The Future of Downtown Ypsilanti and The Local Ann Arbor Area Real Estate Market
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority consultants, HyettPalma, of Alexandria VA recently release their report regarding a five-year strategic development plan for Ypsilanti. According to Brain Vosburg, director of the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority, the study can be summed up by eight guidelines:
- While physical improvements to downtown Ypsilanti have made great strides, more is needed. Business development and marketing is the next step.
- Cooperation among the supporting downtown organizations is key. Great things will continue to happen if all the vested players work together.
- Resources are necessary. The DDA is responsible for creating a vital downtown, government and local organizations should continue to support this effort.
- Proactive steps are necessary to cement the growing success story of Ypsilanti. Many positive changes are paving the way.
- Embrace change and new trends. Ypsilanti's downtown center is being transformed by new ideas and positive changes, the town and its people need to continue to support this movement.
- Strive to be unique. Ypsilanti should be different than neighboring Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Northville and Plymouth. High quality locally owned establishments are key.
- Enlist the professionals. Critical matters merit the advice of professionals. Large capital projects will need input regarding marketing, parking and traffic flow.
- Fresh leadership and new voices should be embraced. With generational and business changes should come new participants and new ideas. The board should be supportive.
