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| Your Downtown Development Authority - Moving Forward |
article submitted by Vicki Knuckles, Downtown Coordinator
 A vital downtown is an area that has a clear sense of place and identity and is comprised of an exciting and attractive mix of uses and amenities. Understanding the purpose and objectives of Allegan's Downtown Development Authority are key factors in utilization of the opportunities that the DDA offers.
Established by the Allegan City Council in 1991, the DDA District develops and implements plans to promote economic growth encourage historic preservation and assist in the correction and prevention of deterioration of the downtown business district. Tax increment financing provides the funding for the DDA efforts. This process allows the DDA to capture tax increase amounts from those properties located within the District.
This DDA board is comprised of interested parties that have been selected through a simple application process and are appointed by the City Council. This board governs the activities of the DDA. In 2008, four new members were appointed; Todd Ranney, Linda Clark, Douglas Langhorst and Diana Doest. The other board members are: Colleen Banks-Chairperson, Steve Tibbitts-Vice Chairperson, Mayor Rick Day, Dan Gratz, Kort Johnson, Tonya Goodenough, Lovedia Stap, Scott Ehrich and Rick Smith.
The position of Downtown Coordinator was established almost two years ago and is an expansion of the City of Allegan Arts & Entertainment Director. The Coordinator is a connect point for information regarding DDA programs and activities.
One example is the Facade Program,which recently was expanded to offer a dollar for dollar match (maximum project amounts apply) and offers funds for painting, signage, design assistance and façade renovation. The DDA realized the importance of expanding the facade program in order to assist building owners in order to help maintain the look of downtown.
Promotional opportunities provided include downtown events planned and executed through the Arts & Entertainment Action Committee such as the July 3 Jubilee, Snow Day and the Old Iron Bridge Motorcycle Show. Pre-show on screen advertising at the Regent Theatre is available at a discounted rate for those businesses within the DDA boundaries. The Coordinator also works with DDA Promotions and Design sub-committees.
Recent accomplishments of these committees include downtown map and downtown logo development, logo implementation on gateway signs and downtown banners and downtown planters. DDA financial support is also provided for seasonal efforts such as summer flower plantings, holiday decorations and advertising reimbursement for DDA endorsed advertising projects. Major physical downtown developments have received DDA financial support, like the Hubbard Street parking lot resurface, boardwalk extension, and the Water Street/State Street enhancements.
If you would like additional information regarding the Allegan Downtown Development authority or have questions or concerns regarding the downtown, please contact Vicki Knuckles at victoryknuckles@yahoo.com or 269.673.3456. |
| City announces Downtown Rental Rehabilitation Program |
The Downtown Rental Rehabilitation Program will focus on buildings located in the downtown district with un-utilized or under-utilized second story space that the property owner would like to revitalize or rehabilitate and turn into residential rental space.
The City received a grant in the amount of $121,900 from the State Housing Development Authority to begin this program. The City will be selecting one applicant to participate in the program in the 2008-2009 period.
Property owners must contribute 25% of the total cost of the rehabilitation project from their own funds before receiving the additional grant from the program. Property owners can receive up to $35,000 per unit of rental housing that is rehabilitated (maximum of three units).
A pre-application form must be completed and returned to City Hall by February 29, 2008 at 5 p.m. to be considered for the program. Any interested property owners should contact Asst. City Manager, Dave Sperry, at (269) 686-1103 for more information and program forms.
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| Colorful Company Art Exhibition featuring Dina Ebeling - Hestera at The Griswold |
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The City of Allegan Arts & Entertainment Action Committee is pleased to announce the 2nd Colorful Company exhibition at the Griswold Auditorium, 401 Hubbard Street, beginning Saturday, March 8 at 7:00pm.
This event will feature artist Dina Ebeling-Hestera, a Fine Art graduate of WMU and
resident of Allegan. Hestera has been active in promoting the arts in this area for many years, but Colorful Company will mark her first one-woman show. Her artwork is expressive and she derives inspiration from the natural world so abundant here in Southwest Michigan.
