The Ypsilanti Courier
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
On the Record with Brian Vosburg
PUBLISHED: March 13, 2008
Name: Brian Vosburg
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Age: 30
Title: Downtown Development Authority Director
What would you like to see accomplished in downtown over the next five years?
For Downtown Ypsilanti, I would like to see it become a regional destination over the next 5 years that is well know for providing a unique and outstanding experience with in several well defined niches. I would also like to see the already large stock of downtown housing expand in its diversity and price points.
What would you like to see accomplished in Depot Town over the next five years?
I would like to see Depot Town, over the next five years, increase its already well know regional image. It can do this through increasing the already great quality of restaurants and history attractions as well as bolstering and diversifying the famous restaurants that are among the major draws for the district. The improvement of the railroad history of the district is something that could be greatly enhance with the Ann Arbor to Detroit Inter-Urban rail service that is currently under study for a demonstration project.
The city council recently approved the parks and recreation plan 2008-2012, which included plans for redesigns of Frog Island and Riverside parks? What is the next step for improvements to these parks?
The Depot Town Community De-velopment Corporation, over the next five years, will be doing two things. The first is to increase the frequency and types of activities in the parks. The second is to make physical improvements to the parks that enhance the experience of special events and passive daily users of the parks, as well as improve the connectivity of the parks to Downtown, Depot Town and the County-wide Border 2 Border biking/walking trail.
What types of businesses would the DDA like to see downtown and how can more business opportunities be attracted to the area?
The DDA would like to see businesses downtown that enhance and support the great businesses we already have downtown. Specialty retailers that can compliment an existing retailer or provide a critical mass of retailers in an existing business niche are desired. Restaurateurs that can provide diversity to the existing mix of restaurants are also desired.
What are the city's strengths and weaknesses?
Ypsilanti's greatest asset, bar none, is its active citizenry. I've yet to find another city where its residents are so passionate about their city and, at the same time, willing and able to roll their sleeves up and volunteer to get things done to move the city forward in a progressive manner.
Ypsilanti is also blessed with a rich historic heritage. It has past residents who were technological and social innovators, as well as a fantastic building stock and landscape that came out of the leadership of these innovators. Ypsilanti's history is unrivaled by few cities in the state and the region. It is this rich heritage that provides the foundation for a vital city that will only become more vital and desirable as national and world demographic trends turn back towards true urban places.
Ypsilanti's weakness would have to be the regional economy and the way the state allows local governments to be financed. These two financial constraints that have been affecting Ypsilanti for a few years now are also beginning to affect many of our neighbors and the rest of the region. While these financial constraints can be difficult, as a result of it I am seeing innovation and regionalism amongst local governments to deliver services in a more cost effective way.
How has the city changed since you have been here in your official capacity?
While I've only been in my capacity for a little over a year and a half, in my time here I have seen the city and its residents meet challenges head on and figure out ways to address those issues. I see that problem solving and strategizing continuing to progress and mature into stronger organizations that will create further positive change.
What do you think the city government i.e. the mayor and city council could do to further your goals with the DDA and the Depot Town CDC?
The mayor and city council can partner with the DDA by assisting with the formulation of our strategic plan and supporting the DDA through cooperative policy and service.
What is your list of priorities for the rest of the year?
The priorities for the rest of the year will be to evaluate the Blueprints Plan and develop a work plan to start implementing the results of the study.
Can you talk a little about the makeup and organization of the DDA? What are its primary goals and duties?
The DDAs are made of a mayoral appointed and council confirmed Board of Directors. The goal and duties of the DDAs are to improve the Downtown and Depot Town districts through efforts that support and enhance the social and economic climate of the districts.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself? What is your educational and professional background?
I grew up in Chesterfield Township, the northeastern suburbs of Detroit. I have a Bachelors of Arts in Urban Ministry from North Central University in Minneapolis, MN. I will be finishing my Masters of Urban Planning degree this summer from Wayne State University. Prior to coming to Ypsilanti, I worked in community and economic development in Detroit and Minneapolis. My family and I have enjoyed living in urban neighborhoods for the past 12 years.
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