GAYLORD -- City officials hope to create a downtown database detailing open business and upper-level space, access to parking, vehicle traffic and other useful information to help market the heart of Gaylord’s shopping district to out-of-town interests.

The plan would involve hiring a management intern to take on the project, which will “take a tremendous amount of effort” and will assemble a commercial marketing plan for downtown Gaylord, according to City Manager Joe Duff.

Duff has received approval from city council and will seek permission from the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) -- each of which would equally share the cost of the project and intern’s salary -- before he hires anyone. DDA chairman Robert McNamara Sr. was unavailable for comment Tuesday.

Gaylord resident David Fisher will likely fill the position. Duff said Fisher initially approached him with the idea of the project and city officials have since elaborated on the job. The hire would not be finalized until January. Desired qualifications for the position include a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.

The intern would review every building between Elm Avenue and the railroad tracks in the B-1 zoned district and beyond; would assess uses of upper levels; determine amount of living space in those buildings; identify a rate of vacancy in those buildings; take a traffic count; and create a map detailing nearness of parking spaces to potential new business places (see related story for job details). They would work with building owners as well as a number of city officials and the DDA board.

“What we’ll have is a specific database for our downtown with a primary focus on zero lot-line buildings — those that use municipal parking or small lease areas” Duff said.

The project would help business and building owners find the best uses for their property and market empty space to out-of-town businesses looking to expand or move to Gaylord.

“I know it will be a tremendous help for us,” Duff added. “If nothing else, we’ll come away with a catalog for downtown, plus an ability to reach out to those people.”

He said brochures and Web sites publishing the collected information would be the next steps.

The project will likely stretch from January through July, with the intern working 3 to 4 days per week and earning a stipend of $500 a month. Total salary is expected to be $3,500. Additional costs, including illustrations and plan documents, graphic design services and printing, are estimated at $10,500.

Commercial Marketing Plan, downtown Gaylord: This task is going to take a tremendous amount of effort. It will require the individual to review each and every building from Elm Avenue to the railroad tracks in the B-1 district and beyond. This area is considered the central business district and is also the heart of downtown Gaylord.

A comprehensive review of the district’s zoning will be the first step. Familiarity of the district, its uses and perimeters or geographic boundaries is essential. Also essential is the review of the existing public parking plan and parking lot locations. This is an essential part of this district and one which makes it unique and special. Businesses in this district can change from one use to another freely, with the exception being when utilities are involved. A review of the water and sanitary sewer use ordinances and the capital fee issue is something that may need to be included in the review.

• Housing: Another critical piece of information is what buildings and properties provide housing on the upper floors. How many units are available and what is the quality of our downtown housing are important pieces of any review.

• Vacancy rate: A determination of the rate of vacancy in our downtown business district is essential. What kind of space is available and for what uses? What is the lease value and arrangements? What are the terms of the lease? Are utilities included or not? What about renovations?

In order for a true plan to be developed these are essential: a sketch plan, layout and photographs are important. We’d also need the permission and ability of the owner to share this information and determine specific use requirements. If no restaurant is desired, we do not seek a restaurant, etc. This will require meeting with existing owners and gaining access into each building.

Also, learning whether or not the property is for sale or could be for sale is an important first step. If the property is for sale, we also need to know pricing and terms.

• Identify key elements: We’d then need to work with key professionals to assist in putting illustration pieces together. For example: parking maps with number of spaces identified and their location. Other useful maps include ownership of each property and what business is taking place at each property.

The maps and illustrations will be used at parking lots and on Main Street to illustrate to visitors where they are and how to get to their favorite shops.

• Traffic count: Research through Michigan Department of Transportation and the Otsego County Road Commission traffic counts in downtown. This information could illustrate to potential new businesses the volume of traffic going by every day. Traffic data for other downtown streets would also be sought.

• Commercial Marketing Plan detail: A document consisting of the information, photographs and data assembled would be produced and sent to potential new businesses in the area and beyond to show the benefits of locating their business in downtown Gaylord. City staff and publication could be present at commercial and retail trade shows; and visits with potential new developers and property owners could be arranged.

• Key individuals to work with: Karen Clark, Human Resources Director; Debbie Dunham, City Assessor; Becky Curtis, City Clerk and Zoning Administrator; DDA Board of Directors; Gaylord City Council.

Source: Gaylord City Manager Joe Duff

• Visitor Comments

No comments posted.