All the news that is news from the Director Report at the February DDA board meeting:
Downtown Business Updates
- Construction continues to move forward for the Weiss Distillery, 34 E. 14 Mile, and Broadway Square (ACE Development) without incident
- Anticipate site plan submittal soon for 38 S. Main, the former Moose Winooski
- Clawson Jewelers has completed their move and is now open for business at 26 N. Main
- Pizza Hut demolition is complete and the property owner is reviewing options for a new building that meets the vision in the Downtown Master Plan
COVID Updates
- New Emergency Order was issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) allowing 25% capacity dine-in service at restaurants along with the use of closed tents. Contact tracing, masks and other measures are in effect as before. This order is in effect through March 29. (https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98178_98455-551407–,00.html)
- Michigan COVID-19 Safer Dining program. Certification information has been distributed; (https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98178_98455-551407–,00.html)
Grants & Other Programs
- Oakland Together Restaurant Relief Grant Program applied for by the DDA
- Phase 1; awarded $10,644 in products
- Phase 2; awarded $52,035 in products and reimbursements (awaiting distribution)
- Restaurant Meal Program – restaurants begin to apply Dec 22 details still to follow on when food assistance recipients may begin to apply
- PPP Second Round (Federal program) applications accepted Jan 11 – Mar 31; available for 1st and 2nd round applicants
Other Updates
Downtown Zoning update; Two Open Houses were held via Zoon on Feb 16 to answer questions. The presentation from the Open House is posted on the homepage of the City of Clawson website and downtownclawson/news. The proposed rezoning is scheduled for a Public Hearing before the Planning Commission on Tuesday, February 23, 2021. Link to the Planning Commission agenda & Zoom link: Click Here
Alley Update: Weiss underground work is complete, underground work for a new sewer tap for Salon Oggi is scheduled, the city work to improve alley drainage will follow
Building Department:
Met with the Michigan Economic Development Corp (MEDC) on February 19 to review progress on our efforts to meet qualifications for Redevelopment Ready Community Certification
Committee Updates
Promotion/Business Development Committee
- Downtown Clawson Dollars Gift Card Program report
- The DDA has deposited $5000 in the program plus the $9000 from the Consumers Energy Our Town Program grant
- There is currently a balance of $1,645.00 in the program fund for additional bonus cards
- The value of cards purchased and bonuses delivered since the start of the program is over $29,000.00
Design Committee
Currently working on designs for new street banners