HomeDowntown Development Authority (DDA)
The 13 member Downtown Development Authority (DDA), sponsored by the Village Council, has set its priorities and goals that are imperative to the 20 year revitalization of the Village of Paw Paw.
The retention and recruitment of new business is one of the top goals. The DDA has provided a program for the district to pay 50% off paint costs and made low interest loans available for the remodeling of facades. DDA Chairperson Neil Boff stated, "The DDA believes that we must support our long time businesses as well as helping new business relocate in the area.".
The DDA will provide funds to beautify the Paw Paw shopping district along the M-40 corridor leading to town. The proposed changes to the main street facade in Paw Paw along with the DDA's efforts to stimulate business growth in the village are all part of the Authority's 20 year revitalization plan which has met with overwhelming support from the community and local organizations.
Boff says, "The driving force behind the DDA is one of community togetherness. Boff contends that when everyone works together in the community, starting with the schools teaching youth about community pride and togetherness, local businesses and organizations flourish and ensure the prosperity of the community for future generations." (from 1999-2000 Paw Paw Directory).
Programs
The Paw Paw Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was created to promote and enhance the commercial core of the community, to preserve the public investment in this area and to improve the viability of businesses within the DDA district. To encourage business and property owners to improve and maintain building facades and recognizing the public nature of the facades in the District, the DDA has made available the following programs:
A. Paint only program.The DDA may match the property or business owner for the cost of paint and labor on a 50/50 basis up to $1,000 maximum. Paint colors must meet the general guidelines of the DDA for consistency in the District. All buildings in the District qualify for this program, including residential homes. Purchase of paint from a business within the District qualifies the applicant for an additional 5% participation from the DDA, above the program guidelines previously stated.
B. Repair and restoration. The DDA may provide up to 1/3 of the funding for a facade restoration project that may include work such as painting, window repair, replacement of siding, minor tuck pointing, brick replacement, etc. Projects must be approved by the Design and Presentation Committee for conformity with any approved design criteria and overall consistency with the character of the District. Maximum funding per project would be $5,000. Purchase of materials or services from a business within the District qualifies the applicant for an additional 5% participation from the DDA, above the program guidelines previously stated.
C. Facade renovation. Upon approval from the Design and Presentation Committee, the DDA may loan up to $10,000 to a property or business owner for a project in excess of $15,000. Terms of the loan will be set to provide an incentive to the property or business owner and typical terms shall provide for an interest rate of 2% below prime, a 7 year amortization period. At the discretion of the Design and Presentation Committee, purchase of materials or services from a business within the District qualifies the applicant for additional consideration in the terms of the loan; such as increasing the amortization period.
These programs are contingent upon availability of budgeted funds and will be awarded on a first come first served basis. The Downtown Development Authority reserves the right to revise or end these programs at any time and in no way guaranties availability of funding for any specific project or at any given time.
Board of Directors
| John Schincariol,Chairman Paw Paw Wine Distributors 816 S. Kalamazoo Street Paw Paw, MI 49079 |
Patrick Brennan Brennan Real Estate and Investments 114 S. Kalamazoo Street Paw Paw, MI 49079 |
| Ellyn Jones Sea Land Air Travel 513 E. Michigan Ave. Paw Paw, MI 49079 |
Pat Lynch Hill’s Prescription Shop 404 Hazen Street Paw Paw, MI 49079 |
| Roman Plaszczak, Village President |
Steve Racette Van Buren Delivery Services 125 E, Michigan Ave. Paw Paw, MI 49079 |
Don Rook |
Harold Schuitmaker Schuitmaker, Cooper and Schuitmaker, PC P.O. Box 520 Paw Paw, MI 49079 |
| Richard Strand Fast Track Computers 233 East Michigan Avenue, Paw Paw, MI 49079 |
Sherry Taylor Taylor's Florist & Gifts 215 East Michigan Avenue Paw Paw, MI 49079 |
| Mary Lou Hartwell Van Buren County Abstract 207 Paw Paw Street Paw Paw, MI 49079 |
Courtney Buhl Sugar Bear 101 West Michigan Paw Paw, MI 49079 |
| Rodney Dragicevich Keystone Bank 900 East Michigan Paw Paw, MI 49079 |
|
| Regular Attendees: | |
Jan Hoehn |
|