Oct. 5--Almost 20 years after Northville officials first discussed creating a pedestrian passageway to Main Street from a nearby parking lot, the City Council is to consider approving funding for the project.

But some business owners are concerned about the cost. The city's Downtown Development Authority is to ask City Council to approve Cooper Design Inc. of Ann Arbor to develop the $800,000 passageway, or walk-through, at its regular meeting at 7:30 tonight.

A former clothing store at 125 E. Main St. would be redesigned to allow direct access from the lot to Main Street, possibly as early as April.

Greg Presley, the authority's chairperson, said he created an early drawing of the walkthrough in 1990 or '91. The walkthrough gained interest as part of the city's 2006 strategic plan.

"What that would allow us to do is activate that parking lot for Main Street," he said. .

David Cole, who owns Great Harvest Bread on Main Street and is president of the Northville Central Business Association, said some business owners are concerned about the cost. Money for the walk-through would come from the authority and the city.

"Is it prudent to be spending $800,000 on a walk-through in today's economic environment?" he asked.

Instead, Cole suggested more funding for a business assistance program, city beautification and marketing.

Lori Ward, the authority's director, said the project, which could be designed in a number of ways, will benefit the downtown and its businesses.

Contact ERIC D. LAWRENCE: 313-223-4272 or elawrence@freepress.com.

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