All the news that is news from the June DDA Board Meeting:
Downtown Business Updates
•Broadway Square (ACE Development) and Clawson Lofts (townhome development) continue in the construction process
•Unplug & Paint Resale, 126 E. 14 Mile, has opened for business. Ribbon cutting date to be determined
•Eclectic Home, 133 W. 14 Mile, has opened for business.
•116 S. Main, has submitted a Business License and Certificate of Occupancy application as StudioSculpt at Moxie
•The Arena, 42 E. 14 Mile, has changed ownership and is now known as The Brand
•Outside of the downtown, Sozai, a Japanese restaurant specializing in sushi has opened at 449 W. 14 Mile.
COVID Updates
•The Gatherings and Mask Order was lifted on June 22
•Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) has changed their requirements closer to the CDC recommendations. Updates are listed on downtownclawson.com
Grant Programs
•We continue to distribute products received through the Oakland Together Restaurant Relief Grant Program
•The application portal for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) – part of the federal American Rescue Plan Act opened on May 3rd remains open.
CLICK HERE for program details
Main Street
•The National Main Street Center has launched an online resource tool for small business that provides consultative recommendations to of all stages and ages with 20 or fewer employees. The business groupings are Retail, Service Providers and Food & Beverage.
•We are waiting for a contract from National Main Street Center to initiate the parking study by Rich and Associates.
Other Updates
E. 14 Mile Alley: AEW shot grades to show water run off and we are now waiting for the new drainage plan. AT&T replaced the leaning service pole and guide wire allowing for space to install the entrance arch.
Building & Planning Department Updates
• Construction continues for Elliot Street apartment complex on N. Rochester Rd.
• A development of office and apartment units proposed at Roth & Main as a Planned Unit Development (PUD) will next be scheduled for a public hearing with Council on July 6
• The Sustainability Committee, a sub-committee of the Planning Commission, held their second meeting
Committee Reports
Design:
• The order has been submitted for new street banners
• Flower baskets were delivered June 1st and held at DPW as there was no part time person to do watering. Parks & Rec has been able to hire and the baskets are in place.
• Sunnyside Landscaping has finished weeding and planting as needed and the DPW has mulched the planting beds
Promotion:
• Open Aire Outdoor Fairs are on hold until the current COVID impact lessens, particularly the ability of restaurants to maintain staffing levels
• The DDA voted to move forward with Cinema in the Street. Due to staffing with the movie screen vendor the normal date is not available. Cinema in the Street is now planned for the Saturday following Labor Day on September 11. Movie suggestions are appreciated.
Business:
The DDA will request to be on the July 6 Council agenda to request a Resolution in support of establishing a Downtown Clawson Social District. This allows the sidewalk to be used as ‘public space’ as determined by the Michigan legislation. This would allow restaurant customers to enjoy an alcoholic beverage while they are seated along the sidewalk or go window shopping as they wait for their indoor or patio seating to become available.