DIDA Members Gear Up to Implement Blueprint Plan

IRONWOOD, MI - Monday, November 22, 2010 - The Downtown Ironwood Development Authority (DIDA) held a special workshop at Taconnelli's on Thursday, November 18 at 8:00 AM. The purpose of the workshop was to prioritize downtown issues and to organize as a group in order to properly implement the Downtown Blueprints Plan.

The City has applied for two grants to pay for planned improvements to the downtown -- a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and a Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) grant. If all goes as planned: Enhancements will be made to both the Douglas Boulevard and Silver Street corridors to the Downtown (including improved lighting); downtown parking lots will be improved; more attractive, more practical sidewalks will be installed on main streets and crosswalks; benches, waste receptacles, and planters will be installed; trees along the main corridors (Suffolk and part of Aurora) will be installed; improved lighting will be added to the main streets; a Depot Park will be created; existing public restrooms will be enhanced or new facilities may be created; and work will be done to repair and improve the pocket park. A third grant, another CDBG will be sought to help pay matching funds.

The Authority, with the help of Community Development Director Merritt Bussiere and City Manager Scott Erickson, went over the Blueprint Plan and worked out a plan of attack setting short-range goals to focus on what the group felt was the seven most important issues. Members in attendance included: Eva Smith-Furgason; Gail Johnston; Matt Weber; LeeAnn Garske; Tom Williams; and Jim Albert. Members of the group volunteered to spearhead each of the seven focus items, and support groups and individuals were identified. A detailed report will follow.