Investing in Elkton: Strategic Improvements for Businesses and Residents
If you have visited the Village of Elkton recently, you’ve probably noticed an array of exciting placemaking initiatives throughout the town. Just a quick look around and visitors are greeted with new wayfinding signage, water fountains with bottle filling stations, attractive branded trash cans, a memorial elk statue, and a downtown pocket park. These projects are more than just aesthetic improvements, they are strategic investments designed to make downtown more welcoming, functional, and attractive to visitors and residents.
We reached out to Phyllis Baranski with the Village of Elkton to understand the momentum and inspiration for all these positive changes. Phyllis was quick to point out that many of these initiatives have been spearheaded by the Village of Elkton Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The Village of Elkton DDA district encompasses a large portion of the Village, including all the park systems and all business districts. The Elkton DDA has an overarching goal of establishing a positive economic environment for residents and businesses, and works to accomplish three objectives
Improve the quality of life for residents
Improve the appearance of the district
Business development
These objectives are driving the visible change in downtown Elkton.
The inspiration for the projects came from the MSU Extension Tourism First Program, which was held in Elkton in 2017. In addition to the suggestions from the MSU Program, visits to other Michigan towns sparked the interest of DDA members to bring similar amenities to the Village of Elkton.
Phyllis shared that the Village Council has been very supportive in approving the projects, and continues to fund park improvements, which is key to the DDA’s success. These projects also would not have been possible without the guidance, installation, and maintenance from the Elkton DPW.
The DDA hopes the continued beautification of the downtown will keep current business owners in Elkton, and inspire other entrepreneurs and business owners to invest in Elkton. However, it’s important to note that the work of the DDA is not just downtown decor. Recently, the DDA made a donation towards the new sidewalk on the south side of M-142 leading to the new Dollar General, and donations towards the events/festivals that are held in Elkton, ensuring Elkton is a place to live, work, and visit.
All Elkton DDA meetings are posted and open to the public for anyone to give any input into projects and planning. The DDA Board consists of 9 members, including Council members, business owners, business employees, and a DDA district resident. The members interact with residents frequently at work and other social events, bringing community suggestions to the meetings.
For more information on all the great things happening in the Village of Elkton, please visit Village of Elkton.
