The Saline Reporter
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Mayor delivers State of the City address
City faced with growth challenge on the west side of town
By Sue G. Collins, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: July 31, 2008
Mayor Gretchen Driskell is not about to depend on Lansing or Washington much any more for guidance or blame the economy for any struggles her city is facing.
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In her recent State of the City address, Driskell, now in her fifth term as Saline's mayor, used a PowerPoint presentation for the first time to illustrate her comments, which urged residents to think positively and look inward for answers.
She was enthusiastic about ideas from the Michigan Municipal League's guide for success for towns like Saline, calling for an influx of creative-based jobs, "walkability" and community connectors.
"To be competitive in the 21st century, cities must have a strong sense of place and a community of engaged citizens," Driskell said. "Research has shown that attracting the entrepreneurial knowledge worker in our global economy requires a vibrant downtown and an excellent quality of life. The history of our community has a strong track record in both areas. "
While pedestrian-friendly reconstruction of Michigan Avenue is scheduled for 2013, Driskell said, until then "...the city can focus on areas like pocket parks, public art, public gathering places, a pavilion area and additional crosswalks. Wireless connectivity, comfortable gathering spots and opportunities to interact with your neighbors on a daily basis provide an important social net for today's lifestyle."
To better meet the needs of a changing downtown, she said: "We will be studying the implementation of a form based code. This technique allows us to be prescriptive by using a regulating plan that designates appropriate form and scale (or character) for development. It defines shape, not use, and is recognized as an excellent tool for downtown redevelopment.
"Another challenge that the city will be considering this next year," she said, "is planning for future growth on the west side of our current city limits. We have been in discussion with Saline Township for several years relative to the Biltmore residential development and other properties on our common border.
"The impacts on our infrastructure need to be fully understood and our goal is to address long-term future development at the same time. This will be challenging as demographics are changing significantly and only 25 percent of households are predicted to be families."
Driskell complimented the volunteers, city staff and members of the environmental, economic development, historic and youth commissions for their work this year and spent a significant amount of time reminding residents about the healthy and growing parks system in Saline.
"Our parks and environmental commission held a joint planning session to address collaborative opportunities. One outcome is the award of a Clean Michigan grant in the amount of $75,000. There will be significant reconstruction of the waterfront along Mill Pond Park that will help with erosion issues and also improve wear and tear at the dog park," she said.
Work continues, she said, to enhance the commercial district.
"The downtown development board is in the process of receiving proposals for a marketing/branding program for our downtown. Many of our storefronts are vacant and we need to identify our assets and bring them to the forefront."
Driskell also took the opportunity to tout the many events, festivals and concerts happening in Saline this summer.
She also provided an update on the city's budget.
"Saline is fortunate to be in a relatively healthy financial position in this economy. We have $2.5 million (approximately 25 percent of annual expenditures) in our fund balance and we were able to maintain our millage rate," she said. "Several businesses in our business parks are expanding significantly. The offer for purchase of the ACH (Automotive Components Holdings) plant by Johnson Controls is progressing, which would address a significant source of revenue."
Wrapping up her address to City Council members, a handful of residents at the July 14 meeting and viewers of Saline Community Television Network, Driskell urged residents to think positively.
"What are your ideas for creating a successful Saline in the 21st century? I challenge each of you to ponder this over the next few months. Ask your friends in other states and other countries, ask your neighbors. Most importantly, find a way to participate in the process."
Read Mayor Driskell's State of the City address in its entirety at www.salinereporter.com.
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