Walker Downtown Development Authority

City of Walker Walker Downtown Development Authority Agenda City Commission Chambers 4243 Remembrance Road NW Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 7:30 AM 1. Call Meeting to Order - Record Attendance 2. Approval of Minutes a) June 18, 2024 3. Business Relations Manager Updates a) Placer.AI Update b) Results of New Moon Branding Study 4. Development Plan Schedule a) Attachments 5. Planning Updates 6. Other Business/Updates 7. Next Meeting Date and Time - Tuesday, August 20th at 7:30 AM 8. Adjournment If you have any questions or are unable to attend a meeting, please contact Jessica Marion at 616.791.6878 Page 1 of 37  City of Walker Walker Downtown Development Authority Tuesday, June 18, 2024 7:30 AM - Fire Station #2 4243 Remembrance Road NW 1. Call Meeting to Order - Record Attendance The meeting was called to order by Chair D. Brinza at 7:30 am. Members present: D. Brinza, D. Schmalzel, S. Zokoe, R. Smith, D. Prato, J. DeGroot, G. Carey, L. McNees, T. Hiller and M. Grooters. Members absent: C. Ludwick. Also present: City Engineer Scott Conners, Communications Manager/DDA Business Relations Manager Nicole DiDonato, and Assistant City Manager Frank Wash. 2. Approval of Minutes Motion by D. Prato, supported by J. DeGroot, to approve the minutes of the April 16, 2024, DDA Meeting. Motion carried. Motion by G. Carey, supported by D. Brinza, to approve the minutes of the May 21, 2024, Meeting held in Hudsonville at Terra Square. Motion carried. 4. Next Meeting Date and Time - The next Walker Downtown Development Authority meeting is scheduled for July 16, 2024, at 7:30 AM at City Hall. 3. Walking Tour of the Standale DDA DDA Members and staff walked the property north of the fire station and discussed various opportunities to re-develop the property and incorporate a pedestrian connection to Community Park. Also considered the incorporation of the property along Cummings Avenue that is owned by the City and potential connections with the Grand Valley property at Kinney/Lake Michigan Drive. Members were asked to think about various ideas to discuss further at the July meeting. 5. Adjournment - A motion was made by G. Carey, supported by J. DeGroot to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 am. Motion carried. If you have any questions or are unable to attend a meeting, please contact Jessica Marion at 616.791.6878 Minutes provided by Darrel Schmalzel Page 2 of 37  New Moon For A Fresh Perspective… Page 3 of 37 Standale DDA  What Have We Learned? 45 stakeholder and resident interviews, a record breaking 647 community survey participants, a commi ee visioning session, in-person tour, and Page 4 of 37 review of stories and studies, all show us the true nature of Standale… tt Key Words Page 5 of 37  Standale Experiences It’s a conveniently located, clean, safe, well kept, bustling, busy, neighborly, down to earth, and growing community, evolving with positive momentum and great potential. Page 6 of 37  Standale’s Personality It’s improving, appealing, down to earth, easy going, connected, loyal, approachable, and not pretentious. People are sweet, friendly, welcoming, outgoing, and homey. It’s classic, traditional and familiar that endures from generation to generation. Page 7 of 37  Standale’s Greatest Asset It’s close to Downtown Grand Rapids. It’s a great place to raise a family, It’s close to Lake Michigan. Page 8 of 37  Standale’s Challenges With the bustling corridor, tra ic is congested, needs calming and tra ic laws more enforced. The quality of life will bene t by recruiting more unique, locally owned diverse restaurants, retail and entertainment. Page 9 of 37 ff fi ff  Standale Famous for: Everyone loves Meijer! West Michigan remembers the tornado in 1956. Standale’s central location is well known, and the community loves the Summer Concert Series in the park. Page 10 of 37  Feelings about Standale It feels safe, and protected, comfortable, cozy, and at ease.. It feels like family, and people feel right at home, relaxed and content. Page 11 of 37  Best Things A racting Visitors to Standale Standale draws students with its location so close to the colleges. Its close proximity to Lake Michigan makes it a great place for provisions along the way. The Summer Concert Series in the park is also a draw. The community connects to the trails easily through the tunnel. Page 12 of 37 tt  Prevents more People Moving to/Visiting Standale People would like to see the tra ic congestion alleviated, tra ic calming and landscape streetscape improvements and green space preserved, more fun things to do, entertainment, night life and more locally owned unique variety of shopping and dining options. Page 13 of 37 ff ff  Ways to postively a ect the future of Standale Add downtown artisan farmers market. Page 14 of 37 Add a unique co ee shop and bakery. Add more and preserve green space. Add more family friendly entertainment. Add more walkability, crosswalks and medians. ff ff  