On Thursday evening, the city will present plans for improvement to the areas around 7 Mile and Gratiot. With 1,500 vacant structures in the region, blight removal is a key priority for residents.

It's the last of 10 areas impacted by the Strategic Neighborhood Fund (SNF). The city has worked with corporations, as well as the Affordable Housing Leverage Fund and Detroit Housing for the Future Fund, to support the revitalization of neighborhoods and preserving or building new affordable housing. Earlier this year, plans were presented for the East Warren and Cody Rouge neighborhoods.

Plans for the northeast neighborhoods, in an area bordered by 8 Mile, Kelly Road, Houston-Whittier Street, and Schoenherr Road, include:

Neighborhood stabilization. 139 unsalvageable buildings will be demolished under the first round of Prop N spending in the area. Some vacant buildings will be repurposed; the city will soon release an RFP for the Burbank School (seen above), which could be senior living or community space.

Enhancing commercial corridors. This includes slowing down traffic, creating better connections between residents and parks, and improving access to business resources. The city will work with the state on improvements to Gratiot.

Access to recreation. Residents need upgraded access to playground and exercise spaces. Heilmann Memorial Playfield will see improved playscapes, wayfinding, rain gardens, and resurfacing of courts and walking paths.

Residents and community partners have been involved with the the planning effort for the past year and a half. Fifth Third Bank is the key corporate partner in this neighborhood. At least $5 million is expected to be invested in the neighborhood.

“Like with all of our SNF neighborhood projects, residents have been front and center in informing the vision for their communities,” said Katy Trudeau, acting director of the Planning & Development Department. “We will leverage all of the strengths of the Gratiot/7 Mile area, and the dedication and commitment of its residents, to make the biggest difference in the areas where residents want to see the biggest changes. This plan supports the work residents are already doing in the neighborhood while focusing the City’s resources to make the most impact.”

Implementation of the plan is expected to start in the next few months.