Make it Gran Torino!  Directed by and starring the iconic Clint Eastwood, a portion of this movie was shot in our very own City of Center Line.  Rated R, the film revolves around on a surly Korean War veteran and Ford Motor Company retiree who steadfastly hangs on to his prejudices despite changes to “the old neighborhood” brought on by an infusion of Hmong immigrants. 

Watch for lead character Walter Kowalski in his favorite watering hole – shot at VFW Hall 6756 on Sherwood in Center Line.  Other locations selected for the film include Highland Park, Royal Oak and some of the Grosse Pointes: 
Click here for article from the Detroit Free Press.

Bonus?  The movies features a 1972 Gran Torino that rolled right off the lines here in Detroit: Click here for article from the Detroit Free Press

Detroit was selected as a direct result of the Michigan Film Incentives passed by State Legislature in April 2008: Click here for article from the Detroit Free Press

Interested in learning more?  Stay tuned!  The January 2009 issue of eMacomb will feature an article about the film industry in Michigan and Macomb County’s efforts to attract the industry and the economic impact it brings.

SBTDC client and Macomb County based Achatz Homemade Pie Company has been selected as one of four remaining finalists for ABC's Good Morning America “Best Slice Challenge.”  To cast your vote for our hometown hero, click here.  Please act quickly... the winner will be announced November 23!  

Homeless families in Macomb County will soon have a save haven.   The long anticipated completion of Macomb County’s newest transitional housing facility, Solid Ground, is hosting a free open house on November 16, from 2-5 p.m.  The open house will offer building tours and refreshments. A sneak peak event, complete with a silent auction and door prizes will be held November 14 from 5:30 – 8 p.m.   Tickets for the sneak peak event are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. 

Last December, the Macomb County Board of Commissioners awarded $554,253 in Federal HOME funding, made available through the Macomb HOME Consortium, to Solid Ground, Inc., to convert the old Red Cross office building in Roseville into transitional housing for homeless families. 

The facility will feature 14 separate bedrooms and 44 beds for homeless families along with meals.  Participating families will also receive supportive services that promote financial stability and independence.  Families will have an opportunity to stay at the facility for up to 24 months.  Each will pay rent equal to 30 percent of their income to help defray operating costs for the shelter.     

This project is a significant step forward in addressing the unfortunate increase of homelessness in the County, and in implementing the County’s 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness.

MCPED will receive more than $9.7 million in “Neighborhood Stabilization Program” funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  Announced by legislative directive in July, the program is designed to assist communities hit hardest by foreclosures and abandonment.  The department will manage the funds on behalf of 21 of Macomb’s local units of government and has been working to gather information about program guidelines and interpret how the funds could be best spent here.  (Clinton Township, Sterling Heights and Warren will receive and manage their own NSP funds).

The department held a workshop on October 28 for municipalities to disseminate information and elicit suggestions for spending the funds.  As a result, the proposed use of NSP funds are published. To view, click here.  Interested parties are invited to review and provide comments.  The proposal will be presented for approval to the Macomb County Board of Commissioners at a Full Board meeting on November 20, 2008.  The plan will be submitted to HUD by December 1.

For additional information, contact Mike Rozny at 586-469-5285 or mike.rozny@macombcountymi.gov

MCPED launched its 2009 CDBG program planning process on October 31 by hosting a workshop for interested non-profit agencies.  This meeting followed an October 15 Request for Proposals.  The County has traditionally partnered with non-profits to primarily to provide services but, on occasion, to provide other benefits to County residents.  Up to 15 percent of the Urban County’s CDBG allocation may be spent for service activities in the 21 communities which comprise the Urban County.  (Clinton Township, Roseville, St. Clair Shores, Sterling Heights, and Warren receive their own grants and are therefore not eligible to participate in the Urban County program. 

Applications are due at MCDPED by 5:00, December 5, 2008. 

Forms and other information concerning may be found at the County’s website: www.macombcountymi.gov. Questions may be directed to Michael Rozny, Community Development Manager, at Mike.Rozny@macombcountymi.gov.

MCPED Manager of Community Development, was elected to serve on the Board of the Michigan Community Development Association.  MCDA represents community development professionals throughout the State of Michigan, and seeks to improve the effectiveness of community development programs for its membership.  He will serve a two-year term. 

Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Present and CEO
James C. Epolito was in Macomb County this morning to announce that a new SmartZone designation had been awarded to business incubator partners the Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development, the City of Sterling Heights and Oakland University.

With planning and start-up funds made possible through an appropriation orchestrated by U.S. Congressman Sander Levin, the department is working with the city and university to create a place where advances in technology can be explored and researched for the benefit of new and existing businesses in the county. 