Brand Essence: We’re all di erent, right? Unique. Well, here in Standale, we dial that up a notch. You might walk by an open door and hear some Polish. Dutch. Some other language you’ve never heard before. We think that’s a good thing. Being around other cultures helps us build bridges. Understand each other. Connect. Page 15 of 37 And that, friends, is what Standale is all about. Whether it’s meeting neighbors at a concert in the park or enjoying a quick zip over to Grand Rapids or Lake Michigan. Or maybe working together to capture a giant python. Kidding, kidding. We did that already. But, hey, if we did that, we can do anything. And whatever we do, we do it together. ff  Tagline Concepts: Let’s connect. It’s not just a tag line. It’s an invitation. From diverse communities to close access to parks, other cities and workplaces, connections exemplify Standale. This expresses the openness and accessibility of the community. Page 16 of 37 It’s all within reach. Two of the themes that emerged from the Standale interviews were connection and potential. This captures both of those and extends to become an aspirational rallying cry. Because when you start from the right place, you can go anywhere. We stand together. This conveys the power of community and Standale’s way of embracing an array of cultures and merging into one solid community. Embedding the word “stand” gives it an extra layer of ownability.  Tagline Concepts: The city within. OK. We know what you’re thinking. Yeah, we’re sort of a city within a city, but that’s not the point. Just imagine, though, the ways we could use this. We can nish the sentence in a thousand di erent ways. The city within your means. The city within your heart. The city within your future. The city within Page 17 of 37 reach of everywhere you want to go. Make Standale Yours. In this place that embodies a multitude of cultures and ourishes with a multitude of conveniences, you can make it your Standale. As a campaign, this could enable us to feature di erent types of residents of businesses and how they make Standale their own. fi ff ff fl  Rally around Connection: Community Wi Page 18 of 37 Branded Promo Items- Prizes/giveaways at events/concerts: Heart clip Blanket Beach Balls fi  Rally around Connection: Inaugural special event idea for the new future gathering space. Connect with the variety of ethnic heritage Page 19 of 37 introducing an International Festival celebrating music, dancing, foods and family fun.  Rally around Connection: Community Art Murals “Paint by number” Page 20 of 37  Rally around Connection: Public art connecting with history of Fred Meijer Page 21 of 37  Rally around Connection: Public Art sculpture designed to resemble connected paper dolls symbolic of community, variety of cultural heritage, family friendliness Page 22 of 37 and family owned businesses passed from generation to generation  Rally around Connection: Midwest Sculpture Initiative Public Art Exhibit along Lake Michigan Drive celebrating connected community Page 23 of 37  Rally around Connection: Publicity- Drone photo of community gathered in shape of hands reaching out during an event Page 24 of 37  Rally around Connection: Publicity- Break a record linking arms as a community Page 25 of 37  Rally around Connection: Event games: Relay race, pass the baton Giant Connect 4 game Giant puzzle pieces Page 26 of 37 Kids Coloring Books- Connect the Dots Twister Lego building contest  Rally around Connection: Connect with friends and family at an ice cream social Page 27 of 37  Rally around Connection: Connect with College students through a partnership with The Rapid transit system. Loyalty Program - Shop/Dine in Standale DDA district for rewards Page 28 of 37  Next Steps Creative Trademark Search Page 29 of 37 Brand Style Guidelines Ad Campaign Rollout/Strategy  VARNUM DRAFT: 1/18/2022 DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF WALKER Preliminarv Schedule for Amending Downtown Development and Tax Increment Financing Plan1 February 2022 March 2022 A rll 2022 S M Tu W Th F S S M Tu W Th F S S M Tu W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 27 28 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Determine the number of persons residing in There are over 100 C/DDA the development area. If 100 or more persons residing in the persons live in the development area, then development area. Page 30 of 37 the City must establish a Development Area Citizens Council ("DACC“) consisting of at least 9 members. Appoint members to Development Area Citizens Council (if necessary). The Citizens Council Inust have at least nine members. Members must be at least 18 years old and reside in the development area. The Citizens Council must be established at least 90 days before the hearing on the Plan. A representative of the DDA Board must Publish Notice of DDA/DACC meet periodically with the Development DACC meetings (C is responsible for Area Citizens Council regarding the Plan. , 2022 publishng all notices All