On June 13, 2007, the Township Board of Laketown Township in Allegan County, Michigan created the Laketown Township Downtown Development Authority (DDA). At that time the DDA was given all of the powers and duties prescribed for a Downtown Development Authority pursuant to Act 197 of Public Acts of 1975, M.C.L.A. §§ 125.1651 et seq., as amended by the State of Michigan. A nine-member DDA Board was appointed to represent the Township and its downtown business interests. The Township Board also designated the boundaries of the downtown district within which the DDA may legally operate.
The overall goal of the Development Plan is to undertake public improvements that will provide the framework for future development of the commercial parcels along Blue Star Highway. Implementation of this plan will result in a variety of economic benefits including employment, greater retail activity, and funding for improvements.
The goals of this plan are to:
- Create a physical environment, image, and “sense of place” which will encourage a vital mix of land uses and activities in the district
- Create a physical environment that works in concert with the natural environment
- Capitalize on the existing seasonal tourist market and create new opportunities for expanding the tourist market and attracting new markets
- Create a visual cohesiveness and unity for the uses along Blue Star Highway through onsite and streetscape enhancements
- Encourage additional private investment in the district
- Improve shared use ways and promote multi-purpose circulation in the district
- Protect the residential areas within and adjacent to the district through sensitive site design