Michigan Development News is a weekly series that features affordable housing and economic development-related news stories from across the state. Feel free to submit a story suggestion by leaving a note in the comments section.
Flint Journal: Habitat's compassion was answer to Burton couple's prayers
Ever since Breanna Shaw turned 4, she's felt like one lucky girl.
Breanna has a brand new bedroom to share with her Barbies, a pink bike in the basement and this summer, she'll play in a big backyard.
Thanks to Habitat for Humanity, Breanna and her parents, Kristina Shaw and Belinda Bone, moved into a new home last month.
Belinda believes they're the first gay couple in Genesee County to have a Habitat home, although sexual preference isn't something charted by Habitat, said Margaret Kato, Genesee County Habitat for Humanity director.
Kristina couldn't believe they were accepted. But to Habitat officials, they were a family who needed a helping hand.
"Partnering with God's people in need is the right thing to do. That's what our mission is," Kato said.
Their quiet street, located in the Atherton district, was chosen from several lots across the county. Finding friendly neighbors helped them make up their mind about the weed-filled lot, which Habitat acquired after the owner died.
Sometimes communities assume Habitat owners won't be good neighbors. "A lot of people think Habitat just gives you a house," said Kristina. "But we have to pay for this home."
Be sure to read the rest of the heartwarming story that reminds us that everyone deserves access to quality affordable housing.
Local 4: Gov Pledges To Do More On Housing Loans
Gov. Jennifer Granholm plans to appoint an advocate for insurance buyers and push for legislation that would allow homeowners struggling to meet their mortgage payments to get loans at lower rates during her State of the State address Tuesday.
They're among efforts by the Democratic governor to reach out to Michigan residents hard hit by layoffs, foreclosures, sinking home rates and rising costs.
Although the governor's sixth annual State of the State address also will focus heavily on the economy and education, making life more affordable for Michigan residents will be a top concern.
Check your local listings for braodcast info about this Tuesday's State of the State address.
Observer & Eccentric: Roads, blight fight, housing get block grant money
More than a third of Redford Township's new $1.137 million Community Development Block Grant budget - $390,000 - will go toward repaying a $3.7 million federal loan that is helping fund the paving of gravel roads in low- and middle-income neighborhoods.
Some $110,000 was budgeted for housing rehabilitation loans (down $25,000), $83,000 for youth services, $60,000 for sidewalk improvements, and $50,000 for the Dial-A-Ride program for senior citizens and disabled people (down $20,000). Dial-A-Ride also receives revenue from a dedicated property tax.
A new line item in the CDBG budget this year is housing services, which was given $25,000.
Department of Community Development director Mike Dennis said he plans to use the money to offer residents free courses on such topics as avoiding tax or mortgage foreclosure, getting out of foreclosure, and planning home improvements.
"That's something that I think will help a lot of homeowners," Dennis said.
It's encouraging to see that some of this CDBG money will go towards housing services that will help consumers stay in their homes. Michigan will need stable communities if we're going to turn this economy around.
Freep: $5.2 million pledged to go toward Detroit home ownership
“The foreclosure market is scaring people,” said Dina Harris, founder of National Faith Home Buyers. “We need to get the message to families that property values are at an all-time low and now is the time to buy a home.”
National Development Services Inc., a Detroit-based investment firm, has pledged $3.1 million while the Brewer Group, another investment firm based in New York, has pledged $2.1 million to the project. Movie actor Morris Chestnut, who has starred in dozens of movies including “Boyz n the Hood,” “G.I. Jane,” and “The Best Man,” flew in to help promote the program and pledge an undisclosed amount of money.
“This is a phenomenal opportunity to give back to the people who have given so much to me,” he said. “You’re not just placing people in homes, but educating people to help them stay in the homes.”
Affordable housing and vibrant communities, that's what we like to see.
Model D: Detroit Life Building to join ranks of Park Ave.'s resurgence
One by one, Park Avenue's historic buildings are being refreshed for a new millennium. Ten years ago, the Park Building, housing the Town Pump, seemed a lone wolf on an empty street.
In the last few years, however, the Kales, Women’s City Club, Colony Club and Iodent Buildings along with the one housing Cliff Bell's and the Park Bar have all seen significant investment. Now the Detroit Life Building is getting ready to join the party.
The 10-story building at the corner of W. Columbia is undergoing a thorough renovation that will be complete by late 2008 or early 2009, says Karen Cullen, spokesperson Ilitch Holdings, which owns the building.
We're not touching the Mayor's unfolding text message scandal with a ten-foot pole, but we just hope the story doesn't overshadow the good work that's happening in Detroit for too long. At the end of the day stories like this about the Detroit Life Building are what we need to focus on as we work to re-energize Michigan's economy.