Economic development director highlights business retention, DDA facade grants and Civic Point plans

Eastpointe’s economic development director briefed City Council on May 13 on efforts to support businesses during major construction projects and on redevelopment‑ready planning, including updates to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) programs and early cost expectations for a Civic Point gathering space.

The department said its focus shifted to business retention; staff held a small‑business resource fair that drew 30 business‑support organizations and roughly 50 local businesses and completed a canvass of brick‑and‑mortar and home‑based enterprises. Economic development staff said they are maintaining a citywide list of vacant commercial properties and adding marketing materials and a news/events web page to promote resources and opportunities. The DDA updated its development/TIF plans last year, revised a façade improvement grant to allow exterior but not interior commercial improvements, and adopted a new mission statement and orientation materials for members.

When asked about the Civic Point community gathering space, staff said the project had not yet gone out to bid but estimated an overall project cost near $2,100,000 with roughly a $1,000,000 grant offset. The department expects bidding to begin in June and is pursuing additional streetscape and green stormwater infrastructure work as construction on Gratiot and 9 Mile wraps up. Staff also said the DDA is actively seeking larger sponsorships for planned plaza music events and will continue outreach to secure funding and finalize the lineup.

Ending: Economic development staff did not request separate council action at the May 13 session but asked council to note ongoing outreach to businesses, the upcoming bid window for Civic Point and continued DDA grant and streetscape work.