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| December 2009 |
Vol 4, Issue 12 |
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Looking Back...2009
People always say, "Can you believe how fast this year flew by?" But, seriously, can you? Although you can't live in the past, an important part of moving forward into the New Year is reflecting on the year about to end; to learn and acknowledge all that has taken place.
2009 has been a year of projects large and small from the Only One Allegan DVD and web site to the 2nd Street Bridge maintenance to the JayCee Park Skate Park construction and more. It has also been a year of more events and activities than ever before. Movies in the park, art in the garden, July 3 Jubilee, Old Iron Bridge Motorcycle Show, Allegan Fly-In, and Hometown Halloween, are just a few of the many events.
Pondering all that 2009 has accomplished, it is exciting to contemplate the collaborations and accomplishments to be acheived in 2010.
Thanks for reading! | |
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| Making Spirits Brighter Than Ever! |
 Festive Friday December 18:
In addition to extended hours, the downtown area will offer FREE horse drawn wagon rides, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hot chocolate, and gift wrapping! These events will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
This year, two horse drawn wagons will be making their way through downtown. One wagon will be a non-stop "Downtown Tour" which will depart from in front of City Hall on Locust Street. The second wagon will be a frequently-stopping "Downtown Trolley" and will make stops at the Regent Theatre, the corner of Trowbridge and Water Street, the Mill District, and the corner of Hubbard and Locust Street. Free wagon rides are sponsored by the Allegan Downtown Development Authority and Baker Studios of Allegan.
Visits with Santa will be held inside the B&C Emporium on Trowbridge Street, and Mrs. Claus will be visiting with children of all ages as she shops throughout the downtown area, sponsored by the Allegan Downtown Development Authority and Reflexions Plus. Be sure to bring your camera to take pictures of your child with Santa. Free hot chocolate sponsored by the Downtown Bakery & Deli, Allegan General Hospital, Auto Zone, and Ace Hardware will be available at the Downtown Bakery & Deli on Locust. Free gift wrapping sponsored by Curves will be located at 340 Water Street.
The "Spirit of Adventure" will be celebrated as over 20 downtown shops and restaurants provide a downtown treasure hunt like no other! The treasure hunt will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., and the more treasures found, the more money will be saved! Participants finding all the treasures will be entered to win one of two Grand Prizes. Grand Prizes include "An Evening on the Town" gift certificate and a one year family membership to the Regent Theatre.
Santa Lunches: Wouldn't it be nice if you could sit down with Santa for lunch and tell him exactly what you wanted for Christmas? Well, you can in downtown Allegan! The final lunch with Santa for the season will be held on December 19, at Pizza Hut (269.673.5555). Tickets for "Lunch with Santa" are $6.00 and include a free Regent movie pass for a 2:00 p.m. show. Please contact the restaurant for reservations for this event.
FREE Regent Movies:
Downtown Allegan realizes the holiday season is about family, and money can get a little tight, so the Regent Theatre will be offering free 2:00 p.m. movies while the kids are off from school for Christmas Break. Night at the Museum 2 is sure to get the entire family into the Christmas spirit, and will be playing from December 21 through December 24. The Regent will be closed Christmas Day. Starting December 28 through January 1, Ice Age 3 will be offered as the free matinee. |
| Allegan to Receive Small Urban Area Federal Transportation Funding |
 The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced that Allegan is one of the small urban areas to receive federal transportation funding. The Small Urban Program, which is an approach unique to Michigan, invests federal dollars in small urban communities throughout the state to make transportation improvements.
"This transportation program will improve roadways and public transit in 28 communities stretching from Adrian to Houghton," said Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm. "These improvements will support economic development in these communities and new jobs for Michigan citizens."
The Allegan project will focus on Hooker Road from the City limits to Eastern Avenue. Reconstruction funding was awarded in the amount of $216,000 and requires a 20 percent City match. The funds, distributed through MDOT, will be available at the start of the department's 2011 fiscal year, which begins on Oct. 1.
More information on the Small Urban Program and a complete list of projects is available online at: www.michigan.gov/mdotsmallurban. |
| Aubrey's Closet |
 With a few months downtown under her belt, Robin DeBoer of Aubrey's Closet, 118 Locust Street, is very pleased with the move from her M-89 location, where she operated for one year. The response from other merchants has been very positive and supportive. The location in the former JC Penny's building has provided higher visibility and activity for DeBoer.
The group of steadily increasing consigners, now more than 250, ensures an amazing selection of items for infants through young adults. The shop offers name brand quality at incredibly affordable prices. Aubrey's provides much more than clothing. Bargains abound on baby furniture, toys, children's books, shoes, boots, maternity clothing, and more.
Aubrey's Closet is a participant in the Allegan Holiday Treasure Hunt, "Spirit of Adventure" Festive Friday on December 18. Regular business hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.; Closed on Wednesdays & Sundays. For more information, call Robin DeBoer at 269.673.5385. |
| Downtown Progress...Inside & Out |
 Improvements to the downtown Allegan area are obvious for all to see. Much credit is due to those individuals with a commitment to the Community and a vision to see it's potential. Even in these times of economic uncertainty, financial investment in downtown continues to move forward.
The number of Downtown Development Authority Façade Grant projects and private investment dollars rose significantly during 2009. Some of the factors driving the increase are 2007 revisions to the program which increased the match available, increased efforts to promote the program, and the visible positive impact the program has encouraged, most notable the 217 Hubbard Street location with additional attention from the ACRDC Second Story Residential Use program funded by MSHDA.
