FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:
Heidi Watson
July
19, 2006 517-335-6397
Governor Granholm Announces Seven Projects
Selected as 2006 Cool Cities Designees
The
Cool Cities designations are part of Granholm’s economic plan to revitalize
“
A Cool
Cities designation brings with it a variety of “tool box” items provided by
state agencies to help
Now in
its third year, the Cool Cities initiative offers a “Neighborhoods in Progress”
designation, which awards $100,000 catalyst grants along with priority access
to existing state grant funds, loans, tax credits, or services that can help
create vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods.
The
seven projects announced today will receive the Cool Cities “Neighborhoods in
Progress” designation and priority access to “tool box” items. Six of the seven will also each receive the
catalyst grant of $100,000. The six projects receiving the Cool Cities
Neighborhoods in Progress and catalyst grant are located in
(more)
Page 2.
“We had
the funding available for 12 Neighborhoods in Progress, however we received 16
outstanding for proposals. As a result,
we opted to Dearborn and three other projects as Cool Cities designees to
assist their projects with the resources we have available including priority
access and technical assistance,” said Department of Labor & Economic
Growth Director Robert W. Swanson. “We’ve learned from past Cool Cities
projects that just the designation alone gives them an opportunity to leverage
significant investment into their communities.”
The
cities participating in the first year of the program say the Cool Cities
designation helped create 400 new jobs and retain 500 existing jobs. They also
reported more than $350 million was contributed by local, state, and private
organizations.
The
Cool Cities program was expanded in 2005 with new categories:
The
Cool Cities initiative breaks down the silos of state government by having a
multi-agency team review each application.
The team looks for proposals that demonstrate close partnerships with
existing community organizations and the private sector and offer plans for
creating large-scale neighborhood or community improvement.
“This
initiative is key to the Governor’s overall economic development strategy, and
we are pleased that we can be of assistance to cities that want to bring back their
downtowns and neighborhoods,” said MSHDA Executive Director Michael R. DeVos.
“The Cool Cities initiative is an excellent example of what can happen when
state agencies and local governments and development organizations work
together to bring jobs and people to their communities.”
Following
are brief descriptions of the Cool City Neighborhoods in Progress recipients:
·
o
The
two projects combined will provide the catalyst for both quality housing and
jobs. The project involves constructing 20 loft condominiums and two commercial
spaces and a 22,000 sq. ft. advanced fuel cell research center within the
redevelopment area known as the River District.
o
The
fuel cell research center is the first building of several to be located on a
17- acre research park.
o
The
fuel cell laboratory will employ at least 25 knowledge workers and will
strengthen and build upon growing research and development initiatives at the
University.
o
The
synergy created by this project will help lay the groundwork for future jobs in
(more)
Page
3.
·
Grandmont Rosedale
Development Corporation (
o
Grandmont
Rosedale Commercial Revitalization will enhance the streetscape environment of
our
o
The
project is already underway and is leveraging millions of dollars in public and
private investment.
o
Specifically,
the Catalyst Grant would be used to repair and landscape historic neighborhood
entrances and make improvements to the site of our proposed Farmers' Market.
·
Citizens For Progressive
Change (
o
Creation
of the "Heart of the City Artist Studios at 80 West Main" includes
completion of the rehabilitation of the Historic McClellan Building which will
include three new and separate building facades, outdoor directional signs
& murals, a "Welcome to the Downtown Benton Harbor Arts District"
signage, streetscapes, seven artist studios, two fine art galleries, a welcome/
library center for Students of the Arts, one additional retail shop, and an
artist in resident apartment.
o
The
project will create approximately twelve new jobs and provide a springboard for
downtown growth.
·
Focus: HOPE, A Michigan
Non Profit Corporation (
o
The
Catalyst project will change the face of a very important corner in our
community, making it a focal point of activity, and a place with the potential
for activity during both the day and the evening.
o
The
Catalyst Project will provide new housing, new retail, and a new outdoor
interactive environment, as well as serving as the springboard for future
redevelopment of this portion of
·
Arab American and
Chaldean Council (
o
The
ACC has identified several Arab-American, Chaldean, and African-American
artists who have expressed a need for studio and gallery space.
o
The
ACC has already demolished an existing building to provide space for the
Artisana adjacent to the planned pocket park and
·
City of Pontiac, Pontiac
Growth Group (Pontiac)
o
This
project will house performances and music workshops sponsored by members of
Clear Channel Communication, Live Nation and the Arts Beats and Eats
Foundation.
o
Each
group has committed to providing workshops and clinics for youth in music:
performance, sound, lighting, staging and technical assistance to the industry.
The
following is one of four projects that are Cool City Neighborhoods in Progress,
which will not receive the catalyst funding but will be given the same priority
access to state resources and technical assistance:
·
City of
o
The
City is creating a new Visitor and
o
Combined
City, Chamber and tourism resources will inform and assist visitors and
investors.
#
# #