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Downtown DDA discusses flower pots, bench proposal and a semiannual business roundtable
Summary
Board members reported outreach to businesses about 25 planned flower pots, heard a request from a Trio Paint owner for a bench and pavers on South Saginaw at Buder, and discussed starting a six‑month business roundtable; staff advised contacting the Department of Public Works for right‑of‑way questions.
The American Downtown Development Authority discussed an outreach effort to place 25 flower pots with downtown businesses, a request to install a bench and pavers near Buder on South Saginaw, and a proposal for a semiannual business roundtable during its February 2025 meeting.
Jeannie, a DDA board member, said she stopped at Trio Paint while distributing the pots and relayed two requests from the business: that the DDA allow a bench, pavers and a garbage can near the shop on Buder in South Saginaw, and that the DDA consider holding a planning/roundtable meeting every six months to hear directly from businesses.
Jeannie quoted the Trio Paint owner’s willingness to help maintain the site and said the owner asked that the DDA consider a bench “as a convenience for people to set or whatever.” The board discussed legal and logistical steps for installing street furniture and hardscape, including whether the proposed location is inside the public right‑of‑way.
Katie, a DDA staff member, advised Jeannie to start with the Department of Public Works and named DPW staff members who could help: Abby, Leandra and Ellen. Katie said DPW staff are knowledgeable and could indicate whether the bench and pavers would require a right‑of‑way permit or a landscaping easement.
Board members also discussed outreach about the flower pots: one member said six businesses had been contacted so far and the DDA was already committed to 25 pots. Members encouraged business owners to attend regular monthly meetings and suggested that a separate roundtable could be organized if the DDA wanted a focused discussion outside the constraints of an open-meetings agenda.
The board heard that businesses responded positively to customization options for the pots and that several would take part in a Friday event to view colors. Board members asked staff to follow up with DPW on right‑of‑way rules and to coordinate with business owners about placement and maintenance responsibilities.
No formal action or vote was taken on the bench or the roundtable proposal; the items were left for staff follow‑up and further coordination with DPW and participating businesses.
The board also reminded members of a spring workshop with options to attend in person or virtually; members were asked to notify staff if they wished to register.
