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 really hasn't been anything out of the norm," Cuero said, while acknowledging there is always a risk of isolated incidents.

Infrastructure and park projects were highlighted as priorities. Lions Park has been a DDA priority since 2012; Cuero said the DDA applied for five grants and won two smaller awards and hopes to complete the park improvements in the next few years. He also said the DDA plans to invest about $40,000 to repair an east-end parking lot across from the hardware store, with work targeted for July.

To support businesses, Cuero described several programs: a business improvement grant of up to $5,000 for physical storefront or interior construction; an event sponsorship program that offers up to $1,000 per event (the DDA has $10,000 allocated for the fiscal year, permitting roughly 10 full awards); marketing support including photography and social media; and a tax abatement program aimed at two priority redevelopment sites, the former Vitali's property and the former Nate's site.

Cuero said the DDA and township will update the Macomb Street zoning standards after the township adopts a new master plan. "Once we adopt this master plan, hopefully in June 18, then it'll go to township board," he said, and the zoning update is intended to allow more flexible, traditional downtown development such as mixed-use buildings.

On events and markets, Cuero said the farmers market — in its second year — averaged about six to eight vendors last season and is free to vendors and visitors. He credited a partnership with Community Grown Gardens and volunteer organizer Janet Lyons. The DDA funds small, community-led events and encourages residents and businesses to apply for sponsorship.

Cuero also discussed redevelopment liquor licenses and noted the township is at its cap for active licenses; the DDA can issue redevelopment liquor licenses to businesses as part of broader revitalization efforts. He said participation in the social district requires businesses to use a labeled cup for on-street consumption and to dispose of that cup before entering another business.

Cuero described outreach efforts including surveys used for the 2020 plan and ongoing engagement at events such as the farmers market, Art on the Isle and the Commons. He emphasized incremental, community-driven change: "We want to start small — looking at small incremental changes," he said, pointing to benches, trash receptacles, banners and a planned community sculpture that will incorporate tiles made by residents.

The interview also noted operational details and constraints: the DDA has about 70 businesses on Macomb Street; parking is typically a problem only during large events and the DDA coordinates with private lots to manage overflow; Lions Park and other projects depend on grant awards and subsequent township approvals; and several redevelopment projects are contingent on updated zoning and developer interest.

Cuero encouraged residents to get involved by attending events, visiting the farmers market, participating in surveys and following the DDA on social media for updates. "When you see those surveys out there, respond to those surveys. That really helps us," he said.

Ending: The podcast concluded with Cuero inviting community participation in upcoming events and redevelopment discussions and reiterating the DDA's emphasis on public improvements and business support as tools to revitalize Macomb Street.