.:Who We Are, What We Do

Formed in 1985 under the Michigan Legislature Act 197 the Commerce Township Downtown Development Authority operates with the primary goal of promoting the economic health and stability of the township.

.:Mission

To improve the long-term economic viability, environmental integrity and overall vitality of our community for both the citizens and businesses in the area.

.:Objectives

• Protect and enhance the long-term economic stability of the township.
• Provide an adequate tax base to support public services.
• Enhance the quality of life of Commerce Township citizens.

.:A Brief History

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 tax increment financing, issuing revenue bonds, tax levy, grants, sales of property, and tax increment income.

Historically, fifty percent of the total land within the downtown district was identified as “vacant” land inside all zoning categories. Seventeen percent of the remaining land within the downtown district was designated for recreational use. Only twenty-five percent of the land, which was designated for commercial or industrial use in the master plan, was being used for those purposes.  

In the 20 years since the DDA was established, the number of residents in the downtown district has significantly increased. The estimated population in Commerce Township in 1984 was approximately 18,500 residents. As of 2009, the population has grown to more than 36,000. The commercial development has increased significantly along with an appreciably improved employment base.

.:DDA Progress Highlights from 1985 to Present

Over the past 20 years, the DDA has worked hard to meet the needs of this growing population. Some highlights include:

• In 1985, the DDA established the township a water system which has since been expanded to the four corners of the township.
• In 1990, the DDA began to establish a sanitary sewer system, which has spread to the four corners of the township and currently provides services to Wolverine Lake Village, parts of Novi, and White Lake Township.
• In 1998, the DDA began to focus on relieving the traffic congestion in the area around Pontiac Trail, Haggerty Road, 14 Mile Road, 15 Mile Road and Richardson Roads.
• In 2003, a traffic study requested by the DDA determined the need and means for alleviating massive traffic congestion at the M-5/Pontiac Trail intersection. Improvements to Haggerty Road from Union Lake Road to 14 Mile Road were also part of the DDA’s plan, as well as additional public and/or private roads and the extension of Martin Road.
• In 2003, the DDA purchased Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority lands adjacent to El Dorado which provided the funds necessary for the Township to purchase the 70± acres of Dodge Park 5 lands from the Michigan Department of Transportation. In 2003, the DDA bought the El Dorado and in 2004, the Links at Pinewood Golf Courses which will provide for the extension of Martin Road to Pontiac Trail.
• In 2004, the DDA made plans to provide for a new township hall and a library as well as a performing arts, theatre and cultural center in the downtown area.
• In 2005, the first Township Library opened, located at the El Dorado clubhouse. The Township Board also began preparing for plans to move to a new Town Hall at the Links of Pinewood clubhouse.
• In 2005, plans for the Martin Road extension to Pontiac Trail were submitted to the Road Commission of Oakland County.
• In 2005, engineering plans for the widening of Haggerty Road from Crumb Road to Pontiac Trail were nearly completed.
• In 2005, the DDA acquired several strategic parcels of land in the DDA Development area.
• In 2006, the DDA continued working on extensive research with environmental, engineering, traffic and transportation firms, the DDA Board, the Township Board, the Planning Commission, the Road Commission for Oakland County, the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration to develop methods and systems to improve traffic conditions.
• In 2007, a public hearing on the environmental assessment was conducted by the Road Commission for Oakland County and the DDA regarding the Martin Parkway from Oakley Park Road to Pontiac Trail at M-5.
• In 2007, the first step in the huge transportation project to dramatically improve the environment, traffic and property values within the township began with the upgrade from M-5 to Welch Road on Pontiac Trail. That stretch of Pontiac Trail was widened to five lanes to better accommodate traffic flow.
• In December, 2007, the Federal Highway Administration and the Michigan Department of Transportation granted approval through a FONSI (Finding of No Significant Impact) for the DDA to officially begin construction on the development of Martin Parkway.
• 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 Glengary Creek in the center of the property.
• In 2008, the township began construction on a new municipal facility by renovating the Links of Pinewood clubhouse, which when completed in the spring of 2009, will be the new Commerce Township Hall.
• In 2008, plans to develop portions of the area surrounding the new Martin Parkway were underway, including meetings with developers to construct a lifestyle center shopping area. Plans for the area also include an 800 to 1,200 unit housing development along with more than 125 acres of open space with six miles of recreational pathways.