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.
Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis Announces Appointment of New Community Interest Director. Big news for the Trust Fund's President/CEO, Christine A. Coady:
Indianapolis, IN…On March 14, 2008, the Federal Housing Finance Board announced the appointment of Christine A. Coady to the open appointed director position on the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis' (FHLBI) board, for a term ending December 31, 2010. Ms. Coady has been designated by the Finance Board as an FHLBI Community Interest Director. Ms. Coady is the President and CEO of Michigan Interfaith Trust Fund, Lansing, MI, and has served in that position since October of 2004. She has held various positions with the Trust since 1989. Ms. Coady has also served two terms on the City Council of Mason, MI.
Ms. Coady earned her BA in organizational development from Spring Arbor University, Spring Arbor, Michigan, in 1994.
Observer & Eccentric: Focus:HOPE helps with many needs. For many years Focus:HOPE has hosted our Evening for Economic Justice, so it's nice to see them hit such an impressive milestone:
Focus:HOPE was founded in 1968 by the Rev. William Cunningham, a Catholic priest, and Eleanor Josaitis, a Downriver housewife, in the aftermath of the 1967 Detroit race riot. The mission was to bridge the social, economic and racial divides of the Detroit area. On its campus on Oakman Boulevard in Detroit, Focus: HOPE offers social services and technical job training.
Capital Gains: Williamston Hopes to Save, Rehab Historic 1870s Hotel. More good news in Williamston. Hopefully we started a trend:
Williamston officials are working with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to get a grant that would help revitalize the historic National Block Hotel. One option for the hotel includes creating a mixed-use space with retail on the first floor and office and residential housing on the second and third floors.
Metro Mode: Millennials: The Holy Grail of Demographics. Kat Owsley wonders if Detroit's "One D" branding campaign needs to be tweaked to attract younger folks to the region:
The One D vision for quality of life centers around arts and culture, parks, greenspaces and healthcare. That seemed pretty representative to me until I spoke with Kerry. She immediately said that if she was asked what Qualify of Life meant to her, she would think of a rich and lively after five (no pun intended) scene--lots of places to go, things to do, people engaging in a lively night life.
I found this interesting. Quality of Life is pretty subjective for all of us, I guess. But if we are putting a lot of stock in the millennial population keeping our region healthy, vibrant and growing, I wonder if we need to tweak how we look at this as One D and as a region to coincide with the other goals we have on attracting and retaining this "holy grail" of demographics.
Model D Media: 8 Slam-Dunk Ways Detroit is Getting More Green. Green building is the topic we're most interested in:
The D might not be Grand Rapids yet, but sustainable architecture and construction is becoming less of an anomaly around here. WARM Training offers energy audits and its Southwest Detroit office serves as a green building showcase. The second phase of affordable housing in North Corktown will be built with an eye to energy efficiency. Blue Cross Blue Shield has built the first-in-the-nation LEED-certified parking garage. Developers are installing geothermal heating and cooling systems into Brush Park condos as well as commercial rehabs. The Park Bar uses LED lighting, a technology which is also planned for Foran's and Eph's. Even the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center has gone green...maybe there's hope yet for this town's environmental cred.
Center for Michigan: New Tools for Vibrant Communities. More handy resources from the folks at ArtServe Michigan:
Here's a new toolkit for Michigan residents and community leaders who are convinced that healthy arts and culture are crucial to healthy Michigan communities which are, in turn, crucial to attracting and retaining talented workers who can help assure Michigan's economy thrives.
The toolkit, from ArtServe Michigan, is packed with facts and figures about Michigan arts and culture and helpful tips for those seeking to advocate for better arts funding from state government.
We wanted to pass along this information because we know many of our readers deal with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) on a daily basis. The news also affects us because the MSHDA director traditionally serves as a member of our board.
Keith Molin, former director of the Michigan Departments of Labor and Commerce under Governor William G. Milliken, has been tapped by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) board of directors to serve as the agency's interim director. Molin will begin his tenure on April 7 and serve while the agency conducts a national search for a new permanent director.
"Keith Molin is a proven leader and strong manager who will work with all of MSHDA's external partners to ensure that our policy imperatives are achieved," said MSHDA Board Chair Bernard S. Gleiberman. "We are honored that he has seized this opportunity to move MSHDA forward at this very important time."
