In the news for March

by | Mar 22, 2021 | Monthly Newsletter

Downtown news from the DDA monthly meeting in March

Downtown Business Updates

  • Construction continues to move forward for the Weiss Distillery, 34 E. 14 Mile with the front façade and exterior completed.
  • Construction continues on schedule for Broadway Square (ACE Development). First steps in the construction of the new building along 14 Mile has begun.
  • Clawson Lofts, (townhome development) continues through the process to prepare for construction.
  • The Lucky Duck, 38 S. Main (former Moose Winooski location), is on the Planning Commission March 23 agenda for site plan approval
  • Clawson Jewelers, 26 N. Main, has approval for a small patio with planters
  • There is a tenant for 126 E. 14 Mile (former Regeneration location). The business is called Unplug & Paint Resale, and will feature several craft and artist vendors.

COVID Updates

  • New Emergency Order was issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) makes changes to the Gatherings and Face Mask Order allowing 50% capacity dine-in service at restaurants & other business changes. There are also new guidelines for outdoor enclosures – igloos continue as accepted. Contact tracing, masks and other measures are in effect as before.
    The complete Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) order: CLICK HERE
    The Gatherings and Face Mask Order: CLICK HERE

Grant Programs

  • Oakland Together Restaurant Relief Grant Program applied for by the DDA
    • Phase 2; have received some product and are awaiting the remainder
  • PPP Second Round (Federal program) applications continue to be accepted through Mar 31 for 1st and 2nd round applicants
  • New 1.9 trillion Federal aid program, The American Rescue Plan Act, offers additional financial support due to the effect of the COVID pandemic. Awaiting details

Main Street

The DDA is planning for the economic health of current businesses and looking to future development by studying all options for parking. As a first step, $6500 in funds supplied by the Main Street program for technical assistance will be used for a parking study to be conducted by Rich and Associates

Other Updates

Downtown Zoning update; as the final step towards adoption the proposed zoning changes have been  sent to Council by Planning Commission  with the recommendation to accept. This will be on the City Council agenda on April 6

Building Department Update

  • City zoning ordinances will be moved from Municode to the Clearzoning format and during the process ordinances will be reviewed to remove inconsistencies.
  • Construction has begun for Elliot Street apartment complex on N. Rochester Rd.
  • A Planned Unit Development of office and apartment units proposed at Roth & Main is on the March 23 Planning Commission agenda for consideration