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Comstock Center DDA Board Opening

The Comstock Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is seeking a business owner or resident who lives in the downtown DDA district to volunteer on the DDA Board. The new board member would serve a four-year term beginning in 2025.

Here is your chance to provide direct input in downtown beautification projects, planning events, business assistance/development and to help lead the Comstock Center Riverfront Redevelopment Plan. Come work with a passionate DDA team of local business owners and residents in creating a vibrant destination for the Comstock community.

The Comstock Center DDA regularly meets every 4th Wednesday of the month at 5:30 PM at the new Township Hall. An overview of DDA goals and priorities can be found at www.comstockmi.gov/downtown-development-authority 

Please Contact Steve Deisler, Comstock Center DDA Director for further details at:

Comstock township: 5858 King Hwy; Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Phone: 269-381-2360 Ext. 130
Email: sdeisler@comstockmi.gov

To apply online fill out the DDA Board Member Application at
https://comstockmi.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Boards-and-Commissions-DDA-Board-Application-FILLABLE.pdf

Welcome to the

CONTACT INFORMATION

Steve Deisler, DDA Executive Director

269-381-2360 ext. 130

(269) 381-4382

sdeisler@comstockmi.gov

New Housing Coming Soon

Lofts on Riverside Underway in Comstock Center

Renovation of the former IOOF building located at 107 N. 26th St. in Comstock Center is under construction. The residential lofts will contain four affordable apartments overlooking Peer Park and the River. The project developer, Andy Schippers, has been working with Comstock Township and the Kalamazoo County Housing Authority to secure permits and financing for the project over the last 10 months to help meet the significant housing demand in the County. Estimated completion of the project is late spring 2025.

The Comstock Center DDA encourages you to shop and visit all the downtown businesses this holiday season and in 2025!

Comstock Center Vision Moving Forward!

At their October 21 meeting, the Downtown Development Authority unveiled an updated Comstock Center Riverfront Redevelopment Concept Plan.  See below for two conceptual site plan renderings and click HERE to view the full presentation.

Downtown Development Authority/ Tax Increment Financing

The Township established a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) in 2019. A map of the DDA boundaries is below. The DDA district allows the Township to capture taxes from other taxing jurisdictions through Tax Increment Financing and use them for improvements within the boundaries of the district to increase property values, promote economic development, eliminate causes of deterioration and improve the vitality of the area.

The DDA is run by a governing board appointed by the Township Supervisor with approval of the Township Board. The Township Supervisor is automatically a member. The DDA Board is required to prepare an  annual budget showing the proposed expenditures for the year. The Township Board must approve the DDA’s budget. The DDA Board is authorized to hire a Director, but only with the approval of the Township Board.

Board Members

Sandra Katje, Chair
Jonathan Koets, Vice Chair
Jeffrey Townsend, Secretary/Treasurer
Benjamin Martin, Township Supervisor
John Gisler, Kalamazoo County Commission Liaison
Keith Wilcher, DDA District Resident
Evan Kowalski
Andy Schippers

Meeting Minutes

Downtown Development Authority Minutes & Agenda

Documents

Downtown Development and Tax Increment Financing Plan
Comstock Center Place Plan for Redevelopment and Prosperity
DDA ByLaws- Updated July 2023
2022 Economic Development and Marketing Strategy
2022 DDA Mission and Vision Statement
DDA Director Position Description

Activities of the DDA

Informational Meeting Notices

2023 Comstock Center Goals and Priorities

Annual Synopsis of DDA Activities and Events

Beautify Comstock Center Initiative

PA-57 Report Informational Meetings



Current Contracts/ RFPs

Planter and Gateway Maintenance contract

Banner Contract – Annual contract with Sign Art to hang seasonal banners on light poles in DDA.

Environmental Site Assessments – In partnership with the DDA, the Kalamazoo County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority awarded a contract with Fishbeck to complete a Phase I and II assessment for the proposed Riverfront Redevelopment Project area.

Planning and Design – As a certified Redevelopment Ready Community, the MEDC has awarded a contract to Beckett Raeder Inc. for revised planning and design plans for the proposed Riverfront Redevelopment Project.

Market Assessments – As a certified Redevelopment Ready Community, the MEDC has awarded a contract to LandUse USA to update retail and residential market assessments for the DDA area.


Budget, Financial Reports & Grants

2025 Annual Budget
2024 Annual Budget
2023 Annual Budget
2022 Annual Budget
2021 Annual Budget
2020 Annual Budget
2024 Annual Audit (available June 2025)
2023 Annual Audit
2022 Annual Audit
2021 Annual Audit
2020 Annual Audit
2019 Annual Audit

DDA Newsletter

You can find the Comstock Center DDA Newsletter online.

DDA Events
  • 2024 Events at Merrill Park:
    • Memorial Day Parade – The parade will be held on Monday, May 27, 2024 at 11 am. 
    • The New Parks & Recreation Farmers Market – The Farmers Markets will begin June 3, 2024 and will be held every Monday (3 pm – 7 pm) through September 30th.
    • National Night Out – This event will occur on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.
    • Comstock Center Paddle and Pour is coming!  A FREE riverfront summer festival with live music, great food, summer beverages, and recreation on Friday, August 9, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Merrill Park.  See the event page more details:  A FREE Kalamazoo Riverside Summer Festival (miwaterwaysstewards.org).  Click HERE to watch a short video recap of Paddle and Pour produced by Public Media Network.
    • 2024 Fall Fest – “Family and Flowers” – The 3rd Annual Fall Fest is scheduled for Saturday, September 28, 2024, from noon to 3:00 p.m.  More details to come.
  • 2024 DDA Business Events:
    • Holiday Open House – Kate’s Corner Cupboard, located at 309 River Street, will be hosting a Holiday Open House on Friday and Saturday, November 15 and 16.  Refreshments will be served and door prizes will be awarded.  Click HERE for more details.

  • All Comstock Center businesses are encouraged to check out the DDA’s Façade Improvement Program. Matching grants are available for storefront repairs, signage and outdoor seating platforms. Check out the program by clicking the link:  Facade Improvement Program

  • Spring flower planters will be out on the sidewalks in early June. Look for six additional planters to be placed on King Hwy. and River St.  Thanks to River St. Flowerland, Wenke Greenhouse and Sportel Greenhouse for their support.

  • The DDA Board is asking all businesses that have refuse dumpsters to please lock them up to prevent trash pickers from accessing the garbage.