9/24/14 - Although it appears plans for an ice rink and splash pad may have stalled at the county level, the Howell Main Street Downtown Development Authority is still looking to move forward with the project. The DDA first proposed the project to Livingston County in 2008 but this summer, updated plans were introduced in hopes of providing much-needed sympathetic renovations to the existing amphitheater space near the historic courthouse, with no cost to tax-payers. A presentation was made by the DDA to a subcommittee of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners, which agreed to move it along to the full board with no formal recommendation. The presentation then never appeared on the full boardâs agenda. When questioned about the absence after Democratic candidates for the Livingston County Board of Commissioners criticized the lack of action, the Republican commissioners cited a lack of time for appropriate vetting to address questions and concerns with the proposal such as parking, liability, potential impact on county operations, the use of the grounds and any potential deed restrictions on the historical property. That doesnât mean momentum has stopped for the popular community-supported project though according to DDA Director Cathleen Edgerly. She says people have been questioning where the project stands and theyâre looking forward to being placed back on the county agenda in the coming months to further discuss the proposal. She tells WHMI theyâll continue to hold discussions with various stakeholders and explore other potential grant opportunities. Discussions about the project ramped up in August due to limited crowdfunding grant funds made available through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Michigan Municipal League for placemaking projects. If secured, that opportunity could have funded up to $100,000 of the ice rink and splash pad project costs, which have been estimated at approximately $375,000. Edgerly says whether the DDA is able to take advantage of potential grant funds or not, the outpouring of support for the project shows it is something the community wants. The press release issued most recently by the DDA is attached below. (JM)
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