Three Detroit groups get Cool Cities designations

Three Detroit organizations have been awarded Michigan Cool Cities’ designations. The three Detroit groups whose projects qualified have been awarded Neighborhoods in Progress designations and $100,000 catalyst grants.

Twelve groups in Michigan received the latest rounds of catalyst grants and cool cities’ designations. The designations allow the groups possible access to more Michigan state funds and tax credits for neighborhood improvements, as well as the $100,000 grants.

The Detroit groups who received the designations and grants are:
• The Arab American and Chaldean Council: The group’s project is for the creation of artists' studios and gallery space for the 7 Mile and John R area.
• Focus: HOPE:  The grant and designation help in the creation of a park and green space area on the corner of Oakman and Woodrow Wilson, in Detroit on the border of Highland Park.
• Grandmont Rosedale Development Corp.:  The grant and designation will go to streetscape and landscape improvement for the Grand River commercial district as well as improvements for the site of the Northwest Detroit Farmers Market.

Tom Goddeeris, director of Grandmont Rosedale Development Corp., was as pleased by the Cool Cities neighborhood designation as he was the grant money. “To be recognized as a Cool Cities neighborhood, from a marketing perspective, is ideal,” says Goddeeris.

Sources: Kathy Moran, FOCUS: Hope, Tom Goddeeris, Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation