In Brief: DDA Supports Kellogg Park Fountain Renovation Effort

A resident's effort to raise funds to renovate the water fountain at Kellogg Park downtown earned support by the Plymouth Downtown Development Authority on Thursday. 

The DDA voted at its regular meeting to support the private fundraising effort by David Baker, who last month proposed leading an effort to make improvements to the fountain, which DDA members said at the time was high-maintenance.

John Buzuvis, director of business operations and special projects for the DDA, said it "seems like (Baker's) in it for the long haul," regarding seeing the fundraising project through to its conclusion.

The DDA unanimously voted to support the idea without committing to offer city funds.

DDA discusses Fleet Street repair

DDA members on Thursday discussed the costs associated with repairing portions of Fleet Street adjacent to the downtown parking deck.

Frank Yaquinto, a DDA member and owner of and , which share a rear entrance from Fleet Street, said the street is important for downtown businesses.

"It's kind of a gateway, even when it's in the back," he said. "Even though it's Fleet Street, it's really more of an alley."

He said the street is "pretty broken up." 

The DDA, however, said parking downtown remains a bigger priority, and that when the downtown parking deck is up for renovations in 12-15 years, the street will be redone at that time.

"We're more concerned with parking than the alley," said Dan Johnson, a DDA member and owner of .

The DDA members agreed — without a vote — to explore the costs associated with replacing panels of the road for pedestrian safety.