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DDA reports Burger Battle turnout, wins Buy Michigan Now festival and EV charger redesign
Summary
Downtown Development Authority reported 629 votes in a Burger Battle, secured the Buy Michigan Now festival for August (expected 20,000–30,000 attendees), and said DTE will redesign EV charging on Wells Street to reduce lost parking spaces; 12 bike racks ordered.
A Downtown Development Authority (DDA) representative reported to the South Lyon City Council on March 24 that the DDA’s first-year Burger Battle drew 629 votes, and that South Lyon was selected as the host for the Buy Michigan Now festival in August.
The DDA representative said 629 votes were cast in the Burger Battle and that one entrant from Wixom placed first, Lyon Township finished second and third, and the local hotel finished fifth. The representative described the contest as a successful first-year event and said the community reaction was positive.
The representative also told council that Buy Michigan Now — a three-day festival that the presenter said is expected to attract between 20,000 and 30,000 people over three days — will be held in South Lyon in August. The presenter said festival organizers selected communities from a shortlist of about 10 and that South Lyon’s business and staff outreach helped secure the event.
On downtown improvements, the presenter said DTE has redesigned the proposed EV charging installation for Wells Street to reduce the number of parking spaces affected from eight to four, and that the contractor has reordered bike racks: the city expects to install 12 racks once they arrive. The DDA board approved its budget for fiscal year 2025–26 and will forward it to council for approval, the presenter added.
Council members asked how the city became involved with Buy Michigan Now; the presenter said DDA outreach and positive feedback from downtown business owners were factors. Council members asked about the festival’s prior locations; the presenter said it had been in Northville previously and that organizers sought “the next up-and-coming downtown” for future events.
The DDA representative said downtown tree trimming and light reinstallation were completed and that lights will be reinstalled once finishing work is done. The presenter said downtown planners and business owners expressed excitement for the festival and that staff will provide more information as logistics are finalized.
No formal council action was recorded on these items during the meeting; staff and the DDA will continue planning and bring budget items and permits to council as required.
