June 8, 2022 DDA Meeting

Detailed briefing

June 8, 2022 — Harbor Springs Downtown Development Authority meeting - The DDA approved a tiered response to concerns about public restroom access downtown. The first step is better communication: signs at restroom buildings, location flyers or maps that retailers can display, and a QR code linking people to restroom information. The board will reevaluate after the summer before considering portable toilets as a next step. - Discussion showed mixed views on seasonal porta-potties. Some business concerns were reported about visitors seeking restrooms, while several participants said the immediate problem appears to be wayfinding rather than the number of public facilities. Members noted that public restrooms exist at several city locations, though participants disagreed or clarified the total during discussion. - A sign on the marina-area restroom building is planned to be moved to the side facing the park/dumpster area to improve visibility. The plan described was to relocate an existing sign rather than buy a new one. A participant also said a map could be added to the city website’s public-restroom information. - Downtown directory updates remain in progress. The promotions committee sent changes to the designer, is reviewing returned materials, and plans to include QR codes that link kiosk users to the website directory. Installation will follow once the updated directories are sent to the installer. - Main Street beds were planted with volunteer assistance. New trees had been installed, irrigation work for those trees was expected by the end of the week, and additional flowers still needed planting. The DDA also reported interest from the high school’s new NHS president in helping maintain gardens during the summer, with a proposed $1,000 donation. - TIF renewal work continues. The committee has met, released a survey, and will use responses to help prepare a development plan intended for completion by September. Feedback included mixed opinions on parking and benches, along with merchant concerns about bike racks, trash cans, and seating. Worth watching: - Whether improved restroom wayfinding reduces business and visitor complaints before the DDA revisits porta-potties after summer. - Completion of the TIF development plan by September and how survey feedback is incorporated. - Follow-through on merchant-walkway design planning and the pending concrete contractor response. Upcoming: The RRC is scheduled to meet June 10 at 10 a.m.; no DDA meeting is scheduled for July. Why it matters: The DDA is prioritizing low-cost wayfinding and planning work while building a longer-term agenda for downtown amenities and investment.

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