Trenton Downtown Development Authority kicks projects into high gear

TRENTON, Mich. - March 11, 2024 - PRLog -- The Trenton Downtown Development Authority Board has been taking action to formulate its strategic plan resulting in many new projects taking place in Trenton.

As of last year, additional funding has been freed up from payments to a twenty plus year sewer bond.  The DDA can access funding again that is meant to promote and encourage business in the Trenton Downtown DDA District. This has included various sponsorships of new events in the District, funding for banners and signage, funding for façade grants, funding for flowers, and a means to maintain those flowers with an ATV Gator for City use.

This year, the projects are more extensive, including a fresh, re-branding for the City and all departments. The final approval on the graphics is set for the end of the month with the City Council and DDA Board.

The City's municipal parking lot, used for the Farmers Market held Thursdays 2pm-7pm from May-September, will be given a facelift including new surfacing, landscaping and parking improvements. Simultaneously, work will begin at Rotary Park on Riverside Drive. Along with funding from a local family, the park will receive extensive redesigning including docks, walkways, riverfront shoreline protection, activities area and the public restroom.

Mark Angelotti, DDA Chair said, "The group is also exploring the next steps for bringing a National Register nomination to Trenton." A National Register nomination would make funds available to business owners who would like to register their buildings.

A mural festival is planned for this September and plans are underway to coordinate efforts between building owners and artists to bring an unique and colorful experience to town this fall.

With all these initiatives, and plans for continued growth, the DDA along with the City economic development plans have created a need for a new full time DDA Executive Director position and are currently in the process of interviewing candidates.

The Trenton Downtown Development Authority was created by City Council in 1996 to serve as a mechanism for the revitalization of the city's treasured downtown area. The enabling legislation for such authorities is Public Act 197 of 1975, which allows the creation of DDAs to "correct and prevent deterioration... promote economic growth and revitalization (and to) encourage historic preservation." The intent is to spur additional private investment and other economic development. This approach is called Tax Increment Financing. The current Authority is comprised of 11 members who were appointed by the Mayor and Council. Additional information can be obtained through the Mayor's Office at City Hall. The group is currently looking for an additional board member. Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TrentonMIDDA)