Sunday, June 26, 2022
Since 1854 — News from Montcalm County and Ionia County, Michigan
Following a discussion that began in earnest seven months ago, city officials received their first in-depth look at what updating this community’s historic downtown district might entail.
During Tuesday’s regular monthly meeting of the Greenville Downtown Development Authority, Roger Ferworn, president of AE Tech Design in Kalamazoo, provided a presentation on a technical feasibility study he was commissioned to generate by the DDA in January.
Groundbreaking was held recently on a $650,000 project aimed at revitalizing William Toan Park, a riverside park in Portland’s historic downtown area.
The Portland Downtown Development Authority (DDA) broke ground on a project that includes relocation of more modern playground equipment already in the park, replacement of outdated equipment, a new splash pad, shaded seating, a river overlook, a community fireplace, sidewalk connectors and landscaping improvements.
Members of the Greenville City Council approved several measures that city officials are hopeful will benefit the community during a regular monthly meeting Tuesday evening held via Zoom.
With the Greenville Downtown Development Authority (DDA) having approved its proposed 2021-2022 fiscal year budget earlier this month, members of the council approved the budget in a unanimous vote with Councilman Larry Moss absent.
Serving as the agency that oversees much of what makes up the historic downtown district, the Greenville Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is now likely to take on a new responsibility — overseeing portions of city’s first social district.
During Tuesday’s meeting of the DDA held via Zoom, Greenville City Manager George Bosanic provided an update on the city’s pursuit of creating a new social district, which is to be located within the boundaries of the city’s downtown district.
For years, the Ionia Downtown Development Authority has operated the Farmers Market in the Robert Hoppough Farmers Market Pavilion, located at the corner of S. Steele and W. Adams streets downtown.
While in other communities, lively farmers markets feature fresh produce, meats, flowers, crafts and more, the Ionia market has struggled to attract both vendors and customers.
