🚧 A brighter Downtown Owosso! 🚧

Phase I of the Downtown Streetlight Project began on July 22, 2024 with construction ending in October.

This project included the removal of the City of Owosso streetlights and the installation of underground utilities, new concrete, and streetlights.

Construction took place on:

• Washington Street from Main Street to Water Street
• Comstock Street from Water Street to Park Street
• West side of Park Street from Main Street to Comstock Street
• South side of Main Street from Washington Street to Park Street

Phase I of this project was funded by federal, state and local sources including the American Rescue Plan Act, Michigan Economic Development Corporation Revitalization and Placemaking grant and the City of Owosso.

For additional information, contact the project supervisor:

Lizzie Fredrick
City of Owosso – Executive Director OMS & DDA
(989) 725-0571

We appreciate your patience as we work to enhance our downtown’s infrastructure and create a safer and more inviting downtown environment for all!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I park if I can’t park in front of the business I’m visiting?

• CLICK HERE to view a map of public parking lots in Downtown Owosso.

There’s a streetlight issue near my house/business. How do I get this fixed?

• If the streetlight is located in the Downtown District and overseen by the City of Owosso, you can email [email protected] to report the issue and our team will create a service request for its repair.
• If this is a streetlight overseen by Consumers Energy, located downtown or outside the district boundaries, it will be much taller than the City streetlights shown in the photos above. CLICK HERE to report issues with Consumers Energy streetlights.

Why do the streetlights need to be replaced?

• The current streetlights are unreliable with outdated utilities that cannot sustain being retrofitted for new bulbs. The streetlights are obsolete, meaning the City of Owosso cannot order replacements or parts. The maintenance costs for the current lights have become unsustainable.

What will happen to the old streetlights?

• They will be saved and used to for spare parts or replace other streetlights in downtown.

Who is paying for this project?

• Owosso City Council allocated $275,000 of federal funds for this project from the American Rescue Plan Act.
• The Owosso Main Street & Downtown Development Authority has been awarded a $300,000 Revitalization and Placemaking grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
• The OMS & DDA will cover any remaining costs for Phase I from their Tax Increment Financing revenue.

I have a business or residence downtown, but outside of the project area. When will the streetlights be replaced in my part of downtown?

• We do not have an estimated date or location for Phase II at this time. Once Phase I has been completed, we will have a better idea of how small of phases the overall project can split into and then funding will need to be secured for those phases.

Why have the benches, waste receptacles bike racks, hanging baskets and art pieces been removed from the project area?

• These items have all been moved to alleviate potential damage and to ensure that the contractor has space and access to remove and replace the streetlights, utilities and concrete.
• The benches, bike racks and art pieces have been moved to a safe location.
• The hanging baskets and waste receptacles have been relocated to other parts of downtown.