7 Mile and Woodward area targeted for improvements

The -- averted for now -- threat of Palmer Park's closure presents the perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on community efforts to improve both the park and the nearby stretch of Woodward between McNichols and Eight Mile. Spearheaded by Woodward Avenue Action Association (WA3) in concert with area residents, the city's Office of Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization, University of Detroit Mercy and local businesses, including La Dolce Vita, Cash and Associates and Innate Healing Center, the Park District Initiative is planning -- and implementing -- area improvements.

Heather Carmona, executive director of WA3, says the efforts were initially prompted by calls to her organization from area stakeholders.

"(They were saying,) 'We are having issues with crime and prostitution, how can you guys help us?'" She says. "There was nobody taking ownership of that area of Woodward like they are in Midtown and New Center."

With the help of scenic byway dollars available to WA3, the stakeholder group -- with more than 200 members -- began meeting monthly and visioning the area's assets and concerns. UDM put together a streetscape plan and facade improvements have begun.

Carmona says the efforts are significant.

"This is the primary gateway into the city," she says. "There's a diverse population, lots of strengths, lots of businesses that are stable, but the visual blight outweighs the stability."

Sources: Heather Carmona and Nicole Klepadlo, Woodward Avenue Action Association
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh