During the Chelsea Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Zoom meeting on Thursday, June 18, the appointed officials voted to spend up to $18,000 to reskin the wayfaring signs downtown and to include signage to lead visitors to the alleys that led to city parking lots.
Although there was a general consensus of using a color pallet that would tie the downtown signs to the gold and black colors used at Palmer Commons, the DDA wanted to see a mock-up of what the signs will look like before a final color choice is made.
It’s expected that this decision will take place in July.
Where that meeting will take place is yet to be determined. It will depend on whether the governor extends an executive order that allows public meetings to take place virtually or whether she will allow public meetings to begin taking place face to face. If that happens, the DDA is expected to meet in Suite 203 on the second floor of the Clock Tower at 7:30 a.m. on July 16.
(Monday, the Chelsea City Council agreed to a short-term lease to use the Clock Tower space for its meetings following extensive damage to the Municipal Building that is not expected to be ready for use until this fall.)
DDA members praised the new parklets that the city has erected on Park and Middle streets to assist restaurants with outside seating availability. City Manager John Hanifan said that city staff has also spoken to owners of the Chelsea Alehouse and Common Grill (that is slated to open in early July) about outside seating availability. He said Thompson’s Pizza has also installed an outdoor seating area.
He told the DDA that Breathe Yoga has used Palmer Commons for outdoor classes.
Community Development Director Julia Upfal told the DDA that three Chelsea businesses received $5,000 each and 13 received $1,000 each in small business grants through two different programs for a total of $33,500 in grant awards during the pandemic.
In other updates, the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce is planning several events that include Eat, Drink and Enjoy on Wednesdays in July in Chelsea. This event is being sponsored by Ann Nauts and Arbor One Mortgage Group.
In addition, Sweet Savor Saturdays is being planned.
There will also be a Curling Fest https://chelseamich.com/events/curling-fest-2020/ on July 31 sponsored by Rick Taylor.
The annual chamber golf outing is now planned for Sept. 9 and Family Fun Night at Chelsea Lanes is now planned for Oct. 17.
What a waste of money!!!!!