Van Dyke-8 Mile Gateway Collaborative

The Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) has been actively involved in the revitalization of Van Dyke Avenue in the cities of Center Line and Warren since 2003 when the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) funded a corridor study. 

The study evaluated vehicular and pedestrian traffic patterns, current condition of buildings, parking and ordinances.  A series of public meetings were held to garner the opinions of residents and business through a facilitated SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunity and Threats).

MCPED staff conducted a face-to-face survey of business owners between 8 and 11 Mile roads to learn more about longevity of businesses, identify customer patterns, ascertain satisfaction with city services and determine how the county might help businesses to be successful.

A Corridor Improvement Committee was formed to begin the process of implementing the study recommendations.  MCPED was actively involved in the committee.

At just about the same time, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation of Detroit (LISC) announced a new initiative to unit agencies in both the City of Detroit and its inner ring suburbs to develop and implement solutions for problems common to all.  The “Metro Detroit Regional Investment Initiative” (MDRII), initially funded by the Ford Foundation, offered a competitive grant program for collaborations that sought to conduct activities related to physical revitalization as well as social equity.

As a result, the V8 Gateway was born. 

V8’s lead agency is Leaps and Bounds Family Services.  Aside from MCPED, other actively engaged partners include: 

Community Development Corporation of Warren
Nortown Community Development Corporation
City of Center Line
City of Detroit Planning & Development Department
City of Warren TIFA
Eight Mile Boulevard Association
LISC – Detroit
Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion
Michigan State University Extension - Macomb
Michigan Suburbs Alliance
St. John Health - Conner Creek
United Way for Southeastern Michigan
Van Dyke – 7 Mile Business Association
We Care about Van Dyke and 7 Mile

V8 is working to revitalize both the business and residential community along Van Dyke between McNichols and 10 Mile between Hoover and Mound.  From the beginning, the assembled partners focused on how the existing resources, programs and activities of each could contribute to the greater good. 

In other words, each evaluated their independent assets and determined how they could add value to the single mission of V8:

To improve a community anchored by a commercial corridor that has the potential to become a vibrant and successful business district.  Now entering its third, and final, year of LISC’s MDRII grant program, V8 is focused on:

Physical Revitalization - Good design is vital to the growth and sustainability of every community. It not only enhances the aesthetic qualities of buildings and streetscape, but it has the potential to attract customers, new businesses and residents. In addition, good design has been proven to deter crime and promote safety.  

MCPED staff have been involved in the process of developing and implementing a Façade Improvement Grant Program for building owners and are also in discussion with the Michigan Department of Transportation to secure funding for aesthetic improvements to the streetscape.

Strengthen Businesses - Businesses are at the core of a community’s strength. They provide an economic foundation that supplies goods and services, employment opportunities and critical investment.   Department staff, with the generous support of sponsors, offers NxLeveL® Entrepreneurial Training, a 12-week course that teaches the importance of developing and adhering to a business plan, financing, marketing, advertising, and other critical components for success.  The department is also involved in organizing relevant topics for a “Business Over Breakfast” series for business owners along the corridor.  Plans are in place to create a business association that includes all businesses along the four-mile stretch that is V8. 

Enhance Quality of Life – Affordable and decent housing in safe and clean neighborhoods enhances the desirability of a residential area.  Bringing neighbors together through programs that provide fundamental information about homeownership, financial literacy, supplemental education and address issues related to race and culture help to create a cohesive and welcoming environment.  V8 partners have providing programs for thousands of adults and youth since the inception of the collaboration. 

Increase Recreational Opportunities – Access to clean and safe places for recreational activities for all ages not improves the health of residents but the community as a whole.  Although efforts to link the existing Conner Creek Trail in Detroit with a planned path through an electrical corridor through Warren and Center Line are currently in negotiation, V8 hopes to provide a critical link in the overall planned network of trails throughout southeast Michigan.  The planned trail is within MCPED’s County Wide Master Plan for Trails and department staff have assisted in securing additional grant dollars and is working to secure the necessary easements to begin the project.