Progress Made In Downtown Since Blueprint Adoption in 2009 - More Progress to Come

IRONWOOD, MI - Tuesday, December 28, 2010 - At last night's City Commission meeting, Community Development Director gave a brief report to the City Commission reviewing the Benchmarks for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the Downtown Blueprint Enhancement Projects. He also supplied area media the following press release which demonstrates accomplishments to date and outlines goals for the future:

Adopting the Downtown Blueprint in mid-2009 didn’t solve all of Ironwood’s problems. But maybe the Blueprint created a focus, an opportunity for different groups to pursue shared goals.

The Downtown Ironwood Development Authority (DIDA) recently sent off a Benchmark Report to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, a requirement of the Blueprint Plan. Also, the DIDA Board met a little over a month ago to gauge progress made to date on Blueprint implementation, identify projects that need more attention, and set project priorities for their 2011 Work Plan.

This article takes a look at some of the Development Authority’s work and the report they submitted to the state. Different people will measure progress differently, but it’s clear that progress is happening. In summary:

Between May 2009 and September 2010, more than 21 new businesses opened their doors in the Downtown District. While not all of these ventures survived in today’s tough economy, the result is a net gain of 14 new businesses and 28 new jobs. Clearly people are seeing opportunities to grow in the City of Ironwood;
In November 2010, with progress made or completion accomplished on half of all Blueprint implementation projects, the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority set project priorities and adopted a 2011 DIDA Work Plan strong on partnerships with the city, the Ironwood Area Chamber of Commerce, and other resource groups; and
In 2011, $700,000 million in grants and local match funds will drive streetscaping, signage, park development, and other improvements giving the District a fresh new look. An additional $800,000 in improvement grants is actively being sought.

At their November 18, 2010 meeting, the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority looked at each implementation item in the 2009 Blueprint Plan and took stock of what’s done and what more needs doing.

“It’s nice to see new businesses start in the city. Said DIDA member Jim Albert. “We need more of that and everything we – The DIDA, the City, the Chamber – can do to support new business, the better.”

Blueprint Goals & Projects Showing Significant Progress*

Development Authority adopts the Downtown Blueprint as a guide for enhancing the Downtown
Development Authority assumes lead role in Downtown Blueprint implementation
City Commission formally adopts the Blueprint as the city’s Downtown plan
City’s Community Development Director continues staffing the Development Authority
Removed Downtown litter
Erect on-street parking signs
Maintain friendly police presence in the Downtown
Provide input on Phase II scope & content
Document Blueprint results to-date in Benchmarks & provide to MSHDA

*Can mean that work on this item is complete or that there is a viable program in place to address the opportunity.

Blueprint Goals & Projects Showing Some Progress

Downtown Merchants Association formed; plays marketing role
Augment wayfinding system
Enhance downtown entrances – lighting, signage
Enforce codes in the Downtown more diligently
Enhance snow removal efforts (per Blueprint)
Target cultural and eco-tourists
Help create new Downtown events

Blueprint Goals & Projects Needing A lot More Work

Seek volunteers from Next Generation organization
Recreate the Downtown TIF District
Expand Depot Park
Erect directional signs to public parking lots
Mark spaces in public parking lots
Plan for public art placements
Prepare/Promote Incentive Toolkit for new “Top List” businesses
Encourage/Assist more Downtown housing
Promote City’s pro-business role
Create incentives and support for existing businesses – signs, hours
Create/Seek Top List businesses in Downtown Blueprint
Conduct story placement initiatives (per Blueprint)
Provide input on specific implementation items of Phase I grants
Provide input on specific implementation items of Phase II grants
Establish consistent sign design theme in the Downtown
Fill every storefront in the Focus Block
Revamp flowers, plantings

At that same November session, DIDA Board members established priority projects for 2011, and, for each priority projects, recruited “project drivers,” listed basic project “next steps,” identified critical partners and resources, and set a target date for completion.

“I thought our November workshop was productive,” Said DIDA member Lee-Ann Garske. “We were able in a short time to identify and prioritize our top projects for next year. Everyone on the DIDA Board is stepping up to help move these priority projects forward. Also, having the Phase I and II grants for Downtown improvements can only lead to good things and more projects. We’re moving in a good direction.”

DIDA 2011 Work Plan

DIDA Provides Input on Phase I Grant Specifics (20 Points)
Augment Wayfinding System (14 Points)
Create Support Program for Existing Downtown Businesses (12 Points)
Enhance Downtown Entrances (10 Points)
Create Incentive Toolbox for New Businesses (6 Points)
Expand Depot Park (6 Points)
Help Create New Events (5 Points)

“There are clearly still big challenges,” noted city Community Development Director Merritt Bussiere. “The first floor vacancy rate for Downtown business properties, for example, is a painful 27 percent, as we learned from our inventory of Downtown properties. But we also need to recognize and celebrate the good things that are happening. I think the Downtown Development Authority is providing leadership on these issues for the city, and that’s a good role for them to play.”

The Commission also voted unanimously to accept the MSHDA Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the Downtown Blueprint Enhancement Projects. According to City Manager Scott Erickson, the grant is for the Phase I portion of the Blueprint and the City has received funds in the amount of $610,500 from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) for the project.