Saginaw Village Council invests in downtown redevelopment and agricultural market revival

The Village Council of Saint Charles convened on May 14, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives aimed at revitalizing the downtown area and enhancing community services. The meeting highlighted significant developments in local infrastructure and community engagement efforts.

One of the most notable discussions centered around the ongoing redevelopment of downtown. Council members reported that the removal of a long-standing fake facade next to Tony's has been completed, paving the way for new construction. A local investor plans to invest approximately $700,000 to $800,000 into the area, which will include new businesses and apartments. The council expressed optimism about leveraging grants from Saginaw Future to support this investment, emphasizing the importance of private funding for public projects.

In addition to the downtown redevelopment, the council addressed the future of the Farmers Marketplace. With inquiries about its start date, members discussed the possibility of pausing the market for a year due to dwindling participation and competition from other local markets. Suggestions included enhancing the market with live music and food trucks to attract more visitors. The council agreed to table the decision for a month to gather more input and explore potential management options.

The meeting also covered updates on infrastructure projects, including a hydro excavation contract that will expand services in the village. The council approved resolutions to request funding for road improvements on Walnut and Cherry Streets, aiming to enhance local transportation and safety.

Lastly, the council discussed cybersecurity measures, approving a three-year contract with VC3 for firewall protection and IT support, ensuring the village's systems remain secure against potential threats.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to fostering economic growth and community engagement while addressing essential infrastructure needs. The next steps will involve further discussions on the Farmers Marketplace and continued collaboration with local investors and grant programs to support ongoing redevelopment efforts.