New manager shares goals for Algonac’s economic comeback

Bryson introduces 14 ideas to the city council

By Barb Pert Templeton

Artie Bryson was hired as the new city manager in Algonac just a few weeks ago but he’s already unveiled a detailed plan sharing ways to revitalize the city and make the most of its waterfront.

Bryson introduced his 24-page plan, Algonac Business Attraction Plan – A Blueprint for Algonac’s Economic Comeback to the members of the city council at a Jan. 6 meeting. Councilwoman Cathy Harris was absent from the recent meeting.

During a 40-minute presentation, Bryson’s plan focused on the waterfront, the downtown area and quality of life while noting things must be done within the city’s existing budget process. Bryson also noted that his plan was a five-year vision that would require immediate, intermediate and long-term action.

“The whole intention is to attract more business to our area and the overview for the plan is a 14-point strategy to attract and retain businesses,” Bryson told the council.

The first area noted was to Rebuild the Riverfront to extend and modernize the waterfront including adding lighting, public art, fishing nooks and gathering areas for small groups. To make this happen Bryson suggested looking for grant opportunities and working with groups like the “Friends of the St. Clair River” to have an impact that will boost tourism and improve the downtown retail areas.

The plan also listed utilizing the city’s new community center to it’s full potential by making it a multi-use community hub. It could include event space, recreation areas and small business incubator space plus arts and crafts space and Bryson noted a local quilting group is already established at the center.

“We need to host community listening sessions to guide our final design, so if anybody has any ideas or suggestions, please tell a council member of myself,” Bryson said. “There’s no bad idea.”

“Downtown Store Front Energy” was another point in the presentation and Bryson suggested doing an empty store front tour to see what space the city has available. He also suggested officials meet with different partners in an outreach program to help activate the process and also relaunch the city’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA).

A Faster, Friendly Permit Process was another point, perhaps even set a 30-day review goal to expedite the process, Bryson said. He also said the city needs to create a Business Welcome Packet.

“Simplify the process here,” Bryson said. “We want to be known as a welcoming city.”

Promoting the regional trails and ferries, creating marketing and branding strategies, establishing regional opportunities and expanding housing opportunities also made the list.

Under “Infrastructure for Business” Bryson suggested the city get a company in to run a 100-passenger vessel for daily historical, bootlegging and sunset cruises targeting metro-Detroit tourists.

“I really think we need a tour boat running out of here, it will really help us a great deal,” Bryson said.

“Market Algonac Living” was another section of the presentation and Bryson listed a “Why Algonac” quality of life campaign that would include a relocation packets and real estate and employment packages. The impact would be to attract new residents and promote community awareness.

Bryson said the city needs to adopt a “Governance Mindset of Make it Happen” which would include all groups working together with transparent communication.

“Back in the 20’s and 30’s when Algonac was in its heyday, we had a lot of bold people here and it’s time we be bold again, I’m just saying,” Bryson said, adding that hosting round tables with city council, DDA and stake holders, plus the administration would make an impact.

“Publicly celebrate our wins with a “Yes We Can Culture,” he stated.

Under closing thoughts Bryson noted that Algonac’s greatest asset is its waterfront and his packet is a five-year plan. Success will depend on partnerships, persistence, community inclusion, ownership and follow-thru, he added.

City council weighs-in

At the conclusion of Bryson’s presentation, the council thanked him for his efforts and offered their own thoughts on different aspects of his plan.

Councilman Michael Bembas suggested Bryson create a chart to hang in the city council chambers listing the projects and the time frame for their completion.

“As it’s done, we can cross it out and we have it up there and people see it and we cross it off and it’s done,” Bembas said., adding they could update the plan every quarter with four things maybe knocked off and three more added, to show things are getting done.

Councilman Jake Skarbek said he liked Bryson’s plan a lot and noted that many of the communities along the riverfront that got redeveloped started by adding outdoor concerts.

He suggested the city get an inexpensive stage with lighting and a pavilion top put in by the river and maybe have a pop-up coffee shop there on a Sunday morning in addition to outdoor entertainment.

“This is how it starts, just one thing at a time,” Skarbek said. “Things are going in the right direction.”

Mayor Pro Tem Dawn Davey said what the city needs to focus on are things that are going to attract families. She said that includes specific businesses that will attract families and will have them driving to the city to enjoy them.

Mayor Rocky Gillis said he’s spent a lot of time talking to young people who attend the various city events from say Oakland County and they always say “this is the most beautiful town.”

“That’s why I say if we had a tour boat that brought in 100 people every day, sooner or later something’s going to start popping,” Bryson said.

Skarbek added that home values in Algonac are up 60 to 80 percent since 2019 and 34 days is the average time for houses on the market right now.

“So, people are moving here and people are investing here but what we need now is the business owners to start investing here,” Skarbek said.

Councilwoman Wendy Meldrum said they really need to do that business tour in the city and see what’s open and available for development in the city. Bryson agreed and said they want to get a group together and do a tour of the city properties.

Councilman Ed Carter thanked Bryson for his presentation and said the business attraction plan is a “great start” for planning and looking forward to things in the city.

Gillis also called the plan “terrific.”

To see the plan in its entirety visit the city website at cityofalgonc.org.