Molin, of St. Clair, Michigan, began his career in state government in 1971 as an executive assistant for legislative affairs for former Governor Milliken. In addition to serving as director of the Departments of Labor and Commerce in the mid-70s, he also retired as senior associate director of athletics at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He most recently served as interim in a similar position at the University of Pittsburgh.
Molin has been involved in public policy issues, including economic development, housing, and urban redevelopment and will continue MSHDA's philosophy and provide expert direction for Michigan's housing authority.
"I am looking forward to this challenge," Molin said. "I believe in the authority's mission and am pleased to have the opportunity to help the agency meet its goals and objectives."
For more information about MSHDA's work, visit michigan.gov/mshda.
We wanted to share the following letter from Jess Sobel with our readers about the upcoming 2008 Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing:
Over ten years ago a group of Michigan organizations involved in community development came together to plan the first ever Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing. We came together with a common vision. A vision of bringing together in one place at one time everyone in Michigan involved in housing, homelessness, and other community development issues. A vision of providing training, sharing best practices, and learning from each other. A vision of breaking down barriers between different segments of the industry and building enduring partnerships across those segments: partnerships between those concerned with homelessness and those concerned with housing development; partnerships between the for-profit sector and the nonprofit sector; partnerships between local units of government and local nonprofit organizations; partnerships between people and organizations from urban areas and rural areas.
We understood then, and still believe now, that the partnerships and friendships built at each conference are the essential and critical ingredients needed for any and all of us to have any lasting success at what we do every day - insuring that everyone in Michigan has a roof over their head and a great place to call home. Whether we're trying to build new housing, rehabilitate existing housing, provide shelter or permanent supportive housing, or prevent homes and families from bring foreclosed upon - whether we're trying to tackle individual needs or rebuild neighborhoods - we can only do this together.
Since the first conference, our theme has been Partners Building Communities. As we come back together this year, let’s rededicate ourselves to working together as one community, sharing a common vision and working towards a common goal. As quoted below from members of the planning committee:
“Where others see dilapidated houses...we envision homes restored to provide shelter for generations of families.”
“Where others see empty, broken storefronts...we envision the realization of the entrepreneurial dreams of successful small businesses which will create jobs..."
“We have a vision of communities without homelessness - not because homeless individuals and families have been moved out of sight and mind, but because the community came together to eliminate homelessness."
“A community is only as strong as its ability to build bridges and welcome diverse partners with various perspectives, talents, wisdom, and resources to the table."
“We have a vision of communities of choice - diverse, healthy, vibrant communities where people choose to live, work, and play."
Come join us at the annual conference, and share the vision!
The registration brochure is available at www.housingconference.org. Note the early bird registration deadline is Monday, April 7.
Jess Sobel
Chairperson, Planning Committee
Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing
We're sorry that this week's Development News is getting out a day late, but we still wanted to share the major stories from last week with our readers. We've also decided to tinker with the formatting a little bit, so bear with us. Enjoy!
Model D: Grandmont Rosedale Dev. Corp. renovating new offices, move-in planned for May. Here's a nice feature about Grandmont Rosedale, one of our new borrowers from 2007 who will be honored at the upcoming Borrowers' & Burners' Luncheon:
Another key feature of the space is the Maryann Mahaffey Community Room, which will be used to host a variety of events.
GRDC executive director Tom Goddeeris is thrilled to be moving into such a visible location. "We've been around for 19 years now, and we've never had an office of our own," he says. "This gets us right where the action is, and it is making us more accessible to the businesses and residents that we're trying to serve."
This accessibility will serve GRDC well when it becomes an outpost for Southwest Housing Solutions' Housing Opportunity Center. A staff person will be on-site to provide one-on-one counseling about foreclosure avoidance and home buying. "We wouldn't be doing it if we weren't in this space," says Goddeeris.
Model D: 16 Sweet Developments in Detroit. We'll let you hop over to see Model D's complete list, but these all sound like exciting projects, and we're looking forward to seeing what new ones pop up over the coming year.
Model D: Southwest Solutions awarded $565,000 to fight foreclosures. Education and communication are the two keys to preventing foreclosure, so it sounds like these funds will be put to good use:
Southwest Housing Solutions has been awarded a federal grant for $315,000 and another from the Skillman Foundation for $250,000 to expand and sustain its foreclosure avoidance counseling services. The organization's Housing Opportunity Center runs the program and, based on past experience, estimates that 950 homeowners will be assisted, preserving $85 million in residential real estate.
"Homeownership is the bedrock of strong and stable neighborhoods," said John Van Camp, president of Southwest Solutions, the holding company of Southwest Housing Solutions, in a statement. "The federal and Skillman grants are significant investments in the health and revitalization of Detroit, which is being threatened by the growing foreclosure crisis."
Metro Mode: Green Space: What, exactly, does an energy audit entail? Here's a nice follow-up to a story we featured earlier in the month about the sustainability audit that's being spearheaded by Trust Fund partner Warm Training Center:
While the Rebuild Michigan program performs audits for free for qualified non-profits, school systems and municipalities, commercial audits can be arranged for a fee. As Black says in his report, "The longer you wait, the more money you will lose."
Capital Gains: MSU Millennials Put $6,000 Planning Grant to Work in Williamston. It's nice to see more work going on in Williamston. Hopefully we helped kick off a trend:
A $6,000 community development and planning grant gave Michigan State University (MSU) design students a chance to give the City of Williamston a glimpse into its future.
Using the grant money, the students took multiple photos of Williamston. Then they used a computer design program to make virtual improvements to the community. Students suggested adding new park entrances, new signage and updated store fronts to the downtown.
The city of Jackson is in the national spotlight. Forbes magazine has named Jackson one of the best metropolitan areas to live and work. This recognition could shine an even brighter light on the city. There's been a lot going on in Jackson, the grand opening of the Armory Arts Center, renovations to Foote Hospital, downtown developments and now the city has something even bigger to talk about after being placed in a very special list of cities by Forbes magazine.
William Ross, Jackson City Manager: "We expect that some point in the future we will be on their website as one of the best small metropolitan areas in the country."
Jackson City Manager William Ross says he couldn't believe his eyes after reading the good news in an email.
Well, it may not be New York or Chicago, but as we've written about before, there are some exciting new projects taking shape in Jackson.
Jerry Ludwig, Jackson Mayor: "We forget about all the good things that we have, and it's nice that somebody from the outside sees that versus the people from the inside that feel differently."
Those who are on the inside say they've known all along how great of a place Jackson really is. Officials say Forbes didn't say exactly why Jackson was chosen, but feel this is their golden opportunity to show people around the country what their home town has to offer.
That's what it all boils down to. You can't buy positive news like this, and the folks in Jackson have certainly earned their share of good news.
Sure, Michigan's economy as a whole is still struggling, but there are exciting things happening in cities and towns across the state, and every once in a while it's nice to get a reminder like this.
Taking shape on the corner of Third Street and Western Avenue is the Sidock Building, being constructed for the headquarters of Muskegon's Sidock Group.
The engineering and architectural firm is acting as its own construction manager as it builds its two-story multiuse building featuring a skylit, two-story atrium, stairs suspended on long metal rods, and a high arched window overlooking Western Avenue.
On the other side of the Sidock Building, at Third Street and Clay Avenue, groundbreaking is expected to take place soon for construction of Baker College's new culinary arts school.
Okay, so it's hardly the Empire State Building, but it's always fun to see pictures like this of a new skyline rising up over a city that's in the middle of an impressive transformation.
As for the new Baker College Culinary School that's expected to break ground next door in the very near future, here's a little more background on the project:
As described for planning commissioners by David Mayville of Bosma Architects, the all-masonry exterior of cast stone will resemble limestone used in older buildings, and will have the kind of ornamentation of older buildings as well. The landscaping and walkways will be pedestrian friendly, he said. A fountain and sculptures are also planned around the entrance area, and the building will have nighttime exterior lighting.
Once inside the main entrance, visitors will find an 88-seat restaurant, a bakery and student-run retail shops on the first floor.
Sounds like more exciting development projects are in store for Muskegon!
