Grosse Pointe considers establishing its own DDA

Grosse Pointe has a lot of normal features in its downtown, such as plenty of stores, walkability and historic structures. But it’s missing a major tool commonly used to enhance such downtowns – a DDA.

City officials are looking into remedying that by taking the first steps to creating a downtown development authority.

“A DDA would be a critical tool to promote the downtown area of the City,” says Peter Dame, city manager for Grosse Pointe. “Dozens of suburban communities in southeast Michigan have DDA’s as a financing mechanism for enhancing the downtown, and Grosse Pointe is at a disadvantage without one.”

The proposed DDA district would encompass the village district of the city along its main drag, Kercheval Street. The DDA would finance public improvements, including the construction of a new parking structure on St. Clair Street that would facilitate further development. Potential development projects include a 48-unit mixed use condominium/retail complex on St. Clair across the street from the proposed parking structure.

One of the first steps toward establishing one is holding a public hearing. Grosse Pointe’s is set for April 21 to establish a DDA. The City Council will debate the idea in July. For information, send an email to city@grossepointecity.org or call (313) 885-5800.

Source: Pete Dame, city manager of Grosse Pointe
Writer: Jon Zemke