Ever heard of the four seasons of Michigan: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction?
Well, construction season will soon be in full swing in Lake Orion.
This summer begins a three-year project for a downtown facelift. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the village are planning major rennovations for Flint and Broadway that could include new pavement, new storm drains and a totally new streetscape.
The DDA has cut funding in every area of their budget and hopes to receive outside funding to help pay for the project.
‘I’m a little nervous to see things so tight, but I’m up to the challenge and I think it’s going to be doable,? said DDA Director Lois Golden.
The DDA’s pulled $350,000 from other areas in their budget to go toward the $725,000 project. The concept chosen will be ‘middle of the line? to keep costs low, but will include special details like a decorative arch ? something the community’s been discussing for many years ? and salt-resistant, low-maintainance plantings.
Funding cuts fell on employee wages, holiday lighting and infrastructure and design work.
‘Their sidewalk and infrastructure budget is reduced to zero to help fund the streetscape,? said Jan Adams, village treasurer and finance director.
Golden is excited about the massive project and optimistic about the cuts.
‘Whatever we have to do, let’s get creative, do something different,? she said.
The village will take care of redoing the storm sewer system and paving, but the administration is unsure how big that project’s scope will be.
‘Potentially there will be bonding to fund the projects by the DDA and village,? said Village Manager Paul Zelenak.
Estimates for the drain system repair came in at $1.1 million.
‘We would like to do the streetscape project first and then immediately do the road work. And if we’re going to do the street, we’re going to do the storm sewer at the same time.? Zelenak said. ?(Construction) would start this year and would be completely completed in under three years.
For up-to-date plans and drawings of the project, visit www.downtownlake orion.org/projects.html.