Hestera's artistic philosophy: "I try to see beauty in everyday moments and objects.
If you can be still and completely present in a moment, you become connected to the universe. It will open your spirit and your mind allowing you to see pure beauty in everything. I want my art to convey that connectedness and energy."
Ms. Hestera also has a strong belief that art can enliven a community, providing a
richness and energy that is brought to fruition when citizens appreciate or connect with what is offered by the artist.
The public is welcome to view Ebeling-Hestera's artwork at an opening reception Saturday,
March 8, 2008, from 7:00 - 9:00pm. Light refreshment will be served and live entertainment provided. The art will remain on exhibit in the Marilla Room of the Griswold Auditorium until Monday, April 7th. Please visit during regular business hours or by appointment. Call 269-673-3456 for more information.
It is the hope of the A & E Action Committee to attract people from all walks of life to
share their appreciation for the arts in our community. Children are encouraged to view this exhibit.
Sponsorship by the City of Allegan, Edward Jones - Rick Buller, Benchdog Woodworks Inc.,
Dawson Renovations LTD, and Burnett & Kastran P.C. is greatly appreciated. |
| Upcoming Event at The Griswold: |
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| County Joins Reading Initiative |
from The Allegan County News, February 8, 2008 edition
written by Sara Ramaker, Staff Writer
Why are 10 million people reading the same book?
The answer is simple-because of a new statewide reading initiative entitled The Great Michigan Read.
In July 2007 the Michigan Humanities Council selected "The Nick Adams Stories" by Ernest Hemingway as the subject for the first ever program. According to the program's Web site, www.greatmichiganread.org, "The Great Michigan Read is a community reading program for the entire state. With a focus on a single literary masterpiece-Ernest Hemingway's 'The Nick Adams Stories'-it encourages Michiganians to read and rediscover literature."
The book is a coming of age story which follows a fictional character named Nick Adams from childhood to fatherhood in the World War I era. The majority of the book's linked short stories are set in Michigan and are loosely based on the summers Hemingway spent in Northern Michigan from birth to age 22.
Organizers hope that both Hemingway's and the book's ties to Michigan will make the program and the hundreds of events planned statewide a success.
Libraries throughout Allegan County are taking part collaboratively through the One County One Book program.
Carol DeBoer, circulation director at Henika District Library in Wayland, serves as the county chairperson for the One County One Book program. She said the county program allows libraries of all sizes to share resources and plan individual programs and a joint event.
Though the Great Michigan Read officially began last year, the majority of the Allegan County events involving the book will take place in February and March, with emphasis placed on Allegan County's Night of the Book event.
Night of the Book will take place Thursday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. at the Griswold Auditorium in Alegan. During the free countywide event, the winner of a Nick Adams themed essay contest will be announced and the winning essay will be read aloud. Keynote speaker Thomas Carney, who has presented to the Michigan Hemingway Society will present "Hemingway was a 'Fudgie' and I'm glad."
According to DeBoer, "Fudgie" is a northern Michigan term for summer tourist.
Though her library has yet to host a Great Michigan Read event, DeBoer said, "They couldn't have picked a better book to read."
Allegan Public Library reference and adult services librarian Linda Koch wrote the grant that made the evening possible. A $500 grant from the Michigan Humanitarian Council will nearly cover the speaker's fee, she said.
Refreshments for the evening will be provided by the various library friends committees in the county.
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| Sparkle Committee Meeting TONIGHT |
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Reminder: The first "sparkle" committee meeting is scheduled for tonight, February 19, at 5:30 pm in the Marilla Lounge of the Griswold Auditorium.
A few of the objectives of the "sparkle" committee will be to work with the DDA, Parks Commission and other community groups on the "look" of Downtown Allegan. This includes seasonal decorations, banners and signage and possibly some discussion about community events.
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Trisha Henderson
City of Allegan - Arts and Entertainment Department
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