meetings of the Citizens Council must be of DACC meetings) open to the public, with notice of the time and place of the meetings posted in DDA/C accordance with the Open Meetings Act and (Varnum to prepare published in a newspaper of general Notice) circulation in the City not less than ?ve days 1 Board Council expanded. anddraft Amendment. Areaassumes DDA/DACC beDDA This review preliminary Development Planschedule Citizensthat the boundaries of the downtown , 2022 district will not W  Meeting of DDA and Development Area DDA/DACC Citizens Council; DDA Board and (Varnum to prepare Development Area Citizens Council each resolutions) adopt resolutions approving and recommending Plan Amendment (see notice requirements for Citizens Council). City Commission adopts Resolution to C Establish Public Hearing on Plan (Varnum to prepare Amendment. resolution) Submit Notice of Hearing to the Grand C Rapids Press, a newspaper of general (Varnum to prepare circulation in the City, for publication on notice) , 2022 and , 2022. First publication of Notice of Hearing must C be not less than 20 days before the hearing. (Varnum to prepare Page 31 of 37 notice) Notices of Hearing should be mailed to all C/DDA property taxpayers of record in the downtown district and posted in at least 20 conspicuous and public places in the downtown district not less than 20 days before the hearing. Mail Notice of Hearing and letters to the C/DDA governing body of each taxing jurisdiction (Varnum to prepare levying taxes that would be subject to letter) capture if the development plan or tax increment ?nancing plan is approved or amended, informing them of the ?scal and economic implications of the Tax Increment Financing Plan affected by the proposed Plan Amendment and inviting them to meeting with City Commission to express sent before Second the Amendment. Introduce by publication certi?ed hearing. of not ordinance mail Notice approving lessof than 20 Plan Hearing. days (Varnum ordinance) Cto prepare  City Commission meets with local taxing C/DDA jurisdictions levying taxes in the development area. (This meeting can take place on same day as the hearing.) City Commission holds hearing on C/DDA Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan at least 90 days after Development Area Citizens Council is appointed; City Commission adopts ordinance approving Plan Amendment. NOTE: The City Commission cannot approve the Amended Plan until a?er the Development Area Citizens Council noti?es the City Commission in writing of its ?ndings and recommendations concerning the proposed Development Plan. This schedule contemplates that the Citizens Page 32 of 37 Council took such action at the same time that the DDA Board approved the proposed Plan Amendment. Submit Ordinance Synopsis to the Grand C Rapids Press, a newspaper of general circulation in the City, for publication on , 2022. Publish Ordinance Synopsis (must be C published within 15 days a?er the date of enactment). Effective Date of Ordinance. Key: C : City of Walker (meets 2nd and 4th Mondays) (agenda packets distributed on I = : ll Varnum Prepared by: Varnum LLP before meeting) ) (agenda packets distributed days  Last Update: 3/7/24 Location, Extent, Character, Estimated Cost and Estimated Time Required for Completion of Projects Proposed Under the Plan. PROJECTS IN THE CURRENT PLAN THAT HAVE NOT YET BEEN COMPLETED – SHOULD THEY REMAIN ON THE PRIORITY LIST??? St. Clair Avenue Project. Acquisition and construction of new sidewalks, streetscape and landscaping for the east side of St. Clair Avenue north from Lake Michigan Drive to 240 feet north of Lake Michigan Drive. Parking Lot refurbishing (Pavement and Plantings). The parking lots within the Standale Business District were constructed in 1991. Normal pavement life for bituminous pavement is typically 10 to 15 years if good maintenance is performed on the surface. As a result, the DDA anticipates significant structural improvements to refurbish the parking lots between 2006 and 2008. The refurbishing will likely include resurfacing blacktop, replacing broken or damaged concrete curb and sidewalk, adding signs, and replacing landscaping as necessary. THESE LOTS ARE NO LONGER MAINTAINED THROUGH AN SAD AND ALL RESPONSIBILITIES HAVE BEN TURNED OWNER TO THE PRIVATE OWNERS – RECOMMEND REMOVAL FROM PLAN Parking Lot Construction (Parkside Drive). The parking lot that lies between Parkside Drive and St. Clair Avenue just north of the existing businesses was supposed to have been completed in 1991, but it was not. This area is currently dirt and gravel and does not allow for any formalized parking. As part of the Plan, easements or property rights would be obtained from all property owners to establish a public parking lot. The new lot would be constructed with full improvements including storm sewer, sand sub base, gravel base and bituminous surfaces. Landscaping and curb and gutter would also be installed per current zoning requirements. It is also likely that a