With bricks, not Botox, Lake Orion’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is curing the village’s saggy and wrinkly problem areas.
In conjunction with Main Street Oakland County (MSOC), the DDA will give nearly $70,000 away in grant money in two years to businesses within their district for small projects and major renovations.
‘Most grant awards are between $500 and $1,500 for signage and awning projects,? said DDA Director Lois Golden. ‘The Board will consider larger renovation projects and may award up to $20,000 for projects over $40,000, subject to conditions and review.?
These projects help preserve LO’s historic buildings and could pave the way for more money headed the DDA’s way from property taxes.
‘This is a great investment for the DDA and its business owners,? said Golden. ‘It’s a 50 percent match program for eligible improvements, subject to the (DDA) board review. Renovations preserve property values for all and likely increase future tax revenue for the village and DDA.?
According to MSOC, historic downtowns are becoming more popular for dining, shopping and family activities.
Their goal is to ‘maximize the economic potential and to preserve the heritage and sense of place of Oakland County’s historic commercial districts by encouraging and facilitating the use of the Main Street Four-Point Approach which emphasizes economic development within the context of historic preservation,? according to their Web site.
‘These communities were selected after a detailed application process where they demonstrated their readiness and commitment to participating in the National Trust Main Street program,? the site says.
Current LO projects include M & B Graphics? brick front and awnings, Whiskey’s Steakhouse’s windows and Elvira’s High Fashions? brick, showcase window and signage, according to Golden.
Last year, Clip Away got a major renovation and $20,000 in help from the DDA. Cutting Edge Salon and Twice Blessed Children’s Resale Boutique also received some money for new signage.
‘Grant money is available on a first-come, first-served basis,? said Golden. ‘In 2008/2009, all our funding is committed until June 30. The board usually budgets $40,000 per year for all projects, but that is cut to $30,000 for the 2009/2010 year since we need funding for streetscape improvements.?
In the coming months, Patti’s Place, Chic Antiques, Ink & Paper and Clo-Bear, among others, will receive DDA funds for projects.
Also, May is National Historic Preservation Month, and MSOC invites residents to ‘rediscover? downtown in shopping, dining and playing. The community can visit Lake Orion’s Flower Fair and Art in Bloom events downtown this coming weekend.