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LDFA adopts SmartZone goals and directs staff to resolve Adrian TIF site errors
Summary
The LDFA approved SmartZone future priorities for Tecumseh and Adrian, asked staff to refine action steps and requested investigation into address errors and zoning changes on Adrian TIF parcels that may affect eligibility.
The Lenawee County LDFA voted July 15 to approve a set of SmartZone priorities intended to guide marketing and property-preparation work across Tecumseh and Adrian.
City staff — represented at the meeting by Kelly Jo Gilmore, Tecumseh’s economic development director, and a city staff presenter — outlined recommended goals for three entities: the LDFA (increase marketing and outreach and pursue local partnerships), Tecumseh (secure a tenant for the spec building and continue to promote undeveloped land), and Adrian (verify correct parcel addresses in the TIF plan and promote the Witt Farm and Durham properties, including with conceptual site plans).
Kelly Jo Gilmore told the board that two 7‑acre parcels in the Tecumseh Business & Technology Campus have sold and that roughly 132 acres remain available countywide, with approximately 6 acres counted as wetlands. She and staff said the Adrian portion of the TIF plan contains several address errors (transposed digits and some addresses staff could not locate) and that some parcels now show different zoning (industrial to residential); they recommended researching those discrepancies and identifying a liaison from Adrian to assist with corrections.
Board members asked for measurable action items tied to the broad goals and for clearer property information on the LDFA website. Staff said they would return with more detailed proposals, timelines and, if requested, a recommendation for how the LDFA should allocate the SmartZone marketing budget. The board approved the SmartZone priorities (item 6.2) by voice vote.
Next steps identified at the meeting include staff verification of parcel addresses in Adrian, developing clearer site pages and a conceptual site plan option for Witt Farm if the board decides to pursue it.
