Belleville DDA wrestles with what to do about next year’s sculptures

The Midwest Sculpture Initiative needs more revenue so it is requiring participants, who have been able to lease a minimum of six outdoor sculptures in the past, to have to lease at least seven in the 2016-17 year and eight the next year.
That would mean an increase in the Belleville budget of $1,469 for 2016-17.
MSI asked for a commitment to seven for next year by Nov. 5 and if they decide not to go ahead, there would be only the $500 non-refundable commitment fee.
The Belleville Downtown Development Authority discussed the new cost of the outdoor sculptures at its regular meeting Sept. 16.
DDA Coordinator Carol Thompson had prepared a report on the cost of the sculptures, since they started in 2014.
In 2014, the DDA committed $5,000 and the actual DDA cost was $3,946. The DDA raised $5,650, plus $1,670 in-kind, from 14 donors. Total cash cost was $9,596.
In 2015, the DDA also committed $5,000 and the actual DDA cost was $5,505. The DDA raised $3,850 ($4,350 pledged/$500 not received). Total cash cost was $9,354.
In 2016, the projected cost estimate is $9,475, plus one more sculpture at $1,469, for a total projected cost is $10,944.
DDA chairwoman Rosemary Loria said the sculptures are a worthwhile project, but it has to feasible.
Thompson said a commitment letter is due by the fifth of November. She said they could discuss it more at a short business meeting on Oct. 21 before the joint meeting with the city council.
DDA member Gary Snarsky said the support was good at first and now it’s gone down. He said they should let the people know that the cost has gone up.
“If we don’t get participation, then we would have to be able to stop it,” Snarski said.
When Snarski suggested they try to raise money between now and Oct. 21, Thompson stated, “It’s not going to happen.”
“To try is better than not to try,” said DDA member Sabrina Richardson-Williams. “Get the word out that the cost has gone up. See if business people will support it.”
Thompson said last year the end-of-the-year letters were sent out and then it was two to three months before they got all the money pledged. She said to commit, the DDA has to give the MSI $500 by Nov. 5.
Mayor Kerreen Conley said a letter could be sent out to those who donated before.
“I don’t think you can continue until you – not me – develop new donors,” Thompson said, asking for DDA support. “We don’t raise enough. I would like to see a broad support for the project.”
Snarsky said Chase bank has had two sculptures in front and it doesn’t contribute. He suggested a letter be sent to the bank asking for a contribution. He noted that Davenports contribute.
When asked about the Civic Fund, Thompson said that group can’t spend money in the city. The council for the arts contributed the first year and the chamber of commerce gives $100 a year.
Chairwoman Loria said it has to be put on the DDA agenda and discussed a little more.
DDA member Jim Higgerson asked about the Detroit Institute of Arts outdoor paintings that the DDA brought in before. He said a lot of people were looking at those paintings.
Thompson said she could apply again to the DIA.
Higgerson also suggested sending letters to businesses in Van Buren Township because, “We’re their downtown.”
New DDA member Alicia McGovern said the art is an educational focus for kids.
“We’ll talk some more, for sure,” Loria said.
In other business at its 28-minute meeting on Sept. 16, the DDA:
• Approved the Horizon Park waterfront sign proposal for the “Courtesy Docks” at a cost of $2,000 for two signs from Graph-X in Plymouth. They are 72”x42” signs of MDO Board, routed to shape, 1-1/2” rad corners, solid coverage of 3M vinyl and lamination;
• Heard Thompson say there is plenty of room for paddlers to sign up for the Oct. 26 Day on the Lake;
• Heard Snarsky say the Spicer presentation at the last meeting was very good. He said he was sorry DDA member Brian Copsey of the Bayou Grill wasn’t present at this meeting because he wanted to say how fantastic the Bayou’s car show is each Monday. He said there are 300 to 400 cars downtown each week. “We’ve got to get the people downtown”; and
• Heard Mayor Conley announce that before the DDA meets again on Oct. 21 the Harvest Fest will be held on Oct. 10 and the Zombie Run on Oct. 14.