The Montague Downtown Development Authority’s March 19 meeting centered on a key decision tied to an ongoing downtown investment, while also advancing updates to improvement programs and future planning efforts.
At the center of the meeting was a vote on a revised loan agreement with Bardic Wells Meadery, a discussion that reflected both the challenges of supporting local businesses and the expectations tied to public funding.
Loan amendment approved following discussion on expectations
The most significant item on the agenda was final action on an amended promissory note for Bardic Wells Meadery, owned by Steve Haystead.
The amendment, previously introduced at the February meeting, outlines an updated repayment plan following a period of missed payments. At the March meeting, the discussion focused less on the structure of the payments and more on additional requirements that had been included in the draft agreement.
Those requirements called for items such as financial reporting and business planning updates.
Haystead addressed the board, saying he believed an agreement had already been reached in December and that he had resumed making payments based on that understanding. He expressed concern that the added requirements were not part of earlier discussions and said they created unnecessary pressure while he works to stabilize the business.
Board members said the intent of those provisions was to provide transparency and ensure the DDA had a clearer understanding of the business’s progress. Some noted that similar expectations are common in lending situations and could help the board identify ways to support the business.
Ultimately, the board voted to remove the additional requirements and move forward with the amended repayment terms.
City Manager Jeff Auch noted that once the agreement is signed, repayment will follow the updated terms, and if payments are missed, the loan would revert to the original promissory note.
The decision moves the agreement forward while leaving the focus on consistent payments as the primary measure going forward.
Facade program updates aim to better match today’s costs
The DDA also reviewed updates to its facade improvement program, which provides matching funds to support building upgrades in the downtown district.
Proposed changes would increase the city’s contribution from $2,500 to $3,000 per facade, raising the maximum total support from $7,500 to $9,000. Board members noted that the funding levels have remained unchanged for decades and may no longer reflect current project costs.
The updated application would also include ADA accessibility improvements as eligible projects, expanding the types of upgrades businesses can pursue through the program.
Draft budget begins shaping next phase for downtown properties
Board members received an early look at the DDA’s draft budget for the 2026 to 2027 fiscal year.
The draft connects funding to priorities the board has been discussing and will continue to be refined over the coming months.
One notable point is that following the current fiscal year, the DDA is expected to fully own the Artisan Market buildings. That shift could create more flexibility in how those spaces are used for events and community activities moving forward.
Scavenger hunt effort looks to increase business participation
Hannah Cross shared an update on a proposed downtown scavenger hunt aimed at bringing more people into local businesses.
So far, eight businesses have responded to outreach efforts. Cross said she plans to follow up by visiting businesses in person to encourage more participation.
Board members said the effort could help introduce residents and visitors to downtown businesses, especially if it gains traction during the busier tourism season.
What this meeting signals
The March 19 meeting highlighted both immediate decisions and ongoing challenges facing downtown Montague.
While the loan amendment decision resolved a key item in the short term, it also reflected a larger dynamic between supporting local businesses and managing public investment. At the same time, updates to improvement programs and early budget planning point toward continued efforts to invest in the downtown district’s future.
For the community, the takeaway is not just the outcome of individual votes, but how those decisions shape the direction and sustainability of downtown moving forward.
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