Downtown Bethesda grows

With nearly 200 restaurants, 75 retail stores and living spaces opening up, the downtown area of Bethesda, Maryland known as Downtown Bethesda is evolving into a bustling district. 

The city located just outside Washington has grown over the last couple of years. Bethesda has grown in its population since 2010. According to Census data over 8,000 residents have moved to the Bethesda area in the past 10 years. 

“My job is to figure out understanding what the mix is today if there’s an interest in retail and ground up new development,” said Vanessa Mendoza, who serves as the director of leasing for Bethesda Row, a mixed-use development area located at the intersection of Bethesda Avenue and Arlington Road. Within the row, there are numerous restaurants, shops and living spaces that have been added to the area. 

Most recently. Nike opened up its store in Downtown Bethesda on May 25.

Meridian Township Board works to revitalize downtown Okemos

Revamped position works to revamp downtown Okemos

The Meridian Township Board announced Amber Clark as the new Director of Neighborhoods and Economic Development during its last meeting on Oct. 5. 

Clark proposed the position be restructured to serve neighborhoods, as most of Okemos and Haslett residents live in suburban areas. Keeping neighborhoods in the loop

As Clark moved into the director position, she told the city manager and team about her plans to reinvigorate the role. “Upon taking the position, I told the team I was interested in drawing in the neighborhoods of such a residential-heavy township,” Clark said. “The core areas looking to develop immediately touch the residents in these neighborhoods, and economic development isn’t just about bringing in new businesses.”

If redevelopment funding is secured, the development team plans to complete demolition and asbestos abatement of buildings on the west side of the community by Dec.

Dublin Square’s BIG Comeback

Rumors of Dublin Square’s closing and comeback have been swirling around East Lansing. Where will it come back, how will it come back? Ruta Ulcinaite has updates on everything you need to know about this East Lansing staple and the development project that is sure to shake up East Lansing.

State groups dispute how downtowns spend special millages

By BRIDGET BUSH
LANSING– A dispute between the state groups representing counties and downtowns has erupted over the way tax money is spent. Michigan Association of County officials say some special millage tax dollars that could be spent on senior citizens, veterans and other causes get diverted into a popular tax strategy for helping downtowns. A five-bill package was recently introduced in the House of Representatives to improve the oversight and transparency of groups capturing this tax revenue. Cosponsors are Reps. Lee Chatfield, R-Levering; Lana Theis,R- Brighton; Amanda Price; R-Park Township; Pat Somerville R-New Boston; and David Mature, R- Vicksburg.