Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

Background

The "Village" area in Ada Township is perceived by most people as the "heart" of the community. Here you will find the Township Hall, Ada Post Office and a variety of homes and businesses, ranging from small family-owned gift shops and restaurants to the international headquarters of Quixtar/Amway.

Unlike communities such as East Grand Rapids, Rockford or Saugatuck, that have thriving "downtown" areas, Ada's "village" has struggled to become the truly vibrant and compelling destination many people would like to see it become. The 2007 Ada Village Design Charrette Final Report includes a series of recommendations for revitalizing and improving the "village" area, based on the input of hundreds of Ada citizens and stakeholders.

The proposed Downtown Development Authority (DDA) would fund village infrastructure projects, such as street improvements, paths, green spaces, etc. Funds for the DDA typically come from Tax Increment Financing (TIF). which is a program designed to capture the tax revenue collected on future increases in the taxable value of properties within the DDA boundaries. Up to 2 mils of additional revenue can also be collected from properties within the DDA boundaries. An excellent source of information on both DDAs and TIF is the Survey Of Economic Development Programs In Michigan, produced by the Citizen's Reseaerch Council Of Michigan.

Ada's General Law Township structure, is prohibited by State Law from raising or spending money on many of the projects and improvements that would help realize the goals of the Charrette. A DDA would not be limited by these restrictions. In addition to tax-generated funding, the DDA would be expected to work closely with both public and private donors and sponsors, to generate the necessary funds to accomplish its goals.


Why This Qualifies as A "Hot Issue"

Residents continue to express frustration with the fact that since the Ada Village Design Charrette was completed, there has been a lack of progress in moving forward with the recommendations. The longer we wait to implement a DDA, the less value it will have.

My Position

I have worked hard to promote the "Village" area as "A Great Place To Live, Work and Play." I invested my own money to become a Certified Charrette Planner and championed the original idea for the Ada Village Design Charrette. As an original member of the Charrette Task force, I am fully vested in the process and believe we MUST do everything we can to realize the vision our citizens and stakeholders provided us.

The formation of a DDA could provide the financial and organizational horespower needed to accomplish many if not all of the goals identified by the Charrette, without the need for additional taxes. I believe DDA boundaries should be set as broadly as possible, to maximize the revenue potential of the DDA and thus the potential value of the DDA to the community.

I am continuing to work with my fellow Charrette Task Force members, as well as fellow member's of the Township Board and the Planning Commission, to come up with a DDA proposal that is in the best interest of all of our citizens and stakeholders in the Township. There are two important DDA-related events that everyone who is interested should participate in. They are:

• July 15th - Public Information Meeting
• July 28 - Public Hearing

Note: See the Community Calendar on www.votewestra.com for these and other important community events going on in Ada Township.

I will continue to update this "Hot Issue" over the next couple of weeks with any new information.

3 Mile Hill Paving

Background

The section of 3 Mile Road, from Pettis Ave to the top of the hill, is frequently severely rutted, difficult to navigate during the winter and generates large amounts of erosion sediment that flows onto Pettis Ave.

The subcommittee, including both pro-paving and anti-paving citizens, members of the planning commission and Township Board as well as representatives from the Kent County Road Commission, voted to recommend that the section of road in question be paved. This recommendation was based on an analysis of the FACTS and a determination that paving this stretch of road would increase safety and decrease long-term maintenance costs.

Members of the Township Board, who were NOT familiar with the details, including the extent and frequency of washouts, rutting, winter impassability and maintenance “costs” related to this issue, voted to NOT pave 3 Mile Hill.

The Facts

1. Nothing in State, County or Local laws/ordinances prevents a “Natural Beauty Road” from being paved.
2. As the traffic volume (load) on gravel roads increases, they wear faster and the cost to maintain them increases.
3. “Over a 20 year period, the annual maintenance costs for gravel roads are higher than for bituminous roads.” (1)
4. “Driving on any gravel surface, loose or hard-packed, is trickier than driving on paved roads because tires do not have the traction needed to maintain stable control of your vehicle. Novice drivers, for example, who have not gained the driving experience and who are already higher risk road users, are particularly vulnerable when it comes to driving on gravel roads.” (2)
5. The problems caused by erosion material on Pettis Ave could have severe/fatal consequences. According to “Roadway Safety and Tort Liability” by John C Glennon “ Sand and gravel on the travel lanes can seriously reduce the effective friction, particularly for motorcycles…” (3)

Why This Qualifies as A "Hot Issue"

Citizens (Taxpayers) and guests of the Township who travel this section of road, continue to report problems with washouts, rutting and winter impassability. Another winter is coming and the overall condition of the road continues to be in a state of decline, rather than stability or better yet, improvement. The problems associated with 3 Mile Hill are not going to solve themselves. Based on current and future increases in traffic along this section of read, these problems require a better solution than is currently in place.

