Then & Now: Future Fenton Projects

Fenton Patch took a look at Fenton's history in We also looked at the present in Then & Now: Fenton Downtown Development Authority Helping Shape Future of Downtown. Now we look at some future projects for downtown Fenton.

Michigan Brewing Co. restaurant/brew pub

The that will eventually allow it to purchase the Old Fire Hall off South LeRoy Street. Its new restaurant and brew pub, , is causing excitement among downtown merchants.

Fenton's Open Book owner Karen Piacentini said she is looking forward to the Michigan Brewing Co. moving in.

Stacy Mielcarek, manager of , said she loves the idea of Michigan Brewing Co. moving in downtown. She's glad to see that a nearby church's opposition to it is ending.

An issue has been serving alcohol within 500 feet of the Fenton United Methodist Church, .

"The church filed an objection to MBC's application for small distilling and small brewing license," said Fenton Downtown Development Director Michael Burns. "However, they have met with MBC on addressing their concerns regarding their objection.

"To my understanding, both parties were able to work out the church's concerns, and there was a verbal agreement between the MBC and the church that the church would withdraw the objection of the liquor license," Burns said.

Streetscape project planned downtown

The streetscape project, scheduled for 2012, will include improvements to appearance, sidewalk enhancements and traffic calming mechanisms on LeRoy Street. It also includes plans to repave and reconstruct the roadways in downtown Fenton.

"What we are trying to do is create a more walkable downtown and make sure that traffic flows in a calm and proper manner (no roundabouts)," Burns said. "It's moving along. We have a new engineer, DPW (Department of Public Works) director and landscape architect since January. We have asked our new consultants to reduce approximately $1.2 million in the initial scope of landscaping for this project."

Burns said DPW Director Dan Czarnecki and the new consultants have recommended a different approach toward the conceptual phase of the project to make sure that the group is completing the project as cost-effectively as possible.

"Some things they are recommending are steps we knew needed to be addressed but previously thought should have been completed at the design phase of this project," Burns said.

"They believe that to have a proper concept for this project and make the necessary reductions, we need some better analysis of site conditions before a concept can be designed," he said. "They believe these need to be added now, and because of this, we will not have an improved concept until August."

Mielcarek, from Yesterday's Treasures, is happy to see the streetscape project planned. She asked for one 13 years ago and is glad to see improvements progressing.

Starting with would be a good plan, she said. If the downtown improves in appearance and pedestrian-friendliness, there will be a lot of people walking around, she believes.

Facade program to continue

There are approximately 16 eligible properties participating in this project, working with architect John Dziurman to develop facades that historically preserve their businesses.

"We have only received five assessments as to where the property owners can apply to the DDA for funding," Burns said. "We have about eight or nine more reports that really need to be completed as the work for them began last spring. The architectural reports are not being completed as fast as we had envisioned.

"The DDA, City Council and administration believed that we would be further along at this point and are frustrated that we have only received a portion of the reports by the architect," he said. "This is an issue that is being dealt with administratively, and we hope to have some of the projects begin later this year."

Through the Fenton Façade Improvement Program (FFIP), the Fenton DDA   supplies part of the funding for eligible façade improvements, signs and rehabilitation for historical buildings, or buildings in target areas of the DDA district.     

The program is to strengthen the economic viability of downtown Fenton, with funding incentives for improving existing buildings' exteriors. The FFIP is a chance to preserve the city's architectural heritage and "enhance the unique atmosphere of downtown Fenton" (www.cityoffenton.org). In addition, it's a way for the DDA to recruit and retain businesses in its district. A past project is in downtown Fenton.     

Buildings that are eligible for the facade program are located within the Dibbleville Development District. In addition, they can include buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries with similar historical significance and architectural style as qualifying structures that are within the Dibbleville Development District. Lastly, buildings located adjacent to these types of structures might be included in the program.     

Business owners work with Fenton's architectural consultant on the improvements, with a goal of historically preserving the building, Burns said. The improvements must meet design standards for the Downtown District.    

Once an applicant's plans meet site plan review, the DDA's Design Committee reviews applications for the facade program. The Design Committee submits a recommendation on applications to the DDA Board of Directors, based on whether an applicant meets the Downtown Design Guideline

Downtown events and marketing

This year, the DDA is sponsoring a

"We plan on hosting the the Farmers Market and the Summer Movie Series," Burns said.

The DDA also has provided a financial contribution for , a car cruise by the organizers of the Flint event, this August. The DDA will host its own new event, the on June 24, and plans are under way to create a First Friday event, Burns said. New Moon Visions of Milford, the city's marketing consultant, is working with community groups and businesses to hold a downtown event on the first Friday of each month.

There is a lot happening, and events such as the Art Walk and bringing restaurants to downtown Fenton will increase traffic and bring more people, said Marisa Birmingham, manager of Barking Babes Pet Boutique. "We really like what they're doing."

"I love the community events," said Terry Green, owner of Billmeier Camera Shop. "The Taste in Fenton and running races bring people who, hopefully, venture into downtown businesses."

But structuring events so more streets are open is important, Green believes. "Those attending the events need access, but so do shoppers who want to do business downtown."

But downtown business people say more improvements are needed.

Green said parking is a huge issue. He'd also like to see more downtown shops. The DDA purchased some of the buildings across from Billmeier Camera on LeRoy Street, and he'd like to see something happen there.

Downtown businesses report some good results from participating in the Be Closer campaign. Barking Babes has had good response to it, Birmingham said.

Piacentini, of Fenton's Open Book, said she believes the DDA is on the right track.

"I'd like to see more things down here now, but I know it's coming," she said.