Macomb County Web Site
Planning and Economic Development
department happenings
County Holds CDBG Implementation Workshop
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 Receives HOME Funding for Operations
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 Orchard Trail Update
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:
HOME Consortion needs proposals
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.
CDBG awards for non-profits in Macomb County
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.
MCPED staff gearing up for Brownfields Conference May 5-7 at Cobo Hall
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.
EPA Brownfields grant awarded to Macomb
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
MI-SBTDC Staff to be recognized
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.
MCPED to participate in Family Resource Fair.
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
“Diversity Awareness + Understanding” brochure series launched
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.
Housing Rehab Program Flooded With Calls
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.
MCPED a panelist for upcoming redevelopment event
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.
Department Launches Diversity Initiative
The Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development - in partnership with the Macomb County Chamber - will unveil the “Defining Business + Life Diversity Awareness + Understanding Brochure” series.
The series is sponsored with support from Baker College of Clinton Township and Beaumont Hospitals and highlights the unique diversity of Macomb County while providing ideas for improving communication and understanding. The brochures will be officially unveiled at the upcoming State of County address featuring the Honorable William A. Crouchman, Chair of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners. The event is sponsored by the Macomb County Chamber Alliance and will begin at 11:30 a.m. on March 18 at the Banquet and Events Center at MacRay Harbor. For information about this event: State of the County Address
2008 Aerial Imagery Partnership
The Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development has entered into a Joint Funding Agreement with the United States Geological Survey and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments to acquire digital aerial imagery in the spring of 2008. The partnership is part of the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency’s National Map initiative. Under this program, low-level aerial imagery is being captured for major urban areas across the United States.
Imagery collected from this program will provide Macomb County and its local units of government full color, leaf-off, 12-inch pixel resolution aerial imagery. Many uses are planned for this imagery since it will be the first update since spring of 2004.
Within Macomb County, aerial imagery is utilized to update E911 services, provide for accurate land use studies, environmental assessment and property tax parcel mapping. As a tool to support economic development, aerial imagery is utilized for site selection and suitability assessments, as well as, facility management and expansion.
Imagery will be available beginning in late fall of 2008. To view the County’s current digital aerial imagery collection please visit our online mapping service at gis.macombcountymi.gov. For historical aerial imagery (pre-2000) in hard copy format, please contact the department directly.
January 29, 2008
The second issue of "eMacomb - Business Matters," the electronic newsletter of the department, is available.
Articles center on the big news about business accelerators coming to Macomb County, the upcoming EPA/ICMA Brownfields Conference in Detroit and the redevelopment of a downtown Mount Clemens church into lofts along with others related to economic development activity in the county.
Get the full content of eMacomb - Business Matters and be sure to subscribe so that the next newsletter can be directly delivered to your e-mail address!
New Departmental Hire
The Department is pleased to announce the addition of a new staff member, John Paul Rea. In December John Paul was hired as Associate Planner in the Planning and Environmental Services service group. Born and raised in Macomb County, John Paul has a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Master of Science in Public Administration with an Emphasis in Urban and Regional Policy and Planning. Both degrees were earned at Grand Valley State University.
Rea says, “I am humbled to be given such a wonderful opportunity to work for Macomb County. The physical and economic landscape of Macomb County is continually changing, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that our communities grow in an efficient and prosperous manner that will benefit present and future generations.” John Paul’s areas of interest include recreation/trail planning, downtown/commercial redevelopment practices, and transportation planning.
January 9, 2008
Non-Profit Organizations Apply for 2008 CDBG Funds
Twenty-four non-profit organizations submitted applications requesting more than $500,000 in funding through the Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Roughly $250,000 is potentially available for “services” that provide or expand services for lower-income individuals, including those that are homeless or at risk for homelessness. The amount of funding requested exceeds the amount available under program rules.
In all, the proposals range from homeless assistance, to elder care and senior services, to youth services. Several involve planning or physical redevelopment activities.
Department staff reviewed all applications (which were due on December 6) and forwarded a list of eligible projects to participating communities for consideration.
Based on feedback from the local communities, the department expects to make funding recommendations to the Macomb County Board of Commissioners and Federal approval by mid-May. Upon approval, funded projects will be incorporated in the 2008 CDBG program which officially begins on July 1.
The “Urban County of Macomb” consists of all local units of government within the county with the exception of Clinton Township, Roseville, St. Clair Shores, Sterling Heights and Warren. Each of these manages CDBG funding directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Stay tuned for results!
December 21, 2007
The homeless land on Solid Ground
On Thursday, December 14, the Macomb County Board of Commissioners voted to award $554,258 in Macomb HOME Consortium HOME funds to Solid Ground, Inc., to complete the conversion of the old Red Cross office building in Roseville into transitional housing for 14 homeless families. It will be the only such facility that will house in tact families. Families will also receive food and supportive services to help them attain financial independence within 24 moths of residency. The HOME grant will ensure completion of the facility in 2008. The HOME Consortium is a collaborative of the County, Clinton Township and the Cities of Roseville and Sterling Heights.
December 20, 2007
New Edition of "Out and About in Macomb County launched.
Graphics Technician Carol Pihaylic just finished the second edition of “Out and About in Macomb County” a 28-page booklet listing a wide assortment of family friendly activities in Macomb County. Developed by health educators with Macomb County Health Department, 15,000 copies of the booklet will be printed and distributed throughout the county.
