The Grosse Ile Downtown Development Authority used part of its Oct. 1 meeting to review plans for two seasonal events and a new passport program intended to drive foot traffic along Macomb Street.

Ladies Night Out is scheduled for Nov. 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. The DDA described a passport program that will give attendees a punch card to visit participating Macomb Street businesses; completed passports can be entered into a raffle for gift certificates with prizes sized at a minimum of $50 and up to $100. Organizers said three businesses were confirmed for the passport and more were being recruited. The DDA emphasized that the passport is intended to encourage paid purchases at licensed establishments that bought into the township’s social district so those businesses capture revenue for their liquor licenses.

Event volunteers and organizers discussed route logistics: the Commons will serve as the starting point, with the passport route continuing down Macomb Street and finishing at the Osprey site at 7560 Macomb Street if weather and construction allow. Organizers noted that Osprey's building construction is expected to begin soon and that indoor access for the raffle may be limited depending on construction progress.

The DDA encouraged volunteers to adopt an elegant theme for Ladies Night Out; board members joked about wearing tuxedos to hand out promotional bags.

Island Glow is set for Dec. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. The DDA reported the holiday tree lights have been ordered, school bands and Santa are scheduled, and carriage rides will be provided. Supervisors traditionally ride in the carriages, the meeting noted.

Why it matters: The passport and social-district coordination aim to keep local spending on Macomb Street during events so businesses that paid for liquor licenses benefit directly from increased foot traffic.

Next steps: Organizers will continue business outreach for the passport program, confirm final logistics with the Osprey team given construction timing, and finalize marketing materials.