VBT DDA adds more funding to Quirk Park Improvement Project

At its regular meeting on Jan. 22, the Van Buren Township Downtown Development Authority agreed to transfer another $180,000 from its fund balance for a splash pad and associated amenities for a splash pad at Quirk Park.
This makes a total of $480,000 earmarked for the splash pad.
The money will cover underground and above ground necessary improvements and associated amenities such as: fencing, gates, shade sails, benches, picnic tables, and landscaping.
In Lisa Lothringer’s report to the DDA board, she explained: “This project started out as simply putting in a splash pad, but has grown to be a full overhaul of the north end of the park. Mr. Chuck Covington has committed to funding for a memorial seating area dedicated to his daughter, Egypt.
“Also, the township will be undertaking the following notable improvements in addition to covering the engineering costs associated with the project: installing additional walkways, adding accessible parking, erecting an additional pavilion, moving and reinstalling playground equipment, and installation of wayfinding signage.
Lothringer, who is Assistant DDA Director, said it is the intention of all involved with this project that it be completed as early in August 2019 as possible.
Placemaking Initiative
DDA Director Susan Ireland presented additional work proposals — 05R — for the Belleville Road Placemaking Initiative, with much discussion. She proposed rescinding AWP #3, $5,347.79, which was the elliptical window on the east elevation, and replace it with trapezoid windows which would allow for better load carry on the steel support for the stone, at a new cost of $1,320.
She also requested:
• $4,950 for a drain tile to be installed on the exterior of the office building;
• $9,511.65 to match the trim with the pillars including wood stain. Originally fiber cement boards were going to be used for the exterior beams on the front of the building, but she was not able to find a color that would complement the cedar beams on the front of the building;
• $2,203.98 to revise the front entrance door from an aluminum clad to a wood door to provide a more residential feel;
• $8,047.60 includes rescinding of AWP 3 and including it here in AWP 05R with a larger pump for durability (this was not approved);
• No additional cost — All interior trim to be painted not stained;
• $660 to revise garage door from FRP (fiberglass reinforced polyester) to AMP (acrylic modified polyester).
Also, administrative fee of $3,409.98.
The motion passed was: “McNamara moved, Foster seconded to approve AWP No. 05R as well as administrative fees per the contract with the understanding that Item 4 will be adjusted to include an alternative to the solid wood door proposed and Item 5 is being excluded completely and authorize the transfer of funding from fund balance to the Belleville Road Placemaking Initiative.”
Ireland said she has sent five easements for the project to Wayne County for recording. The easement providing cross access with Westlake Apartments will not be recorded until she has received verification of the accuracy of the legal description.
She said Mr. Rose at Westlake believes this will be a nice amenity for the DDA area and the residents of Westlake.
Ireland said contractors will continue to work throughout the winter months as weather permits. Foundations are in and retention/detention is under way.
2019 Tigers Yearbook
The DDA board also approved collaborating with the Belleville DDA on a full-page advertisement in the 2019 Detroit Tigers Yearbook at a cost of $5,125.
Lothringer said this publication is sold during each game as well as being available at major retailers in the six counties encompassing the Detroit Metro area. This will be an opportunity to reach people who are not familiar with all that VBT and Belleville have to offer. The Belleville DDA approved its participation at its Jan. 16 meeting.
Pedestrian Path
Director Ireland reported that the overpass and walkway for the pedestrian path on Belleville Road over I-94 is open.
She reported the logo sign was damaged on site and MDOT is requiring that the sign be completely reproduced and the contractor has been informed.
Ireland said she has been informed that the pathway lighting by DTE has a completion date of Feb. 22.
She said to ensure compliance with snow and ice removal on the pedestrian overpass, the township has purchased and taken delivery of a new piece of equipment.
Publicity Report
Lothringer reported on her work with email outreach, social media, publicity pieces and advertisements.
The DDA meeting had a bare quorum, with absences by vice chairperson Carol Bird, Chris Brown, Joe Baskin, Dawn Chappell, and Vic Delibera. Present were chairman Craig Atchinson and directors Jim Chudzinski, Helen Foster, Mark Laginess, and Joyce Rochowiak, along with Supervisor Kevin McNamara.
Also present was intern Melissa Kalnasy.