8/29/14 - Support is growing for an ice rink/splash pad project on the grounds of the historic Livingston County courthouse. Howell Downtown Development Authority officials have been out recently delivering presentations on plans for the project. The amphitheater is located on county-owned land, and the DDA went before the County Public Safety and Infrastructure & Development Committee seeking a motion granting permission or support for the project. Several residents spoke up at the meeting to voice their support for the project, and the DDA says surveys have shown overwhelming endorsement for the idea from residents and businesses. However, DDA Board President Eric Conn tells WHMI the Committee had a number of questions and concerns about the project and if it would interfere with concerts at the courthouse. He said the goal is to actually enhance that opportunity by providing better seating and easier access to make it ADA compliant. Another concern raised was making sure that whatever is done would be sympathetic or complementary to the historic courthouse and not draw attention. Conn does not expect the facility will interfere with government operations, since it will be most active after office hours and on weekends. The county committee did not recommend approval or rejection of the project, instead passing it along to the full County Board of Commissioners. The issue will likely appear on the agenda for the boardâs September 2nd meeting. Meanwhile, the Howell City Council has authorized a letter of support for the project, which was needed to accompany a place-making grant application through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. DDA board secretary Courtney Tarara told members the ice rink would be 60 feet long and parallel to Grand River with the smaller splash pad inside. The historic elms would be preserved but trees with root rot would be taken out while other longstanding issues such as erosion problems and trip hazards would be addressed. (JM/TD)
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