way. Members discussed preserving pedestrian access, including a six-foot clear path, while retaining displays that support downtown activity. Possible changes can be recommended during the Planning Commission’s code review. • The board approved a recommendation asking the Chamber to move the 2025 sidewalk sales to Aug. 8-9 rather than the already publicized Aug. 22-23 dates. One member recused herself. Supporters said an earlier sale would better match retail clearance schedules and visitor patterns. The Chamber retains responsibility for the event and had already produced some promotional material. • Merchants Walkway construction remained on schedule, with concrete expected during the week and the contractor expected to finish by the end of May. Custom benches, bike racks and trash cans were expected around June 16. Two memorial benches had been sold, while broader fundraising had not started. • Downtown flower-pot work was beginning, with planting planned for the following Monday at 10 a.m. The project includes 10 large pots and 20 smaller pots using standardized designs. The board also heard that parking enforcement was expected to begin around June 1 and that discussions had started about potentially using 30-40 Holy Childhood spaces for employee parking for six weeks. Worth watching: • Whether the Chamber accepts and implements the Aug. 8-9 sidewalk-sales recommendation. • Whether details are finalized for temporary employee parking at Holy Childhood. • Whether Merchants Walkway work and furnishing deliveries meet the reported schedule. Upcoming: Board vacancy applications are open through May 30; parking enforcement is expected around June 1; downtown furnishings are expected around June 16. Why it matters: The decisions affect summer retail activity, pedestrian access, employee parking and the appearance and operation of downtown Harbor Springs.

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