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Hudsonville staff outline downtown projects, grant activity and Terra Square lease progress
Summary
Economic and city staff reported two Match on Main facade/window applications for downtown businesses, work on a Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and bylaws, and said they expect a signed Terra Square lease within weeks; staff also announced a Village Green consultant and plans for public art and redevelopment licensing.
City economic-development staff and the city manager told the commission on May 12 that multiple downtown projects are advancing even as grant applications remain competitive.
Economic Development Director Jacob said the city filed two Match on Main applications for small downtown storefront improvements (317 Coffee and Huie’s Ice Cream) and noted two federal and foundation grant applications were denied earlier in the year. He said the city is refining templates for recurring grant opportunities and is awaiting potential phase-two notification for a federal attenuator-truck grant.
Jacob also reported progress on a Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (bylaws and term limits under review) and said staff hopes to have a signed lease for the Terra Square restaurant space before the end of the month. The commission applauded staff work and Commissioner Gro and Jacob were thanked for shepherding the Terra Square effort toward a final lease.
On the Village Green, the commission approved hiring Veritus Group/Citovate Strategies as the consultant to lead a buildout and public-engagement process; staff described plans for a steering committee (6–8 members) and a larger stakeholder committee (up to ~30 people). Jacob and others also discussed early-stage planning for downtown public art and a short-term strategy for liquor-license options tied to redevelopment districts.
City Treasurer Andrew and other staff reminded commissioners that the budget workshop is set for May 19 and that some nominal budget adjustments remain possible before the June 9 regular meeting.
