The Melvindale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has a district that encompasses the commercial center of Melvindale. The district includes Oakwood Boulevard from Prospect Street to Harman Street, and Allen Road from approximately South Dearborn Street to approximately Outer Drive. The DDA was created 1989, and receives its funding as a Tax Increment Financing Authority (TIFA). As a TIFA, the DDA captures tax revenue that exceeds a predetermined amount from the 1989 tax rate.

The DDA has been instrumental in the development of the Oakwood Plaza, Rite Aid Pharmacy, McDonald’s Restaurant, and the parking lot improvements behind the Melvindale Public Library. The Authority has also played a key role in the demolition and redevelopment of approximately 10 commercial sites within the District. Additionally, the DDA has paid for the paving of a number of commercial alleys, and is dedicated to the paving of the remaining gravel alleys within the district.

Currently, the DDA is providing the local match to two Michigan Department of Transportation Enhancement Grants to install decorative street lighting and streetscape improvements. The two grants total $649,507.00, with a required local match of $129,901.00.

The first grant was for the removal of the existing metal streetlights and streetlights on wood poles and overhead wiring. New decorative streetlights with banner arms and electrical outlets have been installed. The area for this first phase was Oakwood Boulevard from Prospect Street to Robert Street, and Allen Road from Gough Street to Cora Street.

The second grant is for the removal of streetlights on wood poles, overhead wiring, and asphalt between the curb and sidewalk. New decorative street lights with banner arms and electrical outlets have been installed, as well as brick pavers, park benches, landscaping, and the replacement of concrete sidewalks and curbing. The area for decorative street lighting in the second phase is Allen Road from Gough Street to Coleman Street, and Cora Street to Clarence Street. The installation of brick pavers, park benches, landscaping, and the replacement of concrete sidewalks and curbing will occur on Oakwood Boulevard from Ruth Street to Henry Street, and Allen Road from Gough Street to Cora Street.

The DDA believes that these improvements, past and present, have improved the quality of life for Melvindale residents and will create opportunities for economic improvement for the businesses located within the DDA district.