Downtown Progress Report

This is a time when we find ourselves reflecting on our lives. For my column space this week, I wanted to reflect on the progress Downtown Cheboygan has experienced since I started working here. The following is a checklist that illustrates the progress Downtown and Downtown Development Authority has achieved over the past five years:
• A pedestrian bridge was built over the Cheboygan River to create an economic link between Downtown and Major City Park.
• DDA purchased the former F.W. Woolworth building with plans to demolition the building.
• Main Street underwent a complete reconstruction project in 2009 which included new curb, gutters and sidewalk, storm sewer and water main system replacements and upgrades, and upgraded traffic signals. Main Street was closed for two months for the construction project. The DDA sponsored a free seminar which offered advice and tips for Main Street businesses facing road projects. The DDA also developed a marketing campaign to advertise, promote and market Downtown Cheboygan during the Main Street rebuild.
• The DDA was awarded $667,000 in federal grant funds from the Michigan State Housing & Development Authority (MSHDA). The grant program, Vibrant Small Cities Initiative was to be used for specific downtown projects, including the construction of the footbridge, marketing study and wayfinding signage plan.
• Marketing & Wayfinding Study was completed for Downtown Cheboygan. The survey identified the community’s shopping habits, preferences, likes and dislikes. The study also included a Wayfinding Signage Plan, market analysis, development of a new Downtown logo, and possible development scenarios for the Woolworth building.
• DDA received a $122,000 grant from MSHDA for downtown rental rehabilitation.
• DDA has sponsored special events such as the Downtown Street Fair, Music Festival, Trick-or-Treating, Sidewalk Sales, Hard Hat Sales, and Hospitality Night. The DDA has also been a sponsor of Cheboygan Riverfest, a weeklong event coordinated by the Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Bureau.
• DDA and Cheboygan Area Arts Council (CAAC) collaborated regarding public art placement, including the development of Ottawa Park, a public art park that was created by the community for the community on the corner of Main & State Streets. It is currently managed by the ‘Friends of Ottawa Park’, a non-profit group. The park includes a pavilion, a mosaic bench, canvass mural displays which change quarterly, and a sculpture that depicts Lake Huron. Other typical park amenities include landscaping and park benches.
• Downtown beautification efforts are provided by private organizations as well as with partnerships with the DDA. Seedums Garden Club provides flower baskets with cooperation from the City Recreation department in watering the flowers daily. Citizens National Bank provided financial support for the flowers for five years. BKC Insurance volunteered to beautify the Water Street parking lot by purchasing brackets for the light poles, flower baskets, and landscaping. The City’s DPW crew painted parking lot lines and repaired the sidewalk in the marina area in 2008.
• City Council allowed snowmobile use on specific Downtown streets. Signage promoting Downtown Cheboygan as a destination accessible to snowmobiles is placed along the trail.
• Downtown Cheboygan brochures were created to promote the area. The colorful brochures are available throughout the area and also at the Michigan MDOT Welcome Centers.
• A Downtown Cheboygan quarterly newsletter is distributed in a Friday edition of the Cheboygan Daily Tribune.
• A website was created specifically for Downtown Cheboygan.
• Business Recruitment packets were created and distributed to potential businesses looking to start a Downtown business.
• Earth-friendly tote bags promoting Downtown Cheboygan are available for purchase at Downtown retail stores for $1.
• Cheboygan is named as one of the Michigan Cool City communities.
• DDA has created a Building Façade Improvement Grant program for reimbursement of costs associated with design of building front and rear façade improvements.
• City Council implemented an ordinance to allow sidewalk cafes or outdoor seating on Main Street and the Cheboygan River through the purchase of an annual permit.
• A Downtown Steering Committee was formed to serve as an advisory committee for Downtown enhancements. Members of this committee are Downtown stakeholders interested in working for the betterment of Downtown Cheboygan.
• DDA employed a part time Downtown Enhancement Administrator.