The “Macomb County – Oakland University Technology Advancement SmartZone and Incubator” will provide comprehensive support to entrepreneurs including business development services, office and shared conference space and access to financing with a goal to create new investment and jobs in the county.  The incubator will also offer laboratory space for researchers exploring ways to create or improve products.

Based on the department’s “Targeted Industries” of 2006, the incubator will focus on industries that hold the greatest potential for growth in the county including defense, homeland security and advanced manufacturing. 

The incubator is currently housed in Sterling Heights in an 89,000 square foot facility that previously housed research and development activities.  The city, with its existing Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA), was an ideal partner for its proximity to like industries.   The SmartZone designation is a special financing tool that allows the LDFA to generate operating funds for the incubator through tax captures. 

The incubator will also need to generate additional funding in order to be fully functional.  These will come through tenant rental fees, additional governmental and foundation support and through corporate sponsorship.

A local technology based business has already aligned itself with the incubator by becoming its first corporate sponsor.  Rave Computer of Sterling Heights is a designer, integrator, and deployer of customized computer solutions for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), military contractors, software vendors and other computer service providers.  

Oakland University currently operates an incubator on its campus in Rochester Hills.  Through the established partnership, OU INCubator will support the Macomb incubator through its management experience, vast research capabilities and entrée to established financing options and venture groups.   

The department will provide business development services for incubator clients through department staff and its Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center.  The department has been fielding inquiries from local companies and entrepreneurs since it opened on September 30.  For information, contact (586) 463-2542

Users of the Macomb Orchard Trail will soon have a safe means of passage over M-53 in Romeo with the opening of the much anticipated pedestrian bridge.  A dedication ceremony is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 11 at the base of the bridge on the west side of M-53.

This $2.2 million dollar project was made possible through federal funding and a grant through the Michigan Department of Transportation. 

The Van Dyke- 8 Mile Gateway Collaborative is seeking three highly motivated individuals to help with efforts to improve the Van Dyke Commercial Corridor. Those qualified should email their resume and cover letter to prsi@comcast.net by October 10th, 2008.  More

Executive Director Steve Cassin was named Automation Alley “Member of the Year” at the organization’s 8th Annual Awards Gala.

Each year, Automation Alley honors local businesses and community leaders in eight categories for their efforts to advance technology based business in the region. 

Cassin was recognized for his contributions to Automation Alley as a member of its Board of Directors, work on various committees and department participation in several trade missions.  Cassin is also credited with helping to bring a satellite office of Automation Alley to the County Administration Building and providing support to the first-ever Automation Alley/Macomb Global Trade Mission held earlier this year. 

The department was pleased to be invited to speak before the Michigan State House of Representative’s Commerce Committee today.  Bob Tess, Manager of the Economic Development Services Group, traveled to Lansing to address the committee regarding 2008 House Bill #6222 , as introduced by Representative Tory Rocca (30th District representing Sterling Heights and Utica). 

The bill proposes to lengthen, by an additional 12 months, a manufacturer’s opportunity to secure the balance of a property tax abatement that was previously granted for a term of less than 12 years. This is available to the manufacturer where, but for being limited to an abatement term not to exceed the term of its lease, the manufacturer did originally qualify for additional years of up to, but no more than, the 12-year statutory maximum for an abatement under Public Act 198 of 1974.

The remaining benefit-years are available to the manufacturer by formal application to the local unit of government demonstrating that a lease has been extended through the additional number of years of benefit sought, or that the building has been purchased. 

The department presented “The Aging of Macomb,” a comprehensive report analyzing the anticipated changes in Macomb County’s population and its impact on communities.

According to SEMCOG projections, by 2030, more than 25 percent of Macomb County’s population will be over the age of 65.  This report discusses how this change in county demographics will present unique economic and planning opportunities and challenges.

The report is the first step in what will become a multi-phased initiative to cultivate and support livable communities for all generations.  

The aging of Macomb

The Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development has been working with the newly formed Six Rivers Regional Land Conservancy (created by the merger of Macomb and Oakland Land Conservancies).  Under consideration to the Macomb County Board of Commissioners is an opportunity to establish a major tract of land in the central portion of Macomb County for a conservation easement.  The property will allow for education, recreation, and stewardship activities.

Gerard Santoro, Senior Planner with MCPED, and Lynne Seymour of Macomb County Public Works Office, have been working with the non-profit to survey and map the site as well as to develop a concept plan and a long-term environmental stewardship strategy. 

The site, currently owned by the County, is important due to its proximity to the North Branch of the Clinton River and its ability to mitigate the effects of run-off from entering the water way.  Part of the property is also heavily forested.  Plans include space for an outdoor classroom available for schools that want to provide students with hands-on experience in watershed management and water testing and sampling.  In proximity to the Clinton Township municipal campus, the plan also includes a link to a regional network of hike/bike trails.