portion of sidewalk may be constructed at the south end of the lot to allow pedestrian access to the adjacent businesses. Parkside Drive. The parking lot proposed at Parkside Drive and St. Clair Avenue could be greatly enhanced by the acquisition of additional adjacent property to allow for enhanced and increased development opportunities. Changes to limit access on Parkside Drive may enhance development access and remove conflicts between the commercial and residential areas. SAME AS ABOVE? Welcome Kiosk. To enhance an existing recreational component to the Standale Business District, a welcome and information kiosk is proposed at the intersection of the South Standale Trail with Lake Michigan Drive. The kiosk will serve to identify local businesses that may be visited by users of the trail. The kiosk will also include a sitting area and appropriate landscaping to welcome trail users to the Standale Business District. RECOMMEND WE KEEP IN PLAN Parking Lot Maintenance. Maintenance is an important part of extending the pavement life for parking lots. The DDA may allocate up to the lesser of $50,000 or 50% of the cost each year to pay for a portion of the costs of snowplowing, irrigation, lighting, mowing and annual plantings in the parking lots which have been improved by the DDA. NOT APPLICABLE ANY LONGER – SEE ABOVE Page 33 of 37  Last Update: 3/7/24 Store Front Architectural Enhancement Study. The DDA understands that the health of the entire Development Area depends on the attractive architectural qualities of each individual member. The DDA, therefore, pledges to fund a study to explore new architectural standards for business renovations and new business development. The study may also recommend the continuation of the existing low interest loan program to help facilitate business enhancements. RECOMMEND WE KEEP IN THE PLAN AS A FUTURE POTENTIAL PROJECT Estimated Plan Estimated Construction Section II(E) Proposed Project Cost for DDA Period 1 St. Clair Avenue Project $200,000 2007-2008 2 M-45 / M-11 Intersection Improvements $605,000 2004-2005 3 Standale Crossing Sanitary Sewer $400,000 2004-2005 4 Parking Lot Refurbishing (Pavements and $200,000 2006-2008 Plantings) 5 Parking Lot Construction (Parkside Drive) $200,000 2007-2008 6 Business District Entrance Enhancement $25,000 2005-2007 (Signage and Landscaping) 7 Public Transportation Facilities $100,000 2005-2010 8 Pedestrian Signal Upgrades $25,000 2004-2007 9 Traffic Signal Mast Arm Improvements $500,000 2008-2010 10 Standale Trail Extension (North of M-45) $160,000 2005-2008 11(a) Welcome Kiosk $30,000 2005-2008 11(b) M-45 Pedestrian Crossings $100,000 2005-2010 12 Community Park Expansion $1,000,000 2006-2010 13 Property Acquisition $350,000 2005-2010 14 New Fire Station and Community Center $2,665,000 2005-2007 15 Business Promotion Activities $250,000 2004-2029 16 Streetscape Maintenance $1,800,000 2004-2029 17 Parking Lot Maintenance $1,250,000 2004-2029 18 Facilities Coordinator $300,000 2004-2029 Page 34 of 37  Last Update: 3/7/24 Estimated Plan Estimated Construction Section II(E) Proposed Project Cost for DDA Period 19 Sidewalk Clearing Equipment $80,000 2005-2007 20 Store Front Architectural Enhancement $20,000 2006-2008 Study 21 Engineering, Consulting and Legal Support $250,000 2004-2029 TOTAL: $10,510,000 The above costs are based on current estimates which are believed to be reasonable. The actual cost of any given improvement may be more or less than the estimated cost. The use of cost estimates for purposes of this Plan is not intended to limit the amount which may be spent on any particular project. As the Development Area develops, the demand for public services, such as police, fire, landscaping and snow removal services will increase. Since the City of Walker will not receive additional property taxes to fund such increased public services, the failure to provide such services might discourage development in the Development Area. The DDA, therefore, may elect to allocate sufficient tax increment to the City of Walker to ensure such public services continue, subject to the limitations of Act 197. The DDA may also elect to pay some of the necessary expenses for maintenance of landscaping improvements. The DDA also recognizes that the development, maintenance and implementation of the Plan will require significant staff and outside resources such as engineers, attorneys, financial advisors, marketing and similar contributions. PROPOSED PROJECTS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE UPDATED PLAN: List here: 1. Community Park connection / behind Fire Station 2 – (Need to come up with a name for this) The DDA would like to take advantage of the now under-utilized parking lot to the north of the fire station. This space could be developed in a way to provide a number of community, place-making, pedestrian oriented uses such as a farmers market, food truck court, focal point with a feature or outdoor fireplace. Adjacent to this site is the