Objective: Continue progressive efforts at enhancing the district from a design perspective, making the area a more conducive atmosphere for consumers and business/property owners.
- Continued development and promotion of the Imlay City Façade Loan Program. Implementation of a three step plan to incorporate the program:
- 1) Send initial program brochure with cover letter to all district property owners.
- 2) Follow up with phone calls or personal visits to properties identified as being less than desirable.
- 3) Offer direct assistance through the Lapeer Development Corporation to businesses interested including the offering of design suggestions or even architectural services.
- Development of a site assistance grant program for commercial properties located within the district (includes the necessity of locating available state and federal funds to implement such a program)
Program Elements:
- Signage
- Doors and Windows
- Awnings
- Exterior Paint
- Completion of the design process related to the downtown streetscape project and implementation of the project with completion of Phase I (M-53 & Third Street) in 2004
- Continued proposal of public improvements within the district including:
- Sidewalks
- Streets
- Lights
- Fountains
- Benches (implement a adopt a bench program soliciting private donations for new benches)
- Utility Lines/Poles
- Provide the infrastructure to support development and redevelopment:
- Ensure that infrastructure improvements include support for business and manufacturing needs
- Coordinate with Michigan Department of Transportation for the development of future improvements along M-21 and M-53 within the district
- Support the development of pedestrian friendly initiatives throughout the Imlay City community (including the development of the Polly Ann Trail and a multi-use linear path throughout the community
- Support and encourage the progressive use and creation of green space, including the creation of pocket parks
- Propose and provide for necessary improvements to city owned downtown parking areas
- Proper utilization of the newly developed design committee including suggestive procedures for downtown window treatment and the creation of physically appealing storefronts
- Continued work with the City’s zoning administrator & building code official
- Implementation of Community Welcome Banner Program. Includes the purchase and application of banners incorporating the DDA logo along M-21, M-53 and the historic downtown. Propose additional locations for banners including the Imlay City Industrial Park
- Propose the exchange of sign posts from u-shaped metal posts to more aesthetically pleasing posts that complement the existing light posts
- Develop new ideas for seasonal decorating within the district
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