U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the State of Michigan $220 million in Neighborhood Stabilization Plan funds. Of that total, $13.9 million is headed to the city of Hamtramck, where the money will be used to build new infill housing, rehabilitate homes and deconstruct those beyond repair.
"We expected to do 110 acquisition and rehabs of homes, (build) 20 new homes, and 40 acquisitions and deconstructions, with the rest of the money for land banking property for future development, mostly concentrated on the south end of town near the rail line and a potential commuter rail stop," says community and economic development director Jason Friedmann.
The funds will help the city fulfill the terms of the settlement of
Garret, et al vs. City of Hamtramck, which
came about when the development of I-75 displaced residents, primarily African-Americans. The case was settled in 1981; it calls for 153 housing units, of which just 39 remain. Once the terms of the lawsuit are met, land in the city -- for which there is a waiting list -- can start to be sold at market rate. Friedmann says the city's updated master plan, which is currently being completed, addresses appropriate usage of infill lots.
Deconstruction options are being explored, including working with partners such as
Architectural Salvage Warehouse or
Habitat for Humanity. Friedmann says although deconstruction can take more time than demolition, all NSP funds are being directed towards deconstruction or redevelopment. "We're not doing any demolition," he says.
Source: Jason Friedmann, city of Hamtramck
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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