Six Rivers Challenge – between now and September 30, any cash donation to Six Rivers that originates from a Macomb County individual or business will be DOUBLED through a challenge from the Bluestem Foundation.  To donate online:  Please visit Six Rivers Land Conservancy Here.

Macomb County received an allocation of $3 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funding for 2008. The department recently hosted a workshop for the 21 communities and various non-profit organizations that share in these funds to review program information and compliance issues. The workshop also offered helpful tips for administering programs as discussed ideas for future activities including homeownership assistance and ways addressing blight and incipient blight, were also presented.

Solid Ground, a non-profit organization that is developing a transitional housing program for homeless families and disabled individuals in Roseville, has obtained $70,355 in Macomb HOME Consortium funds to operational costs. Its facility is set to open around Labor Day. Approved use of the funds include the hiring of a Development Director who will be responsible for obtaining sufficient financial resources to administer the agency’s programs in the future. In other news, Solid Ground recently learned that it was was selected as a participant in United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s “Agenda for Change” initiative. As a result, the organization is eligible to receive up to $100,000 per year for the next three years to provide program services to their consumers.

Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development has recently added some new amenities to the Macomb Orchard Trail.  Using remaining funds from a grant awarded through the “GreenWays Initiative” of the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan, several new facilities have been added to the trail that will add to user enjoyment of this 24.5-mile linear park:

Ten new signs have been added to the second and third phases of the trail north of 29 Mile Road. These signs offer an ability to change content as appropriate and will also feature wayfinding maps. 

In addition, two pre-cast vaulted restrooms have been installed bringing the total of on-trail restrooms to four.

Work on the M-53/33 Mile Road bridge overpass is underway and is due to be complete by the end of this summer.  This safety feature has been designed to complement the rural portion of the county where farms and orchards still thrive.

 

$225,000 to Macomb County Habitat for Humanity to build new homes in Roseville.  These modest but attractive new homes will replace three dilapidated units that were acquired from the Federal government for $1.  The homes will eventually be owned by low-income as required by Habitat guidelines.  The City of Roseville will commit its resources to the project as well.  Construction should be complete within one year.

$60,000 to Macomb County Habitat for Humanity to build three new homes on Pinehurst in Roseville.  The City has already purchased the land and will subdivide the property into three lots for the new homes, which will be owned by qualified families, including a previous owner, who has special needs and faced homelessness before the City intervened.  This action will create long-term stability for the family and the neighborhood.

$200,000 to rehabilitate nine homes owned and occupied by families in Clinton Township and other Macomb County communities.  Families assisted are lower-income and cannot therefore repair their homes.   All units will meet local and State housing code requirements when the repair work is complete, within 6 months.

 

The Macomb HOME Consortium Requests Proposals from Housing Developers - up to $591,602 in HOME funds is available for affordable housing projects in all Macomb County communities, except Warren and St. Clair Shores.  A request for proposals is available for developers and others who may be interested in participating in the program.  The RFP is broadly worded to encourage a variety of proposals. 

Projects will be selected based on a number of factors, including previous experience, the ability to leverage funding for the project, and generating matching funds for the program.  The proposals are due by 4:30 pm, June 16, at the Department’s offices.  Decisions are expected to be made by the end of September.

We previously reported that 24 non-profit organizations requested CDBG funds for the coming year. The review is complete and 21 communities have awarded more than $300,000 for human services, public facilities, and comprehensive planning activities administered by non-profit organizations. Awarded CDBG dollars will enable these organizations to leverage an additional $3.8 million in other funding, which tremendously expands the their impact on the communities served.

The Macomb County Board of Commissioners will consider the recommendations to be presented by the Planning & Economic Development Committee on May 15, 2008. If approved, the next and final step is to submit the recommendations to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If all goes as expected; the monies will be awarded beginning July 1, 2008.

Eager to keep the momentum of brownfields redevelopment moving in the county, the department will host an exhibition booth (#1726) during the conference.

We invite YOU to join us and promote properties with investment potential! More than 6,000 people will visit Detroit to attend this annual conference. Some come to gain additional information about how brownfields redevelopment works while others attend in search of properties with great investment potential. We want YOUR site to be included! Please call Jason Friedmann at (586) 469-5285 to recommend a site or to volunteer to help greet visitors to our booth.

Those with properties waiting for investors should also consider posting information on the Brownfields Transaction Forum - but act quickly – the deadline for listings is April 19, 2008.

MCPED is also partnering with the Michigan Suburbs Alliance to host a networking event on Tuesday May 6 from 7 – 10 p.m. at Cliff Bells (“the oldest jazz club in Detroit”). The Regional Summit will enable participants to continue dialogue with conference attendees. For more information: Regional Reception.

