Page 8 - The Wayne Dispatch

Downtown improvements are happening

By Carolyn Marnon
The Downtown District of Wayne
comprises the areas along Wayne Rd
and Michigan Avenue from city limit
to city limit in each direction. The
Downtown Development Authority
(known as the DDA) is tasked with
implementing plans for the physical
improvements that affect the appear-
ance of the downtown and to develop
cultural and recreational activities
which increases activity in the area.
Community Development Direc-
tor Lori Gouin recently presented an
informational report to the city coun-
cil about DDA activities in 2019.
This report can be accessed online
at cityofwayne.com/index.php/busi-
ness/dda.
The DDA, in conjunction with The DDA was a major contributor in the Wayne Rotary’s Summer Concert series in Goudy Park.
Wayne Main Street, helps host the The Wayne Rotary’s Summer Avenue. On Wayne Rd, new busi- hind Leo’s Jewelry have been
annual Scarecrow Show and Con- Concert series in Goudy Park is a nesses include Nemo’s Subs, Power cleaned and remulched. The
test. This event draws thousands of huge event in the city. Over 2,000+ Stroke Printing LLC, 7 Star Liquor, flowerbeds along Wayne Rd from
people to downtown Wayne. This people attend the musical event each and UAW Local 845. Simms to Glenwood have had the
event allows individuals and groups week. The DDA is a major sponsor The DDA has met with the Wayne plantings removed and replaced.
to design and build a scarecrow on a of this event. County Department of Public Serv- The area surrounding the Peace Me-
pre-made T-frame. The scarecrows The DDA also sponsors Small ices to discuss traffic calming and a morial by the library has had the
are displayed along a portion of Business Saturday with Wayne Main pedestrian crossing on Wayne Rd be- bushes trimmed and the area rem-
Wayne Rd and Michigan Avenue Street to draw citizens into the city tween W. Michigan Avenue and Glen- ulched along with restoring the en-
where community members can to shop local. Karma Coffee and wood. Strategic planning sessions tire exterior of the Peace Memorial.
view and then vote on their favorites Kitchen hosted the kick-off event in with members of the Planning Com- In 2020, the DDA plans to con-
in a contest with a $100 cash prize November. Over $1000 in gift cards mission have been underway to pro- tinue landscape improvements along
for winners. for local stores were placed in some vide input on the City of Wayne W. Michigan Avenue, promote a new
Wayne’s Annual Downtown Days, of the tote bags given out. Kids had Master Plan Revision. New busi- Façade Improvement Program, add
co-hosted with Wayne Main Street, is the opportunity to visit with Santa at nesses have been welcomed with rib- dumpster enclosures to public lots
a two-day family-friendly event that the A Visit With Santa event held at bon-cutting ceremonies at various and update the DDA Plan following
took place this year in Veteran’s the State Wayne Theatre. locations. The DDA has also com- the completion of the City’s Master
Plaza with food, music, a flea mar- The DDA celebrates new busi- pleted all public reporting require- Plan.
ket, and other activities. nesses that have come to Wayne in ments as mandated by PA 57 of Also in the works is the forma-
TOAST Wayne (formerly Jazz on the past year: Tropical Smoothie 2018. Improvements have been im- tion of a partnership with the Wayne
the Avenue), the annual Wayne Main Café, Bei Capelli Collection, Wayne plemented in the Downtown District. County Community College District
Street fundraiser, is co-sponsored by Auto Deal LLC, The Creative Mobility Trees have been trimmed along W. to institute a program which will as-
the DDA and the City of Wayne. The Group, Allstar Patriots/Dance, Michigan Avenue. Trees blocking sist in developing small businesses
event brings together community Wayne Wellness Inc dba the Releaf storefronts have been removed. Pub- by providing access to business
members to downtown Wayne to cel- Zone, Appliance Avenue and Allstar lic parking lots have been restriped. loans, business development serv-
ebrate what is best about Wayne. Patriots Cheer Gym-all on Michigan The islands next to the Court and be- ices and networking opportunities.

8 · February 2020 · The Wayne Dispatch