Post date: Apr 17, 2012 1:36:32 PM
The Township is one step closer to realizing the vision of an established downtown district within our community by adopting a Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The DDA was formed as a result of the Township’s 2008 Comprehensive Development Plan, which emphasized the principles of Smart Growth and determined the need for an “activity center.”
The first order of business will be a visioning process, which will consist of assessing existing conditions (current land uses, and pedestrian and motorized traffic), conducting public engagement meetings, and identifying short-term and long-term improvements that will provide benefit to the entire community. At various times during the visioning process, the DDA will be seeking input from township residents by means of an on-line survey, public meetings/workshops, or at different public venues such as Bath Days. It is essential that the DDA hear from you during this process as your input is critical in identifying what is important to you and what improvements you would like to see.
The Authority will next create a Financing Plan to identify how future investments will be funded. The DDA hopes to utilize tax incremented financing to stimulate development opportunities within the DDA District. This method of financing does not increase property taxes or impact the taxable value of that property, instead it benefits from the future increase in value. Further explanation of tax incremented financing will be provided at future public meetings.
As time progresses, the DDA will begin sponsoring events aimed at bringing the community together. This will be an effort for residents to appreciate all the benefits and diversity that living in the Township provides. Brainstorming for theseevents is still in the works, however the Authority will encourage residents to provide suggestions for consideration. Once the visioning and financial plans are complete, the Authority and the Township will present both to the Clinton County Board of Trustees. If approved, a Development Plan will be implemented and funding partners will be sought.
The DDA holds regular meetings on the last Thursday of each month at 8am and the public is invited. A schedule is posted at the Township Hall. Time will be allowed for public input, however the best opportunity will be during public engagement meetings which will be scheduled throughout the year. The DDA and Township are excited to be undertaking this effort and look forward to meeting with residents to develop a vision of a community that we can all be proud of!