VBT DDA approves more funds for the Placemaking project

At its regular meeting June 24, the Van Buren Township Downtown Development Authority approved spending $33,826.10 more for the Placemaking project, now under construction behind the Remerica business at 10151 Belleville Rd.
DDA Executive Director Susan Ireland proposed the following change orders:
• Adding attic sheathing for $3,668.50;
• Pressure-treating the wood in the truss and bearing beams of the canopy with a wood preservative for $3,162.50;
• Adding a floor hatch in the mechanical room to access the crawl space from inside the building, $1,707.75;
• Adding heavy-duty garage door opener because of the weight of the garage doors selected, $2,454.10;
• Adding ADA accessible high-low water fountain, as required, for $9,867. Since a water fountain originally was located in the third building and that building is not being constructed it was necessary to install it inside of the building and make closet modifications; and
• Replacing the asphalt removed from the Remerica property and hauled off site for manhole modifications while doing the sewer tap, and sealing and striping the remainder of the parking lot to make up for the inconvenience caused to this business for $12,966.25. DDA vice chairwoman Carol Bird was allowed to abstain from this decision because she had a direct conflict of interest.
The construction contingency fund now stands at $73,127.82.
Ireland also requested the DDA purchase the furniture for the main Placemaking building from HLF Furniture in an amount not to exceed $50,000 from Capital Outlay and also approve transfer of $24,000 from Capital Outlay for internet and security equipment, vacuum, broom, cleaning products, wall monitor for the conference room, and other necessary operating supplies.
HLF Furniture of VBT was the high bidder at $45,176, even with the 5% allowance given to local bidders. American Interiors was $38,652.85 and National Business Furniture bid $38,822.65, without shipping or installation.
Ireland said HLF also has furnished McDonalds Offices, New World Trade Center, National Association of Builders, Avenues of the World School in New York City, Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Microsoft, Michigan State University, University of Michigan, Red Bull Headquarters, Screen Actors and Writers Guild, Athletic Department of the University of Georgia and Foxborough, Massachusetts City Hall.
Ireland reported that at the Placemaking project, the approaches have been poured, exterior doors and windows installed, drywall put in place, stone and brick work almost completed, fencing put up in back, and the stamped concrete just poured.
In other business at the June 24 meeting, the DDA:
• Heard Ireland say she is looking into the possibility of putting two trash receptacles and two benches along the new pedestrian pathway over I-94. MDOT has a long list or requirements and the DDA has to make sure these items can’t be thrown onto the freeway. The drainage issues on the path, where the sandbags were put, are being addressed;
• Heard Ireland report some of the locust trees in the Belleville Road streetscape had bagworms and one oak tree by Meijer is showing signs of Oak Wilt and that tree will be removed. Two maples appear to have Verticillium Wilt and may not survive. The tree by Atchinson Ford that was struck and tied up with rope appears to be surviving. A few trees need to come down near the former DNR site;
• Heard Ireland report that Halophane finally sent her replacement part numbers for decorative light poles so replacements can be ordered. She said the recent accident that took out a light pole in front of McDonald’s will have to wait until the new replacements can be ordered;
• Approved the DDA financial audit of fiscal year 2018 completed by Plante Moran; and
• Heard Assistant DDA Executive Director Lisa Lothringer report on her many projects promoting the district.