City of Lathrup Village. Downtown Development Authority. March Directors Meeting.

The City of Lathrup Village Downtown Development Authority held its March 20, 2026 meeting, focusing on several procurement and budget-related topics. Key discussions included the allocation of an ARPA grant for ADA improvements, with plans to award a contract to the prime contractor Game Time by mid-year. The board also reviewed and approved contracts for the Leather Village Music Festival, including a $6,100 contract for stage lighting and sound services with Neil Sever and a $1,440 contract for face painters to enhance the family fun zone. Additionally, a multi-year beautification project was discussed, with approval to purchase perennials from Michigan Natives for $1,457.50 to improve city hall grounds within the DDA district. The meeting also covered a proposed cost-sharing agreement between the DDA and the city, reflecting increased maintenance costs for I-696 and planning consultant fees, with a total budget of approximately $533,500 in revenue and $490,000 in expenditures. The board emphasized that all festival and event costs are covered by sponsorships, not city funds. Other topics included zoning flexibility to support small-scale manufacturing businesses, efforts to activate vacant commercial spaces, and ongoing code enforcement to improve corridor aesthetics. No votes were taken on the cost-sharing agreement during this meeting, but other contract approvals were passed unanimously.