Monday, February 26
Here’s the latest news from the Director’s Report presented at the DDA board meeting:
Downtown Businesses
- Revised plans were submitted for 116-118-122-140 S. Main (Laundry Palace plaza) and were reviewed by the Planning Commission at their January 23rd The PC found the plans incomplete and the project is scheduled before the PC on March 13
- Traffic, a tech based company currently renovating 110 S. Main, will be asking for a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy at the Februry 27 Planning Commission meeting.
- Façade work is nearly complete for 41-45-47-49-53 E. 14 Mile. Installing business signage remains to be completed. There is the possibility of business changes in the property which will be reported when a determination is firm.
- House of Optical will be moving from their current W. 14 Mile address to 250 E. 14 Mile, a building which they own. They met with the Development Team to learn about Site Plan Review and any requirements for the property. They are looking forward to moving to the downtown
- The new owners of 30 E. 14 Mile (formerly Great Sport Coffee) met with the Development Team several months ago and presented plans for a distillery or brew pub for the site. The owner has been delayed while researching the project but is now ready to move forward
- El Guanaco has vacated the space at 139 W. 14 Mile at the end of their lease and there is a new tenant pending
- There has been no word from Marconi’s Pizza, 202 E. 14 Mile, on their current plans for completing the buildout and opening the business.
- Building Official Jim Albus has been in contact with the owners of 172 W. 14 Mile (former Burger King) regarding intent to move forward and informed the owners there may be blight issues to be addressed
- Flipside Records, 41 E. 14 Mile, celebrated their 35th anniversary at that same location. The business is family owned with current owner Todd Fundaro starting out working along with his father and then taking ownership.
- To add to the downtowns dining experience both Three Cats Café and Black Lotus Brewing Co. have held pop up dinners this month where visiting chefs have been invited to come for an evening to offer special multi course menus. Additional special events will be held.
Main Street
- Reminder; The annual Main Street evaluation for certification is scheduled for Tuesday, February 27. Board members, city officials, business owners and other project partners are scheduled to meet with the evaluation team.
- The Main Event, the annual awards celebration for Oakland County Main Street communities is scheduled for May 10. Clawson will be submitting award nomination projects
Updates
- TIA will be providing two of the studies needed by our traffic consultant Cheryl Gregory of Spalding DeDecker for the 14 Mile & Main intersection traffic flow and pedestrian safety review. The studies are part of the scope of work provided to the city so there is no additional charge.
- 14 Mile and Main Streets will be resurfaced this year. MDOT will let the job out in early March. Once there is a contractor we will be able to have details on construction and timelines. At this time it is hoped that work will start in April. We will be sending information to businesses and the community as we receive it.
- We continue to review annual events and solicit ideas for new events.
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