All the news from the February DDA Board Meeting:

Downtown Business Updates
Congratulations to Hart & Harlow, 247 E. 14 Mile, on opening a second location in Royal Oak

Other City Businesses
Congratulations to Sozai, 449 W. 14 Mile, named as the Detroit Free Press Restaurant of the Year

Main Street
The National Main Street evaluation took place on January 26 and the Clawson DDA met the standards to be a fully accredited Main Street community for another year making 10 years running. Nationally accredited since 2012, thanks to the hours given by our dedicated board and volunteers.

Beyond the everyday support we receive from Main Street Oakland County, additional benefits of Main Street are the trainings & support funding received through annual Tech Visits and In Your Town training. Determining the focus for these opportunities is under consideration.

Other Updates
1st reading of ordinance change for the Clearzoning format of the Clawson Zoning Ordinance occurred at City Council on Feb 15. Now it will go for public hearing and second reading, followed by adoption

Additional pickups are being scheduled for the trash and cardboard recycling containers in the enclosure in the NE municipal parking lot.

The new Business Directory is now online at downtownclawson.com. We are using the free version of the directory but evaluating the benefits of the monthly subscription – Ability to make changes as needed as opposed to quarterly & Ability to add parking and other important markers

 Grant News
A new Business Relief Grant administered by Michigan Dept. of Treasury has been announced with an application window of March 1-31. Complete program details and eligibility requirements have been sent to businesses by email and posted on downtownclawson.com/news.

AARP has announced a Community Engagement Grant. An email has been sent to board members and volunteers soliciting ideas. Checkerboard tables and upright pianos along the downtown walks are in consideration as ideas that engage all ages.

 Project Committee Updates

  • The restaurant committee is working on determining a logo and marketing identity. Planning is underway for their inaugural event, a Restaurant Week at the end of March.
  • The alley committee has begun developing a concept and have tentative plans on lighting and one focus artwork wall. Quotes are being obtained.
  • Steps have been made to move the Community Engagement ideas forward

Presentations

Clawson High School sophomore students, Layla Swope and Audri Holloway, gave a presentation on their fundraising efforts for the repair of the Downtown Clawson clock. The project, selected as a civics class assignment, included promotion through local news media, social media outlets and speaking engagements to local fraternal organizations.

Application to the Clawson Community Foundation provided 501(c)(3) non-profit status to their fundraising achieved through individual, Go Fund Me and Facebook Giving Tuesday donations.

Mr. Hanson Lee of the Trelum Masonic Lodge #552 was present and delivered a donation from the Lodge in the amount of $4,000.00 to aid the effort.

To date the girls have raised $9,229.00 for the clock renovation. This amount will fully replace and update the internal workings along with spot repairs and paint to the post. Cost is based on best quotes and contingent upon no additional repairs.

Congratulations Layla and Audri on an amazing job!!

The final order of business was review of the Vision and Mission Statements. While there is still, and will always be, work to do, the vision that started 10 years ago is becoming reality:

Downtown Clawson will be a vibrant pedestrian-friendly center of commerce. The restored buildings and compatible architecture house a variety of unique specialty retail stores, restaurants and multi-story residence and development.

 The downtown is safe, clean, well maintained and adorned with trees, colorful flowers, street furniture, designed public parking where patrons access the stores through attractive front and rear entrances. The downtown is a gathering place for people to mingle in outdoor cafes and public spaces for shopping, eating, entertainment, festivals and family fun.

And our mission remains firm:

To ensure our downtown is a great place to shop, work, enjoy and invest while protecting and enhancing its unique character and history