This year's Borrower's & Burners' Luncheon is right around the corner, so mark your calendars! The event is a great opportunity for us to honor our new borrowers over the past year, and those organizations who repaid their mortgages in full and on time. Our B&B Luncheon will take place on Wednesday, April 16, 2008. Here are the details:
Time: Registration starts at 12:00 p.m., lunch will be served at 12:30
Where: Kellogg Center
55 South Harrison Road
East Lansing, MI 48824
Click here for map and driving directions
Who's Invited: Anyone reading this blog post!
RSVP: Please register online or call Melodie Balzer Sanford at 517-372-6001 by April 4, 2008.
Cost: $55/person
This Year's Borrowers:
Architectural Salvage Warehouse of Detroit
Avalon Nonprofit Housing Corporation
Cass Corridor Neighborhood Development Corp.
Dawn, Inc.
Detroit Midtown Micro-Enterprise Fund
Grandmont Rosedale Development Corp.
H.OM.E. of Mackinac County
Shep's Beauty and Barber Shop
Liberty Hill Housing Corporation
Michigan Avenue Business Association
U-SNAP-BAC Nonprofit Housing Corp.
Williamston Theatre Project
This Year's Mortgage Burners:
Architectural Salvage warehouse of Detroit
Avalon Nonprofit Housing Corp.
Benzie Housing Council, Inc.
Dawn, Inc.
Harmony Face & Body Care
Homestretch Nonprofit Housing Corp.
Lighthouse Communities
Mcgraw/West Grand L.D.H.A.L.P.
Michigan Ability Partners
Northern homes Community Development Corp.
St. Francis Episcopal Church
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.
Freep: Wixom building up, not out, to handle growth
Wixom is creating city life in its suburban backyard to attract potential residents who may eye homes elsewhere.
In an area along Pontiac Trail, there is a cluster of townhouses, condos and a commercial building.
The structures are stacked in two and three stories, with parking on the streets behind them.
This is Wixom's answer to luring people downtown and reducing a half century of sprawl in southeastern Michigan.
"It's locating density in an attractive place where people want to live," said Jim Clarke, president of Robertson Brothers in Bloomfield Hills, which has worked on the first phase of a $210-million project with developer Larry Cohen. The second phase of development is set to kick off this year.
City officials and experts say what Wixom is doing is an example of new urbanist planning that emphasizes walkability and the comingling of civic, residential and commercial areas.
"Wixom has all the governmental units and everything people need to stay right here," said Tony Nowicki, assistant city manager. "We have shopping, our government complex with a library, our city hall, of course a post office -- a complete downtown."
By building vertically and close to the road, the city of Wixom is using its space wisely, said Bob Donohue, an Oakland County principal planner.
A few weeks ago we wrote about some of the exciting economic development projects taking place in Clawson. This latest news about Wixom makes us think that the Detroit suburbs –– the birthplaces of urban sprawl –– have finally learned that smart growth is the key to long-term economic success.
Model D: Hatch arts collective to put down roots in hometown Hamtramck
Hatch: A Hamtramck Arts Collective has reached an important benchmark in its two-year history: the acquisition of a permanent home.
The collective was incubated with the idea that arts can be an economic stimulus to a city. As proof of its commitment to this lofty concept, the city has agreed to transfer the deed of its former police station on Evaline St. to the organization for $1 -- so long as Hatch raises an estimated $150,000 in renovation costs within a one-year timeframe.
"We're ready now," says Hatch president Christopher Schneider. "We're mature enough as a group to take on such a big responsibility."
Arts as an economic stimulus... that sounds familiar. Oh right, we've written about it here, here, here and here. It sounds like the new home of the Hatch arts collective could be good news for the folks in Hamtramck, one of Michigan's Cities of Promise.
Metro Mode blog by Neeta Delaney: Art Revives Cities
"Cultural economic development" is what happens when you engage the creative energy of a community’s artists, designers and cultural institutions in discussions, decisions, planning and implementation of a community’s efforts to breathe new life into its economy.
The result is a more interesting and appealing place to live, work, start or locate a new enterprise. Examples of intentional arts-focused development efforts include affordable artists live/work spaces, public art programs, creative industries innovation centers, river art walks, arts & entertainment districts, historic preservation districts, cultural tourism, arts incubators, performing arts centers and arts and cultural festivals.
