Council moves ahead with Changemaker Studios agreement amid resident concerns about driveway, parking and survey

The Three Oaks Village Council voted Sept. 11 to proceed with a revised service agreement with Changemaker Studios after members and residents raised concerns about driveway closure, parking and community input.

Council member Lois Jones said she was "not thrilled" with the proposed project elements — closing a driveway in favor of a stage and public restrooms — and urged a public survey before moving forward. Becky Thomas said she wanted "more voices" heard before final plans are approved. Jones also questioned whether removing the driveway would affect the village drop box.

Resident Colleen Froehlich asked how grant funding would be handled if the village later changed its mind about which park to improve and said a traffic study was needed given downtown congestion. "We used grant monies and what happens if we change our mind about which park we improve?" Froehlich asked. Marco Chavarry, an audience member, disputed Froehlich's parking concerns and said parking is not limited downtown. Julie Sittig suggested converting Generations Drive to one-way to ease flow.

Manager Dan Faulkner said the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) had budgeted for the project and would pay for it, and that the Department of Public Works would maintain the finished area. Faulkner emphasized that approving the service agreement did not amount to final approval of design plans.

After discussion, the council voted to move forward with Changemaker Studios' revisions to the service agreement. The motion carried unanimously.

The transcript records council discussion and public comment but does not include a final design or a traffic study requirement; Jones and Thomas spoke for additional public engagement before detailed plans are approved.