How increasing property values help revitalize downtown Farmington
In small cities like Farmington, the downtown is everything. The small, 2.7 square mile community uses its popular downtown to draw in residents and visitors for meals at independent restaurants, movies at the charming Civic Theater and getting fresh air at Riley Park.
The downtown development authority, or DDA, is financed through property taxes. As property values rise, some of the extra tax revenue is funneled to the DDA through tax increment financing (TIF) to help keep the place thriving.
“It’s been a highly effective means to reinvest in our downtown, Kate Knight, Farmington s DDA director, said.
The old Maxfield Training Center property is one step closer to getting developed.
Farmington City Council voted 4-1 during a special meeting March 4 to move forward with Robertson Brothers proposal to build 59 townhomes on the three-acre space. Mayor Sara Bowman cast the dissenting vote.
Robertson s proposal was one of two finalists council chose from four interested developers. The other finalist, River Caddis Development, was proposing 124 apartment units. I hope Robertson Brothers comes with a design that will compliment the historic district, City Manager David Murphy said. That s a transitional area between the historic district and downtown.
Some argued Robertson, based in Bloomfield Hills, and its owner-occupied townhomes will better fit in with the nearby historical district. As the proposal stands, the townhomes would include two bedrooms and a single-car garage. Robertson s plan also prioritizes pedestrian access to downtown and Shiawassee Park.