Neeta Delaney is the CEO of ArtServe Michigan, and she's been making something of a media blitz in recent months with op-eds in multiple newspapers gearing up for Arts & Culture Advocacy Day this Wednesday at the Capitol. We're in the midst of preparing for our own advocacy day in Lansing next month, but our messages aren't all that different... the state needs to do a better job of leveraging our resources (housing and the arts are just two examples) to rejuvenate our economy. Hopefully these upcoming events will help convey that message to state lawmakers.
Earlier this week Crain's had a story about some new funding that was announced to revitalize neighborhoods in the eight Cities of Promise, which we've written about before. Here's the news:
Four Southeast Michigan cities could share more than $2.8 million in state funds this year to eliminate deteriorating housing and revitalize neighborhoods.
The money is part of a second year of grants under a blight-elimination program through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. MSHDA has targeted 1,511 properties to be eliminated this year at a cost of nearly $4.8 million, in eight cities: Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Pontiac, Flint, Saginaw, Muskegon Heights, and Benton Harbor.
Detroit’s targeted share is $2 million for 729 properties, while Highland Park and Pontiac each could receive $400,000 for 100 properties in each of their cities. Hamtramck’s targeted share is $52,000 for 13 properties.
Here's some more details on how the funds will be distributed:
Local units of government are eligible for the program and have partnered with their county, local and state level land banks, Habitat affiliates, and community development corporations. The funds are distributed at up to $4,000 per property, calculated on a sliding scale based on cost and must be supplemented by local (city or county) Community Development Block Grant funds or other local sources. Eligible activities are costs associated with deconstruction and demolition, clearance, removal and disposition of materials, and site restoration. Demolition must also include deconstruction when appropriate, thus reducing materials dumped in landfills.
This is exactly the type of development Michigan needs right now to create vibrant cities and rejuvenate our state's economy. To learn more about the Cities of Promise initiative -- which the Trust Fund has been actively supporting from the get-go -- be sure to check out the campaign's official website.
Here's the latest news on how things are going with the Mercado:
Residents of Southwest Detroit now have a lovely spot at which to sip a latte -- or better yet, a Mexican hot chocolate: Cafe con Leche is open for business at the Mexicantown Mercado.
The coffee shop is bright and airy with comfortable seating. All the usual suspects are available on the drink menu, but there are some pleasant additions -- for example, strong, sweet Cuban coffee and champurrado, a hot drink made with corn flour, milk and chocolate. "We're trying to introduce a Latin flavor," says proprietor Jordi Carbonell.
The Mercado is a great project that we were proud to support through our economic development loan program, so it's great to see that it's bringing in new businesses and creating jobs in Detroit.
For more background on the Mexicantown International Welcome Center & Mercado, check out their website at mexicantown.org.
The 2008 Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing is right around the corner –– you can check out the registration brochure here (PDF).
This is the tenth year of the conference, and as a member of the planning committee and a returning sponsor, the Trust Fund will once again be out in full force at the Lansing Center next month.
For the second year in a row we will also be joining our fellow attendees for Advocacy Day at the State Capitol to call for additional funding for the Michigan Housing and Community Development Fund. In case you missed last year's event, check out this brief video featuring Trust Fund President/CEO Christine Coady:
We're excited about this year's conference, and look forward to seeing you there: April 28-30!
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.
Battle Creek Enquirer: Help for the homeless
Near the frozen banks of the Battle Creek River, a blanket hung Wednesday over a branch on a leafless tree.
At the base of the tree sat two plastic bags full of toiletries, socks and bandages. It's an anonymous gift to an anonymous recipient.
It's not uncommon for unknown Good Samaritans to leave clothes or supplies near places frequented by homeless people, said Denise Washington, community development specialist with the city of Battle Creek and a member of the Homeless Coalition.
"There are so many people out there that are embracing the situation," Washington said. "They don't want people to know who they are; they just want to help."
Still, Bolen said it's hard to know where homeless people will be at which time, so it's probably a better idea for people to give their donations directly to a shelter such as Haven of Rest Ministries or the Share Center. Through word-of-mouth networking, Bolen said, homeless people know where to find help if they need it.
To learn more about how you can help end homelessness in Michigan, visit the Coalition to End Homelessness' website.
