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Trenton DDA reports façade grants, downtown dollars and summer events in six-month update
Summary
The Downtown Development Authority reported awarding a façade grant at 2674 West Jefferson, adding $5,000 to local spending through a downtown dollars program, upcoming stamp-rally and festivals, Elm parking lot and Rotary Park updates, and work on a TIF redevelopment plan and streetscape master plan grant application to SEMCOG.
The Trenton Downtown Development Authority (DDA) presented its first six-month informational update, reporting small-business façade grants, a downtown gift-card program, and several planned summer events.
DDA Director Angelia Pacino told the council the DDA’s report covers January through May 2025 and that the authority is currently at 11 members with no expiring terms this year. Pacino described a completed façade grant at 2674 West Jefferson, showing before-and-after work on a cracked storefront façade, and said two additional approved applicants are expected to complete projects over the summer. "They were able to completely change it. It looks absolutely lovely," Pacino said.
The DDA also reported the downtown dollars program has put $5,000 into the local economy in six months and launched a new summer promotion tied to the Trenton Summer Festival where customers who buy $100 in downtown dollars will get an extra $50. Pacino said the program previously ran successful BOGO promotions in December and around Valentine’s Day and that two new merchants recently joined.
Upcoming DDA initiatives include a downtown stamp-rally during the Trenton Summer Festival offering up to $300 in downtown dollars in raffle prizes, participation in the Taste of Downriver event hosted by the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber, and adding four new murals as part of the Trenton Art Festival in September. Pacino said the Elm parking lot improvements are nearly complete and that Rotary Park’s boardwalk is progressing.
The DDA said it is reviewing its TIF and development plan ahead of an expiration within five years and has applied to SEMCOG for planning assistance on a streetscape master plan. The next informational meeting is scheduled for December 2025.
Why it matters: The DDA’s work supports downtown business improvements, events and placemaking that the authority expects will stimulate local economic activity and prepare for redevelopment as the TIF plan nears expiration.
Discussion versus decision: This was an informational report. Separate agenda items later authorized a mural installation and a DDA sponsorship for theater seating; the informational update itself had no council vote.
