CALUMET — The village of Calumet Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Greenspace Committee has scheduled an informational session on the concept design for this project from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13, in the outdoor space next to the Calumet Theatre on Sixth Street, weather permitting.

“This will be a time for the public to review the design and ask questions,” said DDA Chairwoman Leah Polzien in an email.

The properties designated for the greenspace are located in the vacant lots at 325-329 Fifth Street. The property was donated to the DDA, with three stipulations, that must remain in place for 10 consecutive years:

1. Property must be kept tidy for 10 years.

2. Property must not be sold for 10 years.

3. Property must be used for public greenspace for 10 years.

The greenspace project has been divided into four phases to accept and develop the property.

In Phase One, the DDA formed the Calumet Greenspace Steering Committee to help guide the acquisition and development of the project, in spring 2019. The group decided to implement a phased approach to improvements to coincide with acquisition activities, with the initial phase focused on immediately improving the aesthetics of the property. This was achieved by grading the lots and planting grass. As of September 1st, 2019, a lawn is in place and the property is now owned by the Village of Calumet DDA.

Expenses listed under Phase One are:

Up to this point the project has received the following support:

• site work donated by Kalchich Construction, including grading and fill

• grass seed from Ace Hardware

• water access from Keary Ecklund via the former Thurner’s building supply lines, installed and with water continually donated to the project by Michigan American Water Co.

• labor to rake and seed from the Village of Calumet Sail Program students

• hose and sprinklers donated by Roxanne King

In addition to the donated labor and materials, the following has been spent or will be spent:

• $200 has been spent to purchase fencing, 2 sprinklers and 2 additional hoses used to establish lawn, materials are now property of the Village of Calumet.

• 2019 property taxes will be paid by the DDA

• A Phase 1 Environmental Survey, estimated to cost $1700-2500, will be commissioned by the DDA in order to meet state guidelines for property acquisition.

• Approximately $100 will be spent to place a temporary sign in the lot describing the project for the public.