PURPOSE OF THE:
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

The Michigan legislature approved Public Act 197 in 1975, creating Downtown Development Authorities. The law was a new tool for local units of government to assist in the revitalization of central business districts within Michigan communities.

The Act provides for the establishment of a downtown development authority; prescribes its powers and duties; seeks to correct and prevent deterioration in business districts; encourages historic preservation; authorizes the acquisition and disposal of interests in real and personal property; the creation and implementation of development plans in the districts; promotes economic growth; creates a board of directors; prescribes the Board's powers and duties; authorizes the levy and collection of taxes; authorizes the issuance of bonds and other evidence of indebtedness; and authorizes the use of tax increment financing.

CREATION OF THE EVART DDA

The City Council of the City of Evart adopted Ordinance Number 240 on August 20, 1984, after conducting a public hearing on the establishment of the DDA on August 6, 1984. The ordinance provided for the creation of the City of Evart Downtown Development Authority. On July 20, 1987, the City of Evart held a public hearing concerning the expansion of the boundaries of the DDA, and thereafter, at that same City Council meeting, approved Ordinance Number 247 approving the amended DDA boundaries. Again, after a public hearing, the DDA authorized a DDA Plan Amendment for a new thirty year period and a Tax Increment Plan on June 21, 1993.

The City Council in its creation of the Authority provided that all the powers and duties permitted by statute be available to the Evart DDA.

A Board of Directors was appointed by the city manager as the Chief Executive Officer of the City. The Board consisted of nine members, a majority of which held a financial interest in downtown development district businesses.

THE 30 YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLAN

The creation of the DDA Development Plan identified long term activities and improvements needed to revitalize the City's business district. Selected as plan priorities have been:

Improvement of sidewalks along Main Street.     (COMPLETED)

Development of off-street parking areas.     (COMPLETED)

Creating marketing, educational and financial assistance programs for businesses.    (ONGOING)

Preparing a market feasibility study for a new motel in the City.  (COMPLETED)

Beautification of the Central Business District.  (COMPLETED)

Renovation of housing units in and around the Central Business District.

Reconstructing water and sewer lines along Main Street.  (COMPLETED)

Main Street pavement replacement.

Sidewalk improvements along Seventh Street.  (ONGOING)

Acquisition of public open space and streetscape improvements.  (ONGOING)

Demolition and clearance of selected properties and buildings.  (PLANNING STAGES)

Provision of resources to acquire; construct; reconstruct; rehabilitate; restore and preserve; equip; improve; maintain; repair and operate public facilities and buildings; including public restrooms, information centers, and public parking lots.  (ONGOING)

Planning and promotional activities for the business district.  (ONGOING)

Administration costs for operating the DDA.  (ONGOING)

Construction of a new downtown U.S. Post Office facility. (COMPLETED)

Restoration of the historic railroad depot and development of tourism opportunities through creation of the Rails to Trails Trailway. (COMPLETED)

Location of a medical office within the business district.  (RESEARCH ONGOING)

Renovation of the old Evart Hotel building.  (COMPLETED BY NEW OWNER)

Creation of a low interest revolving loan fund to improve the appearance of storefronts and other downtown buildings.

Creation of a downtown development district to centralize public services such as the Evart City Hall, recreational programs, school and similar offices.

Construction of a new major hotel or motel to accommodate promotional events and enhance the tourism development efforts. (COMPLETED; SUPER 8 MOTEL OPENED IN 2002)

Streetscape improvements on all DDA District streets, including from the Muskegon River Bridge to Twin Creek along US-10. 

Construction of a Muskegon River walkway connecting to the Rails to Trails Trailway.

Annual Christmas lighting displays.  (ONGOING)

Construction of a Muskegon River pedestrian bridge.

Periodic marketing studies to assist retail development of goods and services offered by district merchants.  (CURRENT)

Create and support major promotional activities in the DDA district such as sidewalk sales, arts and crafts presentations, music and other events that will attract people to the business district. (ONGOING)

Provision of transportation services or acquisition of transportation facilities and equipment to provide access to the business district for those without easy transportation. Provision for Dulcimer Funfest and Osceola County Fair transportation and Osceola County Fair transportation services to downtown locations.  (ONGOING)

Expansion of the Evart Public Library.  (ONGOING)

Continuous maintenance and replacement of district infrastructure such as streets, sidewalks, parking lots and buildings. (CONTINUOUS)

Employment of DDA staff personnel such as a Downtown Development Director and the supporting costs of such administrative operations. (ONGOING)