Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was established by the Village Council on September 15, 1980 in an effort to "halt property deterioration and increase property tax valuation where possible in the Village of Spring Lake's downtown business district, to eliminate the causes of that deterioration and to promote economic growth of the Village of Spring Lake's downtown business district."

While the Downtown Development Authority Act of 1975 gives the Authority broad powers with regard to planning for economic development of the downtown district, the Village's DDA has been charged primarily with the mission of constructing public improvements required to attract private investment and promote retail, commercial and industrial business activity in the Village of Spring Lake Central Business District development area.

The DDA is responsible for the maintenance of the Village of Spring Lake Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan and the use of tax increment financing revenues on projects identified in the Development Plan. Projects completed under the guidance of the DDA include the construction of Lakeside Trail Linear Park (1991), the Savidge Street Corridor Beautification and Improvement Project (1995) and the West End Community Boardwalk Project (2000).

Meetings

The DDA meets at 7:30 a.m. the second (2nd) Thursday of the month if necessary to discuss the constructing of public improvements, attract private investment and promote retail, commercial and industrial business activity in the Village of Spring Lake Central Business District Development area. The DDA is also responsible for the maintenance of the Village of Spring Lake Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan.

2018 Meeting Dates

• January 11, 2018
• February 08, 2018
• March 08, 2018
• April 12, 2018
• May 10, 2018
• June 14, 2018
• July 12, 2018
• August 09, 2018
• September 13, 2018
• October 11, 2018
• November 08, 2018
• December 13, 2018

Agendas & Minutes

Design Manual

The Design Manual was developed to guide the design and redevelopment of the Downtown Spring Lake Village. It is intended for use by businesses wishing to locate or improve properties in the downtown.

Downtown Development Plan

A subarea plan that focuses on the M-104 corridor (Savidge Street) and the Village of Spring Lake’s downtown.

Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Programs

Downtown Facade Grant Program

The Downtown Façade Grant program is a 50/50 matching grant of up to $5,000 per building for improvements to the exterior of the building that enhance the aesthetics of the principle building and contribute to the overall aesthetics of the downtown district. The grant may be used for such things as architectural improvements, new entryways, masonry work, brick restoration and window repair or replacement. Facade Grant Application

Fire Suppression and Elevator Assistance Program

The DDA offers a Fire Suppression and Elevator Assistance Grant. This is a 50/50 matching grant, up to $15,000, that is intended to provide an incentive for downtown business owners who own existing buildings, to invest in older facilities within the DDA District by providing matching grants to businesses to make these improvements (elevators and fire suppression systems) that give existing significant buildings new life and/or allow for a change of use. The state building code often requires upgrades to buildings, such as elevators and fire suppression systems, when the use of the building is changed. These improvements can be very expensive. With the help of the grant a downtown business owner can extend the life of the building with a new or different business and thereby help to retain the character of the downtown. Fire Suppression and Elevator Assistance Grant Application

Assistance for Businesses

The DDA offers a lease program for Village design sandwich board signs in the DDA District. A business owner may lease a sandwich board sign to help call attention to their business and advertise specials. The Village also assists businesses with efforts to obtain a commercial facilities tax exemption for the value of new construction to buildings in the DDA District. Commercial Facilities Exemption Certificate Information »

For more information about any of the programs listed above please contact Christine Burns at (616) 842-1393.