Lois Golden, the village’s Downtown Development Authority director, applauded the village council last Tuesday for lending a helping hand during the recent relocation of the DDA offices.
She specifically acknowledged the efforts of council members William (Bill) Siver and Michael Toth for their part in renovating the new offices at 51 N. Broadway.
‘I want to thank Bill and Mike for volunteering their time to paint and help out at the new location,? said Golden. ‘Their extra effort is appreciated.
‘Thanks also to JoAnn Van Tassel and the entire village council for their support in making this transition possible,? she added.
Golden said the new location offers more space to better accommodate the current and future needs of the DDA.
‘The move was primarily for space considerations,? she said. ‘We now have more storage room for our banners, decorations and other items. Plus, the new office is all on one floor rather than having to walk upstairs. And this site is more conducive to visitors.?
Having been director for only about six months, Golden envisions an energized DDA that welcomes diverse ideas and voices.
‘We’d like to expand our volunteer base,? she said. ‘It’s about participation and helping to shape the future of downtown.?
Some of the immediate and longterm goals on Golden’s agenda are: increasing parking and foot traffic downtown, adding lighting, cemetery fencing, landscaping and pursuing better pedestrian access for people who reside on the west side of M-24.
‘There are a lot of people who live on the lake side who would like to be able to safely walk across M-24 and come here,? she said.
Another of her goals is to continue upgrading the DDA’s website.
‘Ultimately, we hope to include and expand our communication both in and outside the downtown area,? said Golden.
For more information visit the DDA’s website at: www.downtownlakeorion.org or call 248-425-5679.