My Position

I recommend the Public Works Committee review the findings of the 3 Mile Hill Subcommittee, examine the FACTS of this issue as well as potential solutions and make a recommendation to the Township Board ASAP, regarding a long-term plan to maintain this section of roadway. The Township Board should then make a FACT-based decision that respects the opinion of the Public Works Committee and the “expert” opinions of both the Township Planner and Engineer as well as the County Road Commission. I believe we should:

1. Have Kent County pave the section of 3 Mile Hill in question, using a design and techniques designed to preserve as many old-growth trees and natural features possible and have a minimal impact on adjacent flora and fauna.
2. Have those citizens who are most concerned with the “natural beauty” of this and other roadways, form a committee/group that is devoted to planting and maintaining a variety of trees and other desirable vegetation/flowers, that make these corridors conform to the natural esthetics expected by them. Have a Board discussion on what if any park or other funding can/should be be allocated towards these efforts.

Non-motorized Trail Phase II

Background

One of Ada's best and fastest growing assets is our extensive non-motorized trail system. The first trail section running along the length of Ada Drive and connecting with the Cascade trail at the SW end of the Township, has seen great use. Throughout the year, even in winter, you can see people out enjoying the trail.

Phase I of the current trail project, saw the trail system extended along Grand River Dr. to another great new community asset, Roselle Park. There are a few more things to wrap up with this phase and it is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2008.

Phase II of the project is also scheduled to be started and completed during 2008. The largest portion of trailway, to be completed in this phase, runs along Knapp, between Grand River Ave and Honey Creek. On Thursday Jan 31st, the Township held an informational and community input meeting for Phase II. One element of the plan that generated considerable interest and some vigorous debate, was the recommendation by the Trail Committee to position the trail on the South side of Kraft.

Why This Qualifies as A "Hot Issue"

Many residents who live along the proposed Phase II trail route on Kraft, are concerned about which side of road the trail will ultimately be on. If the trail is going to be completed in 2008, this issue and any related issues involving engineering, easements, etc. must be resolved ASAP.

My Position

The safety of trail goers, especially children/young people, should be our primary concern. Secondary concerns that should also play a key part in our decision of where the trail should run, include making the trail route as usable and attractive as possible and of course, cost.

I am EXTREMELY concerned about placing the trail on the opposite side of a 55mph (65mph typical) road from Forest Hills Eastern. Especially since the school would likely be the destination for a significant number of young people using the trail. Creating "Safe Routes To School" should be a priority and goal for the entire community.

Be sure and watch the Community Calendar for upcoming meetings on this issue!

Private Aviation (Devos Helipad) In Ada

Background

In December of 2007, the Ada Township Planning Commission took up the task of developing an ordinance, to govern private heliports/helipads within the Township. The impetus for this was a request by Dick Devos to build a heliport, including a hanger, on his property located west of Fox Hollow Road. (See Map)

To help the public become more familiar with the EcoStar EC-130 type of helicopter he would be using, he hosted an open house at Ada Congregational Church, where both he and his helicopter's pilot were available to answer questions. At a public hearing on Jan 17th, the Planning Commission heard from residents, those responsible for the design/operation of the heliport and a local search and rescue (SAR) group who Mr. Devos has pledged to give access to his helicopter for SAR activities.

Why This Qualifies as A "Hot Issue"

Many citizens are concerned about the potential noise and safety issues, related to the operation of helicopters near their homes and nearby schools and churches. There is also concern that zoning allowing for heliports/helipads in residential areas, will create future conflicts in other areas of the township.

My Position

Today's modern helicopters are extremely safe. In 2006, there were only 25 fatal helicopter accidents in the entire United States! An Ada resident's chance of being killed or seriously injured by an automobile are literally tens of thousands of times greater than by a helicopter. As was witnessed by those who attended the open house, many gas-powered lawn and garden machines/tools produce more noise than the helicopter on display.

With "the light-sport aircraft industry's near-term growth exceeding that of recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and watercraft combined" and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) projecting a "1,730 % increase in the number of new sports pilots," during the next 15 years, we have an obligation to not simply react, but think and plan for the future.

The Planning Commission should develop a comprehensive ordinance, that governs all forms of private aviation within the township. This should include heliports and helipads for helicopter use, as well as ultralights, gyrocopters, experimental aircraft.