The extension of the trail to Holt, and eventually even on to Mason, is the vision of Al McFadyen, executive director of the Delhi Township Downtown Development Authority (DDA).
“The plan to make this reality was approved last year, and we are doing the engineering work right now on the first phase,” Al explains. “Eventually the trail will run from Lansing through Delhi down to Mason.”
It’s a vision shared by Jerry Smith, a resident, avid cyclist and the owner of J.D. Applewood’s Smokehouse in Holt. He has a passion about biking, running and seeing the trail become reality, not only in Delhi but throughout the region.
Jerry, who is part of the steering committee effort to create the trail, sees it as a key part of attracting people to Mid-Michigan.
This sounds like a really innovative plan, and a great way to unite three local communities and attract new residents to this part of the state.
Metro Mode: Model D Speaker Series: Building Green
The Model D Speaker Series is going green.
The next event will be at 5 p.m. on March 19 at the Detroit Yacht Club, and the topic is "Building a Green City: Sustainable Urbanism in Detroit."
The event is free, but space is limited and you must RSVP. Click here to do so.
The speakers will be architect Mark Nickita of the Detroit firm Archive DS and Robin Boyle, chair of the Geography and Urban Planning Department at Wayne State University.
They will discuss the principles of sustainable urbanism, and examine how areas like Detroit's Midtown are actively utilizing the ideas.
Sustainable building seems to be the new hot topic in the development industry right now. In case you missed it, check out our post on Detroit's Sustainability Audit from last week.
After the gridlock we witnessed in the Capitol last year, it's nice to see members of both parties coming together to tackle important issues like the foreclosure crisis. Here are the highlights from the AP story:
Bills aimed at making state housing loan programs available to more Michigan residents have passed the state Senate.
Some of the bills overwhelmingly approved Thursday soon should be headed to Governor Jennifer Granholm for her signature. Other bills in the package are headed for the state House.
The bills could help lessen the wave of mortgage foreclosures gripping Michigan.
Some homeowners struggling with rising adjustable rate mortgages would be able to get lower fixed rate loans through the Michigan Housing Development Authority.
Another program would help people who have been delinquent on payments and are at risk of losing their homes.
Hopefully our partners at MSHDA will be able help stabilize our state's turbulent housing market with the programs that will soon be passed by the Legislature and the Governor.
To learn more about MSHDA's "Save the Dream" campaign, hop over to their website for more information, or call 866-946-7432 toll-free.
The American Institute of Architects has selected Detroit as one of nine cities that will receive a sustainability audit from a Sustainable Design Assessment Team later this year.
Teams of volunteer professionals like architects, urban designers, planners, hydrologists, economists and attorneys will come to the city for a three-day charette and team up with local architecture and engineering students, along with government officials, community groups and other stakeholders.
Diane VanBuren Jones of WARM Training spearheaded the SDAT application and is now coordinating the assessment itself. She says the out-of-town experts will arrive with "a national eye on how sustainability will work in your community."
Jones is particularly interested in mapping the city's energy systems. "We will take it down to the level of each business," she says.
For folks who aren't familiar with WARM Training Center, here's their mission statement:
WARM Training Center promotes the development of resource efficient, affordable, healthy homes and communities through education, training and technical assistance.
The words "affordable" and "efficient" go hand-in-hand, and WARM has been providing assistance to affordable housing builders since 1981.
We'll be curious to see the results of the AIA audit. Any effort to support long-term community sustainability has our full support!
Four Southeast Michigan cities could share more than $2.8 million in state funds this year to eliminate deteriorating housing and revitalize neighborhoods.
The money is part of a second year of grants under a blight-elimination program through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. MSHDA has targeted 1,511 properties to be eliminated this year at a cost of nearly $4.8 million, in eight cities: Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Pontiac, Flint, Saginaw, Muskegon Heights, and Benton Harbor.
Detroit’s targeted share is $2 million for 729 properties, while Highland Park and Pontiac each could receive $400,000 for 100 properties in each of their cities. Hamtramck’s targeted share is $52,000 for 13 properties.
