DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
The DDA is a commercial district revitalization organization dedicated to improving the economic viability, beauty and historic significance of the District. The thirteen-member Board is appointed by Council and submits its budget request for Council approval on an annual basis. Budget decisions are governed by public improvement needs, grant writing, business retention and revitalization programs and other revitalization efforts as suggested by the National Main Street Program.
REVENUE:
The DDA levies millage within its district, which is primarily the business corridor that runs from the northern Village limits on N. Milford Road, down Main Street, west on Huron Street, and south on South Milford Road. The district also includes property on Commerce Road west of Main Street, to the Prospect Hill shopping center. Properties within this district pay an additional millage rate of 1.747 mills. The biggest source of revenue, however, is the Tax Increment Financing (TIF capture which is expected to generate approximately $463,000 in revenue in 2009.
| Revenue Summary: |
|
| Tax Levy |
$38,000 |
| TIF Capture |
$463,000 |
| Interest on Investments |
$5,000 |
| Donations |
$40,000 |
| Appropriation from Fund Balance |
31,850 |
| Total Revenue |
$577,850 |
The redevelopment of the former Kelsey-Hayes site is the high priority project this year. Activities include purchase agreement negotiations, environmental remediation and marketing the site. Following up the feasibility study for the Liberty Street Underpass Project, the Board will next identify funding sources, negotiate with CSX and asminister a construction project, if advisable. Also a high priority is establishing downtown as a regional trailhead for ecotourism, the first project of which is connecting the bikepath to Main Street. The DDA will continue to study the feasibility of creating additional parking in the downtown area, and will hold the purchase position with regard to the gas station while other parties complete litigation. Efforts include supporting and staffing the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA) and employing consultants for architectural, environmental, design, and engineering services as well as legal counsel for real estate and financing issues. Last, capital improvements include installation of Phase II of the wayfinding system, assisting with the new Village entrance signs and supporting the effort to improve the Center Street crosswalk at Main Street.
Implemented in 2008, the Marketing and Promotions' campaign includes an extension of the existing contract for public relations, expansion/retooling of the downtown website for maximizing marketing and business recruitment, supporting Milford Business Association's downtown events, sponsoring two concert series, and considering co-operative advertising campaigns. Ongoing revitalization efforts consist of aiding business with municipal procedures, encouraging compatible architecture and site plans, assisting in Village zoning and planning issues, and maintaining a database which tracks current businesses/contacts and available space for lease/sale. Finally, the DDA will continue to support efforts by the Garden Club and Beautification Commission, and the Village of Milford’s right-of-way maintenance program.
| Expense Summary: |
|
| Wages and Fringe Benefits |
$104,725 |
| Operating Expense |
176,525 |
| Contingency |
25,000 |
| Capital Outlay |
111,750 |
| Debt |
159,850 |
| Total Expense |
$577,850 | | 