opportunity to make a pedestrian connection to the north into Community Park. To the west of this property is a city-owned 5-acre site that could be incorporated into the development to expand such uses or green/open space or recreational use. Perhaps the existing retention pond to the north could be expanded Page 35 of 37  Last Update: 3/7/24 into a permanent water feature. It would be beneficial to have public input into the ideas for this site and have a type of design charette to arrive with a draft plan. 2. DDA Director/business relations manager Maintain the Business Relations Manager position and potentially add additional position(s) as necessary to continue to oversee, maintain, and promote the district 3. Business promotions Continue to build off of the work of the Business Relations Manager and increase the promoting and marketing of the district. A necessary part of this promotion will be the development of a brand /tagline for the area and perhaps have a welcoming committee made up of existing business representatives. Develop a strategic plan to follow for these efforts. 4. Streetlight replacements Replace and maintain the decorative streetlights along the corridors. Provide options to decorate these poles with Christmas lights/banners/flower pots. 5. Wayfinding signs /kiosks/entry signs- connections to trails (signs) To enhance the existing recreational component of the Standale Business District, welcome and information kiosks are proposed at the entrances to the district. The kiosks will serve to identify local businesses or public spaces that may be visited by users in the area. The kiosks may also include sitting areas and appropriate landscaping to welcome visitors. Effort should be made to specifically target users of the adjacent trail system and pedestrian tunnel. Coordinated wayfinding should be provided that incorporates the established brand of the District. 6. Tunnel Enhancements When the pedestrian tunnel was constructed under M-45, it was planned to be enhanced by artwork depicting the history of the area or some other type of décor to complement the tunnel. 7. Relocate utility lines/poles Relocate the utility lines that are located in front of the businesses along M-45. Either to a location behind the buildings or underground. 8. Paintings/murals/artwork Consider the painting of murals on the sides of buildings where it makes sense and can enhance the cultural look of the area. Place artwork at locations in the district to be more inviting and unique. 9. Pedestrian/bike path connections at various locations As sites or property is developed or re-developed, make sure to provide pedestrian connections and/or trails to connect to the existing network in the area. Page 36 of 37  Last Update: 3/7/24 10. Façade/Store Front Architectural Treatments. The DDA understands that the health of the entire Development Area depends on the attractive architectural qualities of each individual member. The DDA, therefore, pledges to fund a study to explore new architectural standards for business renovations and new business development. The study may also recommend the continuation of the existing low interest loan program to help facilitate business enhancements. 11. Sidewalk Network Expansion Continue to consider the construction of missing links of the sidewalk within the district that connect to the adjacent neighborhoods. Locations may include Parkside, St, Clair, or the access to Kinney from Fire Station number 2. 12. M-45 mid-block crossings Consider the construction of mid-block crossings of M-45 in locations that make sense, are approvable by MDOT, and will help assist with safe passage of pedestrians. 13. Electric car / bike charging stations Consider the installation of electric car/bike charging stations within the district in locations that make sense and are feasible. May need to work with private businesses to assist in this effort. These may be either public or privately funded. 14. Site acquisitions Continue to pursue the purchase of property in the district where it makes sense from a redevelopment/public use perspective consistent with the requirements of the DDA Act. The DDDA has had much success in the past by assembling underutilized properties and converting them to more productive, beneficial uses. Sites to consider targeting may include the location at the southeast corner of Cummings and Lake Michigan Drive (now Jake’s Fireworks) and some underutilized properties currently owned by GVSU. 15. Restrooms Consider the development of or access to public restrooms in the district. This may take the form of new facilities or increasing access to existing restrooms at nearby city parks or public buildings. 16. Sidewalk maintenance/additions Continue to maintain the excellent sidewalk network throughout the district and complete repairs or replacements as necessary to provide safe passage. This may include rebuilding retaining walls and replacing large sections of old sidewalk at one time. Page 37 of 37