DDA discusses Railroad Street reconstruction and placemaking, defers vote due to quorum

The Middleville Downtown Development Authority on March 10 discussed contributing to the Railroad Street reconstruction to add placemaking and accessibility features but did not vote after losing a quorum.

Staff presenter (Staff member, S2) described the project as a reconstruction of Railroad Street and said Williamson Works assisted on design recommendations. Staff said the total project cost was about $580,000 and that the place-making elements under consideration—curb ramping, warning surfaces, stamped/colored concrete and sidewalk repairs—are estimated at roughly $70,000.

Staff proposed that the DDA could structure its contribution over three years to reimburse the village for those added measures or apply year-end surpluses to accelerate funding if available. Members asked for a map and design mock-ups showing what the $67,000–$70,000 would pay for before considering a vote.

Board members and staff also noted the project aligns with the DDA development plan and the village’s capital improvement plan, and that community input had been part of the plan’s approval. Because the board was losing a quorum during this part of the meeting, staff said they could not take a motion and would bring drawings and additional information to a future meeting. Staff suggested possible follow-up workshop dates in mid-April to review the materials with the economic vitality committee and other stakeholders.

The discussion ended with an assignment for staff to present maps and detailed cost breakdowns at the next meeting so members can visualize the proposed improvements and determine whether the DDA should contribute.