Your Downtown Connection miportland.org AUGUST 2019

Portland Downtown Board of Directors

Cory Grimminck Chairperson Charlsie Abel Vice Chair James Barnes Treasurer Margery Briggs Secretary

Contact Us: 517-647-5027 tinacw@portland-michigan.org

B&W Auto Supply ^ Divine Auto Body ^ Coldwell Banker Frewen Realty Michigan Steel & Trim ^ Olivera’s ^ Portland Products

PFCU ^ Sandborn Real Estate ^ TriCounty Collision/Glass Masters Durrant Brothers Construction ^ Exit Realty, Lori Dankers ^ Fabiano’s

G&B Pool & Spa ^ Hot Shots ^ J-Dubb’s Signature Subs ^ Joe’s Auto Svc Law Ofc. Duff Chadwick ^ Living Loved Wellness ^ Madarang Hoort Law PFCU ^ Prime Contracting ^ Reed & Hoppes ^ Vintage Tanning Parlor

Worldwide Marine Insurance

Bell's ^ Brickhaven

ConfluxCity Brewing

Crankers ^ Dimes Brewhouse

Eagle Monk ^ Ellison Brewery

Grand Armory Brewing

Gravel Bottom ^ Lansing Brewing

Looking Glass Brewing

Modern Craft Wines Saugatuck Brewing ^ St. Julian’s

Uncle John’s Hard Cider

Craft Beer, Wine and Cider @ Veterans Memorial Bridge on the banks of the relaxing Grand River… Food Truck Favorites and Live Music featuring Shelby & Jake, and Skip and the Dude :)

Voted Peoples Choice for Best Local Event, Beerfest on the Bridge is a great day of sampling over 50 varieties of MI Craft Beer, Wine & Cider from 14 breweries, 2 cideries, winery blends!!

Tickets are selling out fast, get yours soon at Portland Party Store or online beeronbridge.com Advance Tickets: This year’s tasting glasses and designated driver pint glasses feature commemora-tive Sesquicentennial logo’s! Tickets Day of the Event are at the gate only and increase $10—save by purchasing ahead.

On top of the drinks, food and music, there is something new this year to celebrate Portland’s 150th birthday. Beerfest on the Bridge will include a contest that invites attendees to don the garb from their favorite decade or time period — and everyone to vote for their favorite. Prizes are given in Portland Prime Gift Certificates; 1st place $75 2nd place $50, and 3rd place $25; choose between over 20 businesses to spend them at. Be sure to come to Beerfest dressed to dazzle!

ROAD CLOSURES: Thank you for your understanding! * BRIDGE ST. From Water/Canal St to Kent St 2pm Friday Aug 10 Sunday Aug 12, 11am.

* WATER ST. From Grand River to Bridge St. Saturday Aug 11 Noon to 10pm

Tom Antaya Tutt Gorman Leo Madarang Dr Jason Williamson

We are pleased to Welcome Our Two New Board Members

Charlsie Abel

Has served as Chair of our Organization & Finance team.

Dr. Jason Williamson

Serves with our Organization & Finance Team, coordinates

Volunteer Appreciation and cheer-fully lends a hand to promote a Positive Portland outlook. Dr Jason is the well respected owner/operator of Portland Family Chiropractic.

Charlsie recently worked for Down-town Lansing and currently works with the State of MI. She is a strong voice for Portland Downtown residents, as she and her husband are raising their family here.

Story by Kurt Fedewa Your Downtown Connection AUGUST 2019

Contact Us: 517-647-5027 miportland.org Tinacw@portland-michigan.org

There’s been a lot of trash talk, about trash, and parking, and the condition of buildings in our historic district. We’ve been listening, We hear You, we all want the best for Portland. Everyone wants Portland to be resilient and remain competitive in the marketplace of property values and rents, and to be seriously considered by developers and entrepreneurs who may be looking to invest here. The DDA will be working closely with the City to ensure these issues are properly addressed.

Trash and recycle containers were never meant to ‘adorn’ our historic downtown sidewalks 24/7-365, or sidewalks anywhere in our city. We have worked with our teams, our departments, and our partners to find a reasonable solution for Kent St Historic District residents. A decision has been made to establish a central location for disposal.

Parking is a problem in every downtown. Timed parking limits help business owners keep spaces available for clients. Portland has a 2 hour parking during the hours of 8am to 5pm, and an overnight parking ordinance exist on Kent and Bridge Streets. Enforcement of these will be phased in over the next couple of months.

And then there’s the street level commercial space being used as storage, chipping and peeling paint, deteriorating awnings, warped plywood and other substandard materials, and crumbling bricks that become a hazard. Simple things like the entrance to a business filled with spiderwebs, dirty windows, and un-swept debris. The City is working to update the Inter-national Property Maintenance Code to help address these matters. The DDA is hoping to establish a culture where sensible property owners are understanding that a little work can go a long way. Basic upkeep is less costly than resulting repairs and helps property values remain stable or appreciate.

This is an exciting time for our community as we set the stage for future growth by working together. As each component is developed, more detailed information will be made available. For anyone with questions or concerns—please reach out to Tina or the City Manager directly.

Find Complete Info on these

Events & More—

miportland.org/events

Post your events online to the miportland.org calendar to have them shared here! Friendship Meals for Seniors Wed & Thursdays Thursday’s on the Grand— Live Music at the Bandshell Summer Movie Series at Portland District Library

Friends and Families are having FUN entering the Scavenger Hunt and Passport together! Play to win, entries accepted through Sept 9.

Keep a watch for when the historic walking tour is announced!

Pre-Register: Canoe~Kayak Parade—Parks & Rec AUGUST 24!! Baking Competition - $1,800 in prizes being awarded! Get your favorite dessert entered :) Artists & Crafters— booth applica- tions still being taken. Farm to Table Dinner— limited early tickets still available $35/pp Regular pricing $45/pp OR $160/group of four

Lot’s more coming your way— Petting Zoo * Bubble Bumper Ball Inflatables * Carnival Foods Parade * Fireworks * Live Music & Dancing * High Wheeler Bikes

Antique Road Show—One item appraised per person. Bring a second for evaluation if the item if is tied to Portland History. No stamps, coins or firearms, please.

Let’s Talk Trash … and Parking,

And Property Maintenance