New Baltimore DDA seeks $2.75 million for waterfront breakwall, approves up to $15,000 for grant writing

An OHM consultant told the New Baltimore Downtown Development Authority on April 8 that the organization has reapplied to the Slotkin Peters grant program for $2.5 million and estimates about $2.75 million will be needed to fund key waterfront work, including a breakwall and shore-support measures. Jeff Bohm, presenting for OHM, said higher material and tariff costs have pushed up the project estimate and that the heavy lake soil requires more engineering than simply placing rock.

Mayor Semaan moved to authorize up to $15,000 to hire Nancy Windsor for grant-writing services to pursue private foundation funding; Byrum supported the motion and the motion carried. "We have exhausted all government opportunities to earn any money from grant writing," Bohm said, noting OHM recommends private foundations such as the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation as potential sources to fill remaining gaps. Bohm added the project team has two construction seasons and a 2027 deadline for some grant funds.

The board did not provide a vote tally in the minutes; the motion is recorded as carried. The body also noted the City of New Baltimore received a separate grant from Lisa McClain's office to help expand the fire department; no further details about that grant were specified in the minutes.

Next steps recorded in the minutes: contract or consultant agreements to secure grant-writing services and continued pursuit of public and private funding. The board allocated $15,000 in the next fiscal budget for grant writing and instructed staff/consultants to continue grant applications.