Here are some more details from the Governor's press release:
The blight elimination program has several goals which will reduce unsafe neighborhood conditions and make neighborhoods more attractive. These goals include:
*improving neighborhood safety for children;
*substantially increasing the number of blighted, residential structures demolished in each of the cities through strategic demolition activities;
*increasing income and skills of homeless persons in the cities;
*increasing the use of deconstruction (salvaging/recycling usable materials) in place of and/or in conjunction with demolition to remove unwanted structures and rebuild communities;
*increasing the use of holistic, market-based neighborhood revitalization plans tied to the neighborhoods where blight is being addressed with MSHDA funds.
The Cities of Promise is an initiative of Governor Granholm's that aims to re-develop communities and reduce poverty in cities that are experiencing devastating conditions due to declining population, mortgage foreclosures, extreme poverty, loss of industry and jobs, crumbling infrastructure, and blighted neighborhoods. The blight elimination program is a critical step in these revitalization efforts across Michigan. Jobs created through this program will provide opportunities for training and employing homeless persons.
As a partner in the "Cities of Promise" initiative, we are excited about this type of long-term investment in our communities. By building cities and neighborhoods that can attract and retain a talented workforce, we will give businesses a reason to invest in our state and rejuvenate our economy.
For more information about the program, visit citiesofpromise.org.
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.
Model D: Woodbridge puts finishing touches on neighborhood development strategy
The Woodbridge Neighborhood Development Corp. is wrapping up work on its neighborhood development strategy in collaboration with University of Detroit Mercy's Detroit Collaborative Design Center. The organization prefers referring to their document as a "strategy" as opposed to a "master plan" so as to remain open to future possibilities.
The strategy has three goals: to create a place that celebrates arts and culture, a become a place of innovation and "taking risks" and a remain people-centered community.
Be sure to read the entire article for more details. We'll definitely be keeping an eye on the progress of Woodbridge's ongoing development efforts.
Model D: City looking for developer to create 4,000 units of permanent housing for homeless
The City of Detroit has released a request for proposals for the development of 4,000 units of service-supported rental housing targeted to the homeless. The NEXT Detroit Permanent Supportive Housing Initiative is looking for developers teamed up with service providers to deliver such a product.
The city, along with partner organization Detroit Collaborative to End Homelessness Together, recently completed a ten year plan for the elimination of homelessness that calls for a three-pronged strategy: the development of permanent housing called for in this RFP along with prevention and rapid re-housing.
Elterro Carroll, deputy director of the planning and development department hopes that this first round will generate 250 to 500 units over the course of the next two years. He anticipates that applicants will be both teams of developers and service providers as well as single organizations, such as Southwest Solutions, that already do both.
4,000 units is a pretty major undertaking –– sounds like an eciting project.
Metro Mode: Attracting Young Talent
Based on my observation, most of the young people we interview for new positions would prefer to stay in Michigan, all else equal.
The challenge is that for some students (graduating with average or below average qualifications), all else is not equal and it is tough to find good opportunities in many fields in Michigan. For the top students in our industry, however, all else is equal in that they have multiple opportunities here, as well as in other states if they so choose.
Young people in Michigan are no different than young people in other states. Many have grown up here, have a network of family and friends, and have learned to enjoy the many great things our state has to offer. Of the 12 offers that we have made in the past two years for entry-level positions, only one person has declined in order to take a position in another market.
John Gongos makes a solid case for what Michigan can do to attract and retain talented young workers in this blog post –– the entire piece is definitely worth a read. This is a topic we've been talking about for the better part of a year, so it's nice to see someone else making a similar argument.
Jackson Cit-Pat: Armory Arts ready for the spotlight
There was a lot to admire as the Armory Arts Village held its grand-opening party last week. A visitor could watch performances and look at artwork. More important, one could listen to the community's new residents speak compellingly about their vision for this community.
Armory Arts still is far from realizing its ambitions. Galleries with regular public hours won't be open for months. Only about half of the apartments are filled. In other words, this arts community is still a work in progress.
Yet seeing the faith its new residents have put in Jackson should encourage any skeptic. And the huge turnout at the gala indicates the strong interest in this project by citizens of Jackson.
We've been keeping tabs on the Armory Arts project for a while, so it's nice to see that it's off to a good start. It sounds like there will still be challenges ahead for the project to experience long-term success, but the folks at the Citizen Patriot (like us) sound optimistic.