FeedsCity ‘passes the buck’ on Main Street
Belleville officials are taking a new approach to the Main Street project.
City officials approved a resolution requesting the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) reconsider participation in the Main Street replacement and improvements. The resolution states that the city would like to move forward with all parts of the project, but doesn’t have adequate resources to fund the project, therefore, officials want the development authority to incorporate it into the development plan.
“The group chairman said they (the DDA) have no direction from the city,” said Mayor Richard Smith.
“They started a new development plan and wanted some direction,” added Mayor Pro Tem Rick Dawson.
Resident Mike Foley said this resolution is already in the plan, though.
“I was at a number of meetings. The development group adopted an actual resolution. It’s been referred back to the council and now you’re referring it back to the development authority,” said resident Pat Bruetsch. “I don’t think it will ever get done with the DDA , therefore, I hope you keep it. There’s more stewardship of getting it done from this group, by far, than the other group.”
“The whole idea is the DDA had a plan and it got squashed,” said resident MJ Dawson. “I think all of you who have the idea that the city can get it done is a pipe dream. The DDA has the money.”
Resident Kay Atkins said she believes the development authority should be terminated in 2013.
“One thing the council can do is reclaim the property of those streets so we have money to pave and fund,” she said. “The DDA life expectancy is 2013 so I suggest presenting a program where you investigate reducing the amount the DDA property gets so we reclaim money to put in the general fund. I would rather see the city council divvy out that money.”
