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Wayne DDA touts 19 new downtown openings and readies $917,000 match for Goudy Park Phase 2
Summary
The Downtown Development Authority reported 19 new businesses in 2025, facade grants (50% up to $10,000), a new LED city sign and plans to match a $458,000 grant with $917,000 in DDA funding for Phase 2 of Goudy Park, including a splash pad and parking-lot work.
The Wayne Downtown Development Authority on Tuesday told City Council it recorded 19 new businesses in its district this year and is preparing a major investment in Goudy Park.
At a presentation posted online as a “2025 year in report,” the DDA described façade-improvement grants that match 50% of qualifying exterior work with a maximum $10,000 payout, a new mural installation and an LED message board by City Hall. The DDA’s events and marketing director, Lisa Cubaney, said the authority helped publicize downtown businesses with seasonal campaigns and partnered with local media on a gift-card giveaway.
The headline item for council was a planned DDA contribution to Goudy Park. The DDA said it secured a $458,000 wrap grant and intends to match that amount, resulting in a $917,000 allocation for Phase 2 work that the presenter said would include a playscape, splash pad, decorative archway and replacement of the south parking lot and a set of stairs.
DDA members and local business representatives were named in the report; the presenter thanked board chair Jim Demmer and noted David Zuckerman helped fund a local TV promotion.
City council acknowledged the report and scheduled the DDA’s final signage design for formal recommendation in January, when the DDA will submit a final plan for wayfinding signs and seek bids. The DDA representative said design and procurement work will begin next winter so installation can proceed as weather allows.
Council members praised the marketing and placemaking work but did not take votes on the DDA’s proposed Phase 2 funding during the meeting. The city manager and DDA agreed to return with final design recommendations and, if desired by council, a request to authorize the match during a future meeting.
