Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a DDA?

A: In 1975, the Michigan Legislature created Act 197, which allows communities to establish a Downtown Development Authority. According to the Act, the purpose of a DDA includes:

• Correcting and preventing deterioration in business districts.
• Encouraging historic preservation.
• Authorizing the creation and implementation of development plans in the districts.
• Promoting the economic growth of the districts.
• Creating a Downtown Development Authority Board.

DDAs may raise revenue for physical improvements through several methods, including: tax increment financing, issuing revenue bonds, tax levy, and grants.

The primary goal of the Commerce Township Downtown Development Authority is to promote and preserve the economic health and stability of the Township.

Q: How can I find out more about what the DDA is doing?

A: The DDA board meetings are open to the public. They are held the third Tuesday of every month at noon in the town hall, 2009 Township Drive. You can also learn more about the DDA’s activities through the DDA’s newsletter, The VOICE which is delivered by mail, available at the town hall and also on this web site in the Newsletters section.

Q: When will construction begin on Martin Road and how will this impact residents?

A: Construction began in 2007. Because the road will run through the Links at Pinewood and El Dorado golf courses, the construction impact to residents has been and will continue to be minimal. The reduction of traffic congestion will be quite helpful.

Q: What is the DDA doing to alleviate traffic problems?

A: In 2007, the first step in a huge transportation project to dramatically improve the environment, traffic and property values within Commerce Township began with the upgrade from M-5 to Welch Road on Pontiac Trail which was widened to five lanes to better accommodate traffic flow. A few months later in 2008, construction of Martin Parkway began near M-5 at Pontiac Trail. When complete, Martin Parkway will be a four-lane 35 mph boulevard with four roundabouts from M-5 to Oakley Park Road and a bridge over wetlands at the center of the property. The extension will help alleviate traffic congestion on Welch Road and Pontiac Trail. Construction is also scheduled for Haggerty Road which will increase its width to five lines.

Q: What is the DDA doing to maintain the open space and natural beauty of Commerce Township?

A: The development of the area located at the former Links of Pinewood and El Dorado golf courses began in 2008 with the construction of the Martin Road extension. Part of that construction includes the preservation of more than 500 trees, which have been temporarily removed from the property and housed in a nursery until the completion of Martin Parkway, when they will be returned to permanent homes on the property.

Over 125 acres of the Martin Parkway Project will be in an open space park-like setting with six miles of paths, trails, a small lake, ponds, and other amenities in addition to restored wetlands, bridges, and an environment ideal for outdoor recreation.

In 2004, in order to construct Martin Parkway from Oakley Park Road to M-5, the DDA purchased two golf courses and fifty acres of Huron Clinton Metropolitan land, totaling 350 acres located in the area north of M-5 between Welch and Haggerty Roads. The land was purchased to provide relief from traffic congestion at M-5 and Pontiac Trail, while providing the opportunity for a new library, town hall, and town center identity for the community.

Plans for the project include the restoration of many wetlands on the property as well as daylighting Glengary Creek to a more original state. Because much of the Glengary Creek floodplain is golf courses built on former wetlands, it is expected that more than twelve acres of wetlands will be created or restored as part of the open space plan. This will also provide a wildlife habitat for many critters. The DDA will also retain many of the natural features of the land including trees and hills.

The DDA was responsible for developing Robert H. Long Park on 14 Mile Road near Welch Road. In addition, providing funding for the acquisition of a large portion of the Dodge V Township Park, the DDA also provided nearly fifty acres of township park land between Welch and South Commerce Roads. Over all, the DDA has been responsible for providing over 350 acres of open space and parkland for Commerce residents in perpetuity.

Q: Why does Commerce Township need its own library? Can’t Commerce residents continue to use other cities’ library services?

A: In the past, Commerce Township paid for the use of the West Bloomfield, Milford and Walled Lake libraries. Milford dropped the contract with Commerce in 2003 following the failure of the township’s library millage proposal. In addition, all three contracts required Commerce to set money aside for the purpose of building its own library. This requirement was due to the fact that the amount Commerce paid these communities was less than those communities’ residents were paying. The opportunity presented by the DDA to establish a Commerce library provides an economic and thoughtful way to provide library services for our residents.

Q: Will there be a “lifestyle center” or outdoor mall coming to Commerce? If so, where and when will construction begin?

A: The Downtown Development Authority is currently working with Simon Properties who are exploring options with multiple developers working to put in place tenants in the lifestyle center project. The setting for the commercial center will be located from the new library over to Wal-Mart. Construction has begun on the Martin Parkway Road project and is expected to be completed in 2009. The Development of the lifestyle commercial center is expected to commence construction in 2011. This would create a central meeting place for residents. The concept of a lifestyle center has found success locally with The Village of Rochester Hills in Rochester Hills and Partridge Creek in Macomb County. The Commerce Center will very likely create a new style for such centers.

Q: When will construction on Haggerty Road north of Pontiac Trail begin and how will this impact residents?

A: Construction of Haggerty Road is scheduled to begin after the extension of Martin Road is completed and the balance of the construction has begun on the residential section of the property. The Martin Road extension is expected to be completed in fall 2009 with roundabouts at the intersections of Pontiac Trail, M-5, and along Martin Parkway. The sale of the residential portion of the Martin Parkway project is expected to go into 2017. The DDA expects to begin construction on Haggerty Road sometime after 2017.

Q: With so much development, how will the DDA retain the “feel” that Commerce is known for?

A: The first step is to relieve traffic congestion so that citizens can reach their homes in time and enjoy being there. The second step is to create a unique center featuring excellent shopping, a municipal center and cultural opportunities that are missing in the community.

Q: With the properties that the DDA owns, isn’t the DDA becoming too involved in business issues?

A: The purpose of a DDA is to become involved in economic issues. In 1975, the Michigan Legislature created Act 197, which allows communities to establish a Downtown Development Authority. According to the Act, the purpose of a DDA includes: correcting and preventing deterioration in business districts; encouraging historic preservation: authorizing the creation and implementation of development plans in the districts; and promoting the economic growth of the districts. Both the El Dorado and Links at Pinewood golf courses were on the public market for sale when the DDA purchased them in 2004. The purchase presented a valuable opportunity for the DDA to more effectively fulfill the purposes mentioned above. All business is conducted for the growth and betterment of the community.

Q: What is a roundabout and how will it affect traffic flow from Martin Road to M-5? Is it safe?

A: Roundabouts are a common form of intersection control used mostly in Europe and Australia. There are currently only a few hundred in use in the U.S. Some locations include: Vail, CO, Clearwater Beach, FL, Salt Lake City, Utah and Charlotte, NC. These roundabouts have resulted in improved safety, shorter delays, increased capacity, and improved aesthetics. Roundabouts generally create a reduction in the number and severity of accidents. This is because roundabouts require drivers to reduce their speed during the approach, entry, and movement within the roundabout. With typical intersections, many drivers are encouraged by a green or yellow light to accelerate in order to cross the intersection. A roundabout will be constructed at the intersection that will join M-5 with the extension of Martin Road. The roundabout is designed to make a distinction between M-5 and Martin Road and will require drivers who are entering Martin Road from M-5 to slow down.