 

Good news for redevelopers in Macomb . . . the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) just announced that Macomb County will receive $400,000 in grant funding to assess Brownfields in the county.  Actually, the county received two grants; $200,000 to assess properties suspected of petroleum contamination and another $200,000 to test sites suspected of contamination by other hazardous materials. The funding will build upon the nearly depleted EPA grant that was awarded in 2005.
Related Links

EPA Press Release regarding 2008 awards
Listing of all 2008 awards
Fact Sheet

The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) Network annually recognizes staff and volunteers for exemplary work. 

The MI-SBTDC Recognition of Excellence - Leadership Awards Program was established to publicly acknowledge and reward outstanding service and collaboration within the state-wide and to recognize demonstrated excellence benefiting our clients, partners, or community.

Over the last several years, our SBTDC staff and volunteers, as well as the Department, have been recognized through this awards program.  This year is no exception. 

We are proud to announce the following awards:

    Susan Bates - Intake Counselor/Administrative Personnel
    Bob Madigan - Business Counselor
    Linda Geary - Special Recognition

Linda Geary is a CPA who volunteers her time to do a series of Tax Seminars for us.  She has also assisted in several of the business planning classes we sponsor.

The evaluation committee included business people who are not directly associated with but are familiar with the SBTDC Network.  As a compliment to our staff and volunteers, our nominees won 3 of the 7 Leadership Awards categories.

An Awards Dinner is scheduled for May 15 in Grand Rapids where each recipient will be recognized individually by the SBTDC Network.

Jane Rosiek, Community Development Housing Rehabilitation Program Supervisor, will participate in the Family Resource Fair from 5 - 8 p.m. on April 3 at St. Basil the Great Parish in Eastpointe at 22860 Schroeder.  Sponsored by Macomb County Commissioner Phil DiMaria, the event will offer information about county programs for residents of ages.  Jane will distribute information about MCPED’s housing rehabilitation program.  Other county agencies and organizations will also be on hand to share information about various programs including health care services, prescription drug assistance, special services for seniors and children, family safety, etc.  Free hot dogs, a crafts station for kids and special visit from Rosco the Clown is also planned.  For more information: Family Resource Fair

The Honorable William A. Crouchman, Chair of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, unveiled the series in his State of the County address on March 18 at the MacRay Harbor Banquet & Events Center.  The Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development developed the series in conjunction with the Macomb County Chamber. 

The series was developed to help create awareness of the importance of international trade and focused on cultures with the greatest presence in the area.  Featured countries include China, Germany, India, Lebanon, Mexico and South Africa.  Each brochure contains general information about the history, languages, culture, religion and business practices of each country.

“We think these brochures will help businesses become more culturally aware so they can serve customers more effectively and be more competitive in the global marketplace,” said Stephen Cassin, MCPED Executive Director. 

After reviewing the brochures, John Golaszewki of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights stated, “The value Macomb County will realize from both international business and enhanced relationships with the community members will be immeasurable.”

Sponsors Baker College of Clinton Township and Beaumont Hospitals provided funding to print the brochures which are available at the offices of MCPED and the Chamber.  A printable version of each is also available to the left. 

The phones rang off the hook following two interviews with Program Manager for Community Development Services Mike Rozny to promote the Macomb County Housing Repair Assistance Program.  An on-camera interview was on Fox 2 Detroit and then on WDET radio.

 

The program provides up to $20,000 in zero-interest, deferred loans through funding available through the Federal HOME Program.  Eligible households are single-family residences that are owner-occupied.  Other eligibility factors include household income and type of repair assistance requested.  The program is available to residents in 21 of Macomb’s 27 communities (Interested residents of Clinton Township, Roseville, St. Clair Shores, Sterling Heights or Warren should contact their respective communities as they manage their own HOME programs.) 

 

On the morning following the on air interview, more than 640 calls from interested homeowners who want to repair their homes were logged.  Although a majority of the calls were from individuals outside of Macomb’s HOME jurisdiction, a total of 64 applications were sent to callers who met initial screening eligibility. 

Gerard Santoro, AICP, will join a panel of expert speakers at the upcoming “Local Leadership in Sustainable Development” conference hosted by the International Council of Shopping Centers – East Michigan Alliance. 

 

The event will be held from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. on April 17, 2008 at the Townsend Hotel in Downtown Birmingham: Click here for information. 

The moderated panel will discuss the benefits and cost savings achieved through the incorporation of low impact design elements in the development (or re-development) of sites.  These design standards not only help to decrease demand and impact of local utility systems but can also reduce engineering and long-term maintenance costs.  Low impact development is generally defined as a comprehensive land planning and engineering design approach with a goal of maintaining and enhancing the pre-development hydrologic regime of urban and developing watersheds. This design approach incorporates strategic planning with micro-management techniques to achieve superior environmental protection, while allowing for development or infrastructure rehabilitation to occur. MCPED helped to design and implement a very successful low impact development project in 2007 in downtown Mount Clemens.  For more information on the Low Impact Parking Lot project click here.