January 29, 2021 By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
Officials are continuing to work on finding different ways to help and support businesses in the City of Howell during the pandemic.
The Howell Downtown Development Authority Board met virtually Wednesday night and Director Kate Litwin gave an update on efforts to support merchants and different grant opportunities. She noted the cash mob gift certificates handed out for people to spend at local businesses were well received and so far theyâve given away over $15,000 - which is $15,000 right back into the community. Litwin said it was very successful, especially for restaurants but also retailers who indicted people were spending above and beyond what they probably would have without the gift certificates.
December 10, 2020 By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
Negotiations continue between interested parties for a privately owned site that could be developed in the City of Howell.
The City is a Redevelopment Ready Certified community and has been engaging with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation on marketing and development potential for what has been dubbed the Cityâs main priority site. Referred to as the Holkins Lot, itâs a downtown block bounded by Walnut, Wetmore, Center and Clinton. Half of the property is currently owned by the Howell Carnegie District Library and half by local businessman Joe Parker. One of things being looked at is getting both owners to work together and perhaps sell both properties so that a development could come in for the entire block, instead of doing half at a time. However, any project involving redevelopment of the property for a use other than parking will need to address the libraryâs p