Tagged: historic district

In what’s become a once-a-decade tradition, Macomb will ask the US Census Bureau to conduct a special census.

The 2010 census came up with a headcount of 19,288. But the city believes its population is closer to 20,000.

The city also had a special census done after the 1990 and 2000 headcounts came up with totals below 20,000. In both cases, the special census returned the city’s population to 20,000.

Those who own property in Macomb’s downtown historic district will be receiving a phone call from the city.

Community Development Coordinator Ed Basch told aldermen the district has been in place for more than two years so he believes it’s time for some feedback from those most directly impacted.

Basch thinks a phone survey will result in more responses than a mailed or web-based questionnaire. He said it’s a short survey of five questions.

Macomb's downtown historic district presents the city with a chance to show off something unique. It also presents some challenges.

The big challenge facing aldermen this week concerned the level of oversight the city should have when building owners want to make changes to their facades.

Ron Purdum asked the city for permission to cover the seven-foot tall windows on the second floor of his building at 113 South Side Square.

“I see nothing wrong with it,” Purdum told aldermen. “It would eliminate the glass breakage. It would eliminate the heat loss or most of it.”