Ortonville- Sewers and a plan to keep big-box stores out of the community are two components of a developing master plan for the village.
During a Main Street resource team visit from Sept. 13-15, officials from the program which aims to revitalize the downtown met with area property owners, downtown merchants, industry leaders, and members of financial and cultural institutions, as well as community groups.
‘We had a great turn-out all three days and we had a lot of new faces,? said Julie Courtney, Downtown Development Authority Executive Director and Main Street Manager.
At a public presentation, about 35 community members were present, in addition to Main Street officials, including Nick Kalogeresis, program officer for the National Trust Main Street Center.
Kalogeresis was impressed with the people who participated and described it as one of the best visits he’s had in awhile.
In order to improve the downtown, Kalogeresis believes a master plan needs to be created that includes sewers.
‘To develop and enhance the community, sewers are a necessity,? he said. ‘It sets the direction.?
Main Street Oakland County Director Bob Donohue agreed, saying the Oakland County Health Division has Ortonville ‘high on the list? of needing to immediately address the sewer issue.
A master plan was a major point of discussion during the resource team visit. Kalogeresis recommended a taskforce be formed and consultants hired to form the plan that would contain policies and goals for development of the whole community, with a strong downtown component.
M-15 is the most immediate concern of Main Street officials.
Kalogeresis calls M-15 the economic and social center for community and said it is necessary to keep out big-box stores like Wal-Mart and Target if the community wants to maintain a small town.
The resource team is also working with Main Street committees on business retention and helping existing business become more successful by improving facades, signage and making improvements to buildings. A market analysis will be conducted to identify the types of businesses that can succeed in Ortonville and recruit them.
‘The positive aspect is everyone seem to be gung-ho,? says Kalogeresis. ‘Commitment goes a long way in the Main Street program.?
For details on the Main Street program and volunteer opportunities, call (248) 627-4976.