Grosse Ile DDA outlines downtown upgrades, social district rollout and farmers market expansion

Ross Cuero, director of the Grosse Ile Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and community development director for Grosse Ile Township, told a podcast audience that the DDA is pursuing several near-term projects to boost activity on Macomb Street and support local businesses.

"The mission of the DDA is to grow, strengthen, and expand the economic health and vitality of Macomb Street," Cuero said. He described a mix of public-space work, business grants and event programs intended to increase foot traffic along the roughly one-mile downtown.

Cuero said the township has secured state approval for a social district that will let participating businesses sell labeled drinks for consumption within a defined area that includes the Commons, Lions Park and the Macomb Street corridor. "We were approved at the state level," he said, adding that the remaining steps are signage and business registration before the district goes live, possibly in July or August.

On safety and enforcement, Cuero said he consulted with Police Chief Carmack and reviewed practices from neighboring communities. "From my discussions with other communities, there…