The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) board Friday approved installing an automated pay lane at the Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck in downtown Traverse City. The equipment - estimated to cost up to $74,200 - will allow drivers to access the garage during early morning or late-night hours and is expected to reduce the number of staffing hours required on-site at the facility.

Board members also reviewed initial conceptual designs for a proposed makeover of the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market. The DDA has hired a consultant to guide the organization through a structural improvement process for the market, including reconfiguring vendor spaces and parking spaces, widening shopping aisles and constructing overhead shelter at the downtown site. Staff will next work with consultants to come up with cost estimates for each conceptual design and bring the proposals back for further board review in May. The DDA has $400,000 in TIF 97 funds and $92,000 in parking system funds set aside for market improvements.

Also approved by DDA board members Friday:
 - a $2,110 salary increase for DDA Executive Director Rob Bacigalupi, bringing his annual pay to $72,430;
 - a proposed contract with the city to provide $8,860 in DDA staffing support to launch the Traverse City Arts Commission;
 - and a resolution to request that Traverse City Light & Power develop a singular municipal antenna system to be used by all cellular carriers in the area.

Grand Traverse County Deputy Director of Planning & Development Jean Derenzy also notified the board that a recent crowdfunding campaign to raise dollars for a new Front Street bumpout near Robert Frost and Miner's North Jewelry successfully brought in $8,030, qualifying the proposal for a state matching grant and ensuring the project's progress forward.