COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – After nearly a year of work, consultant Bob Harris laid out his ideas to help revitalize downtown Coldwater Tuesday morning as the Coldwater Downtown Development Authority Board conducted a nearly two-and-a-half hour workshop.
In the report put together by the retired Alliance Foods Group Chair and CEO, Harris wondered why there were 23 empty stores in downtown Coldwater. He suggested a strategic theme of “Right Here. Right Now.”
Harris feels the DDA should have a full time director and that perhaps there should be a new Coldwater DDA business model.
DDA Board Chair Brad Rockey said they have to start making some decisions promptly and that the downtown is the heart of the city. He said, “if you let your heart die, you’ve got problems.”
Board member Julie Stratos said she has seen the DDA become stagnant since Barb Rosene left as director several years ago. She added they have not done much of anything except give the city money for parking lots. According to Stratos, the DDA needs board members who are dedicated and passionate, and who will show up for meetings.
Other suggestions from Harris included a $700,000 investment filter for 15 downtown growth initiatives.
Mayor Tom Kramer said it will take at least a month to go through the report. An earlier timeline called for a plan being implemented in April 2018.
