DDA committee outlines communications and temporary parking plans ahead of downtown lot construction

The Lapeer Downtown Development Authority Executive Committee discussed steps to reduce disruption from a planned downtown parking-lot reconstruction expected to begin in mid-May, including targeted communications to businesses, temporary 15-minute parking signage and outreach to nearby institutions for alternate parking.

Staff (Speaker 1) said the city invited DDA staff to pre-construction meetings and that communications — including two versions of a downtown newsletter (one for businesses and one for the public) and a parking map — will be distributed before work begins. The DDA plans temporary 15-minute parking on some blocks to increase turnover for short visits while the lot is closed, though members noted enforcement and manpower will limit how strictly those spaces can be policed initially.

Business-development committee members said clearer, frequent communication is the top mitigation priority. A contractor update circulated to the board suggested the construction window might be reduced from 90 days to roughly 50 days, but members cautioned that dates and timing remain tentative. Members also discussed using underutilized municipal lots and asking large local employers and nearby schools to shift employee parking to more distant lots during peak construction periods.

The committee tasked staff with finalizing communication materials and parking maps for distribution and with continuing coordination with the city and contractor. Staff also said they will record a short informational video and push updates via the revived downtown newsletter and social channels.

Next steps: staff to publish the newsletter and parking map prior to mid-May construction start, continue contractor coordination and pursue outreach to nearby institutions to reduce peak-time congestion.