By MELISSA DOMSIC
mdomsic@record-eagle.com
October 01, 2008 12:00 am TRAVERSE CITY -- There's been another shake-up for the boards that control local brownfield and economic development funds. The city commission this year requested and received representation on the Grand Traverse County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. Two city commissioners currently serve on the nine-member board, but starting next year, one city commissioner will have a seat, as will two city residents. "I like the idea of one city commissioner in that, we now know what's going on, and I think having two city individuals who have an interest in making sure city interests are protected is great," said Mayor Michael Estes. The county-appointed authority directs millions of dollars in state taxpayer money to developers of so-called brownfield sites, based on criteria including contamination and blight. Most brownfield projects occur on city property. Estes this year pushed for a separate city authority, but the city commission agreed in January to a compromise of having two commissioners on the board. Now, city commissioners will recommend one commissioner and two residents, appointments that need final approval from the county board. It's been helpful to have city commissioners on the brownfield authority, said Peter Zirnhelt, board chairman. "The vast majority of brownfield money goes to the city," he said. "By bringing them on board, it just gave them more insight." In January, county Administrator Dennis Aloia and county Commissioner Wayne Schmidt gave up their positions to make room for two city commissioners. But the newly restructured board has fewer citizens-at-large and allows for the county officials' representation. The county also made changes to the economic development corporation. Brownfield authority members serve on the board of the Grand Traverse County Economic Development Corporation, but starting next year the EDC's board will include representatives from different industries. Workers from manufacturing, health care, education, agriculture and other sectors will govern the EDC's loan fund, a program that provides extra financing to companies that ensure an increase in local employment. "It's always been a discussion whether the brownfield authority people were the best people to bring technology and jobs into the community," said Addison Wheelock Jr., county board chairman. Wheelock said the EDC board should include "people that are actually creating the jobs and able to recognize what can come and have those kinds of connections."
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