DDA Board Minutes

MINUTES

Cascade Charter Township

Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors

Regular Meeting

May 20, 2003

DDA Members Present: Chu, Clark, Julien, Kingsland, Noto and Wallace.
DDA Members Absent: Biermacher James (with notice) and Johnson.
Others Present: Jay Cravens, Township Manager.

ARTICLE 1. Call the Meeting to Order
Vice-Chairman Clark called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.

ARTICLE 2. Approval of the Agenda
Supervisor Julien made a motion to approve the agenda submitted by staff. Member Wallace seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

ARTICLE 3. Approval of the Minutes of February 18, 2003
Supervisor Julien made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 18, 2003 meeting, as submitted by staff. Member Chu seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

ARTICLE 4. Update on the Westdale Condemnation Lawsuit
Manager Cravens provided an update on this outstanding lawsuit. He stated the lawsuit is moving slowly because the attorneys on both sides of the case are trying to determine how the property should be divided. Manager Cravens stated the Township Board is not interested in purchasing the entire property due to its high cost. The Township Board is only interested in purchasing the property where the turnaround was built and a small "orphaned" piece at the bottom of the hill (eastern portion of the property). Vice-Chairman was concerned about the lengthy condemnation process and if the DDA budget had the funds available for the eventual purchase.

ARTICLE 5. Discussion on Possible Projects to be Incorporated into a Revised Tax Increment Financing Plan Because of the DDA Expansion
Manager Cravens indicated that the DDA district has been officially expanded westward to Patterson Avenue. The 90-day protest period by the affected taxing authorities had expired. No affected taxing authorities protested. Manager Cravens suggested the DDA Board of Directors brainstorm a bit on possible projects to be incorporated in a revised Tax Increment Financing Plan (TIFA) Plan. From these concepts, Township Staff could gather information on these ideas.

Supervisor Julien stated he would like to see scenarios developed based on various degrees of development possibilities on the Showcase Cinema site.

There was some discussion regarding the possible "boulevarding" of 28th Street with landscape islands on the east and west sides of the I-96 overpass. It was suggested that Township Staff contact the Kent County Road Commission (KCRC) and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) about this possibility and see if there is an acceptable design.

Member Wallace suggested some kind of entry sign for the township. He suggested a sign with arches and details that would give the impression of cascading water.

Member Chu suggested getting aerial photographs of the DDA district as well as photos along the street to give DDA Board members a better way to visualize any anticipated improvements.

Member Kingsland would like to increase pedestrian access along the 28th Street corridor. She suggested increased landscaping and benches as possibilities.

ARTICLE 6. Any Other Business
(None presented.)

ARTICLE 8. Adjournment
On a motion by Supervisor Julien and seconded by Member Chu the meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jay W. Cravens, Executive Director

Government ~ Departments ~ Community
Business ~ Reference Desk ~ What's Happening
Help ~ Home ~ Search ~ Site Map

Comments? Feedback? Questions? Click here to send an email.

Site Use Policy

Site Design/Development by