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Council hears downtown and parks updates; budget outlook uncertain pending state actions
Summary
City staff provided progress updates on Lafayette Park, downtown DDA planning and McCatty Park signage, and the manager and finance director briefed council on road projects and potential state revenue changes that could affect the city budget.
City manager and staff briefed the South Lyon City Council on downtown projects, parks work and the city’s road program during the Sept. 8 meeting.
Lafayette Park and downtown activities City staff reported that the first phase at Lafayette Park (corner of Maccaddy Street and Pontiac Trail) is nearly complete: the contractor installed soil erosion control fabric, and staff are awaiting delivery of light poles and a drinking fountain. The initial phase will make the park “almost available for immediate use,” staff said. The city also reported it expects to finish background checks and interviews for the economic development/DDA director and may announce an appointment at the next council meeting.
DDA tax increment financing plan Staff said the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) will hold a public hearing at an upcoming council meeting on an amended development plan and tax increment financing (TIF) plan. Staff explained that the plan does not change tax rates; instead it updates the DDA’s development plan and projects how tax-increment revenues captured within the district could be used going forward.
McCatty Park sign and other projects The manager reported a new McCatty Park sign was installed along Pontiac Trail; staff are awaiting training to begin electronic-board messaging. The columbarium foundation was installed at the city cemetery and a sidewalk will be added when the columbarium is delivered.
2026 road project permitting Staff reported the county is working to acquire easements and secure EGLE, water resource commission and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) approvals for a 2026 road project. A February 2026 bidding target and a March 2026 possible start date were mentioned. Staff said they are also pursuing a CSX permit for work that crosses railroad property.
Budget outlook Council and staff discussed state-level budget proposals. The finance director relayed that a House proposal would claw back a one-time increase from the prior year and reduce state-shared revenue to the city by about 12% (house proposal), while the senate fiscal projection showed about a 3.3% decrease and the senate appeared likely to restore more of the funding. Staff said these were proposals and not final and that additional state grant opportunities for roads and a public-safety trust fund might provide offsetting funding. Councilmembers were advised to await final state actions expected by Sept. 30.
Other downtown items Councilmembers praised newly installed bike racks and reported strong attendance at Depot Days and the Polish festival; volunteers and local businesses were thanked for recent community events. A council member raised concerns about pay increases not reaching crossing guards; staff said they would follow up.
What happens next Staff will proceed with needed permitting and follow up on DDA hearing logistics, the DDA director recruitment and continued coordination on the 2026 road project and CSX permit. The budget picture remains uncertain pending final state action.