On Monday, December 14, the 217 Hubbard Street location held an open house to celebrate the second story residential improvements which offers two single bedroom apartments, each complete with appliances; including washer & dryer, not to mention great views of the downtown and the riverfront area. Applications for potential renters can be obtained at ACRDC located on Water Street, across from the Perrigo Company Store. For more information contact Susan Servantes at ACRDC 269.673.5472 extension 269.
Some have preferred not to pursue the Façade Grant Program, investing immediately...thank you! These types of investments not only pay off in the immediate appearance of the space, but also encourage others to pursue building physical improvements.
During the last five years, the DDA Façade Grant Program has supported downtown exterior improvement and restoration projects with over $55,000 - combined with the provided match, that represents over $144,000 of downtown enhancements. The DDA budgeted $50,000 in the current year, with $32,527 remaining. If you are interested in more information regarding the DDA Façade Grant Program please visit Downtown Allegan or call Vicki Knuckles at 269.217.8604. |
| Downtown Decorations |
 Alva Morgan, Middle School Teacher, and Laurie Courtney, Department of Public Works, worked together to organize the middle school tree decorations in Downtown Allegan. The L.E. White Middle School students participate in the decorating of the trees and have been doing so for over 8 years.
These custom, personalized trees are the result of the student's efforts to create each decoration and walk the downtown to give the trees the personal touch. The students like to have a part in the decorating, and it gives them a connection to the downtown. Some bring their parents downtown to show them which tree they decorated.
All of the small trees in the planters are donated from Badger Evergreen. The four large trees in front of City Hall are donated from Armintrout's and Badger Nurseries. Jude Hardin completed some additional decorating as well. Many hours of detailed care was provided by the Department of Public Works to set the trees and place the lights. The downtown indeed looks brighter than ever!
A BIG thank you to Ms. Morgan, students, Badger, Armintrout's, Jude Hardin, Aaron Haskins & Staff of the Department of Public Works, and the Downtown Development Authority for their part in making Allegan's sprits bright this Holiday season! |
| "A-Line" Service Extended |
 A bus route connecting Eastern Avenue with downtown Allegan began on Tuesday, October 13. The bus stops include the Eastern Avenue apartment complexes, Perrigo's Corporate offices, Ravines Senior Housing, Village Market, the Perrigo Outlet Store, and the post office.
Due to the success of the A-Line, the route will continue to serve on a continuous loop from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Fridays through January 29. A pilot program, the A-Line began as a free service to the riders. It is also "green": more people using a single vehicle will reduce emissions, fuel consumption, and ease traffic congestion.
This project is sponsored by the DDA (Downtown Development Authority), Allegan County Transportation, The Perrigo Foundation, and the Allegan Area Chamber of Commerce. |
| City of Allegan Committee Openings |
 The City of Allegan is actively seeking candidates for openings on several boards and commissions. All candidates must able to provide a commitment to help guide the City in a variety of initiatives and able to attend meetings on the appointed dates and times of each board or commission.
Downtown Development Authority
Meets the second Thursday of each month at the Griswold Auditorium
401 Hubbard Street
Arts & Entertainment Action Committee
Meets the second Wednesday of each month at the Griswold Auditorium
401 Hubbard Street
Parks Commission
Meets the first Tuesday of each month at the Griswold Auditorium
401 Hubbard Street
All interested parties are encouraged to submit their letter of interest by December 23, 2009 to:
Robert Hillard, City Manager
City Hall
112 Locust Street
Allegan MI 49010 |
| Looking Good! |
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 A BIG thank you to all of the businesses that have worked hard this year to keep their storefront fresh and sparkling! In December, their where so many amazing and festive displays, that it is simply impossible to select one, or even two!
In the spirit of giving this Holiday Season, all downtown businesses qualify for one month free advertising on the Regent screen! Whether you currently advertise on the Regent screen or not, simply contact Vicki Knuckles at vknuckles@cityofallegan.org or 269.217.8604 and express your interest by January 31, 2010, to participate.
Keep up the great work! |
| Downtown Development Authority |
 The DDA is stepping back and reviewing goals for 2010 in the month of December for future budget and other considerations. The DDA has sub-committees focusing on Physical Design, Promotions, Economic Restructuring and Organization, as well as the regular DDA board. The next DDA Board meeting is scheduled for January 14, 2010.
Current members serving are: Colleen Banks, Steve Tibbitts, Dan Gratz, Lovedia Stap, Linda Clark, Rick Smith, Tonya Goodenough, Tom Hardin, Roger Bird, Kyle Baxter, and Larry Ross. Please talk to a DDA member and make suggestions. |
| Events & Happenings |
Festive Friday Events
Downtown Allegan
(see article above for details)
Lunches with Santa
Dec 19 - Pizza Hut 673.5555
FREE 2pm Shows at the Regent!
Dec 21-24 Night at the Museum 2: Battle for the Smithsonian
Dec 28 - Jan 1 Ice Age 3 | |
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Ideas, Suggestions, or Comments. . . The Connector is distributed the third Tuesday of each month. If you have article ideas, suggestions, or upcoming events you would like included in the Events & Happenings, or if you would just like to comment on the Allegan Connector, please do! Feedback about the Connector or how to make it better is appreciated and can be emailed to vknuckles@cityofallegan.org Sincerely, Vicki Knuckles City of Allegan Downtown Coordinator |
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