Mayor Semaan reports $1M for water intake and $3M earmark for fire renovations at DDA meeting

Mayor Semaan told the Downtown Development Authority at its May 13 meeting that the city has received positive feedback on a Ralph C. Wilson grant and that the office of Representative Slotkin awarded $1 million for water intake infrastructure tied to the breakwall project. He said Congresswoman McClain earmarked $3 million for fire department renovations toward a project estimated at approximately $4 million and that the city has selected a construction architecture firm to meet with department heads to identify needs.

Semaan said, over the past five years, the city has obtained more than $10 million in funding from various organizations. He reported that Peak 3 Development remains under quarterly review by City Council and that current discussions focus on a requirement that each apartment have a separate sewer lead. He also reported the recent passing of downtown property owner Steve Kasab and noted several vacant parcels have been sold; the Historic District denied removal of a garage from one property because it was deemed historically valuable, and a proposed lot split would have created a nonconforming structure.

Council liaison comments following the mayor's update emphasized public-safety staffing: Council Hayman thanked the mayor and pressed for an increase in fire department staffing to fully serve city residents; Council Harvey said several council members visited fire stations to assess deficiencies. The mayor’s briefing closed with the next project steps being meetings between the selected architecture firm and department heads to define departmental needs for upcoming construction work.

The mayor’s briefing was presented as an informational update; no formal board votes were taken on the grants or construction selections during the DDA meeting. The board moved on to other agenda items after the mayor’s report.