Freed: “Why wait for good things?”

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A $2-million price tag and a Fall 2018 target date being announced by City Manager James Freed regarding a proposed redevelopment plan for the former Art Van building in Downtown Port Huron. At a meeting of the Downtown Development Authority Wednesday morning, Freed shared his vision for the vacant building, calling it a “four season market” with an outdoor music venue. Freed received permission from the D.D.A. to begin fundraising for the project, with the city manager saying much of the $2-million will come in the form of grants and donations. He says the county will still own the land with the city leading the charge on the redevelopment. Also discussed was the rebuilding of a block of Quay street between Huron and Michigan Avenues in Downtown Port Huron, with Freed receiving criticism form area business owners about his plan to remove the street and replace it with small-scale park. The D.D.A. will continue to meet with business owners and explore other options for the Quay Street rebuild.