The project is sponsored by Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures Coalition, a community based coalition with active participation from local agencies that share a common mission to promote healthy nutrition choices and physical activity behaviors among Macomb County children. The long-range goal of Healthy Kids–Healthy Futures is to reduce the incidence of childhood obesity and chronic diseases such as Type II diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
Please consider sharing this impressive collection of places to go and things to do with a family you know: Link to booklet
December 20, 2007
MCPED Gives Back.
Department staff opted to “adopt- a-family” in lieu of exchanging holiday gifts again this year. With the help of the community, the department secured the wish list of a family struggling to make ends meet and has assembled a healthy collection of clothing, toys, grocery gift certificates and gift cards to area stores.
The department is also collecting items for Turning Point's Wish List.
December 10, 2007
Utica gets money for the missing piece of trail
Macomb County was the first in the state to adopt a countywide master plan for trails, a project of the Department of Planning and Economic Development. As a department, our staff is always willing to share its expertise with others who are working to secure grants for land acquisition and trail development projects.
Last week, the Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund formally recommended that 65 recreational projects totaling more than $34 million be funded. Of that, $350,000 is slated to be awarded to the City of Utica for the Clinton River Hike Bike Trail.
Department staff assisted the city to prepare an application. The following is an excerpt from an e-mail that Gerard Santoro, Senior Planner, received:
“. . . we went to Lansing on Tuesday to appear before the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board in their public input session for our grant application.
They met again the next morning to render their decisions and amazingly, our grant was approved for $350,000. We are so excited and encouraged to begin work on the Hike and Bike Trail from Van Dyke to Auburn Rd. via Heritage Park and Memorial Park (Nichols St. and Davis St., bridge and tunnel).
Your support was very much appreciated and we look forward to working with you on this larger project throughout the next two years. Thanks again, for your department’s help and support.”
Jacqueline Noonan
Mayor of Utica
This is great news for all of Macomb County as we work to develop a linked network of trails. Next steps are for the recommendations to be approved by the state legislature for appropriations.
December 3, 2007
County approves transitional housing
Department staff participated in the monthly meeting of the Planning and Economic Development Committee, a recommending body to the Macomb County Board of Commissioners. Highlights of the December 4 meeting include:
* Adoption of a resolution to award HOME Funds to Solid Ground, Inc. to complete construction of a 43-bed transitional housing facility in Roseville. Located on Eleven Mile Road in the former American Red Cross building just east of Gratiot, Solid Ground will provide up to 24-months of shelter and services to assist homeless families gain economic independence.
MCPED staff has been working with Solid Ground to develop a professional business plan, submit a reasonable request for HOME funds as well as to begin the process of strategic planning for long-range fund development to support ongoing operational expenses.
The resolution will be presented to the Macomb County Board of Commissioners for approval on December 13.
* Based on findings of the Macomb County Airport Feasibility Study, the department recommended that the Board of Commissioners decline the State of Michigan’s offer to accept ownership of the Romeo State Airport in lieu of facilitating discussion between the State and surrounding communities regarding the development of an “authority” to assume ownership of the airport. The recommendation will be presented to the Macomb County Board of Commissioners for approval at the full board meeting on December 13.
November 21, 2007
New eNewsletter is launched!
Our department has been hard at work developing a new tool for communicating with current and potential stakeholders. Our intent is for the newsletter to accurately describe what defines business + life in Macomb County.
eMacomb – Business Matters will be published on a regular basis. It will feature articles about important news about the department as well as regular columns including a Business Spotlight, Redevelopment News, Groundbreaking News, Q & A and regular updates on upcoming events and workshops.
To subscribe or to read more
November 21, 2007
Department launches new website
Over the past several months, our department has been busy updating our website. This has involved a great deal of inter-departmental cooperation.
We hope that you find it to be a visually pleasing and informative place to learn more about the services and programs that our department very proudly offers.
November 20, 2007
Economic Development Staff Visits DREP
On Tuesday, EDSG staff will meet with the Detroit Regional Economic Partnership to explore how the two organizations can better work together to improve business retention and attraction efforts within the county and region.
November 19, 2007
NACo Achievement Awards Breakfast
The Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development assisted the Macomb County Board of Commissioners host the annual NACo Achievement Awards Breakfast on November 15 at Macomb Community College’s John Lewis Community Center.
Each year, the National Association of Counties (NACo) honors county programs throughout the nation that epitomize good government. Awards are for programs that are unique, innovative and cost-effective. Macomb earned a total of 16 awards and was also the top award recipient in the State of Michigan for the 26th consecutive year.
Approximately 60 individuals attended the breakfast. Celebrity emcee was The Detroit News columnist Neal Rubin who did an outstanding job of providing descriptions of each of the programs with exceptional insight and his characteristic humor.
According to Bill Crouchman, Chair of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, “Our employees, department heads and elected officials deserve all the credit for identifying new ways to improve services and help people in need. It is a truly remarkable achievement for our government to perform at this level for so many years. ”
Macomb winners included:
- Michigan State University Extension-Macomb for “Proud Equestrian,” a program matching volunteers with physically challenged horseback riders.
- Macomb County Clerk’s Office for “Student Election Inspectors Learn and Earn with Optical Scan Voting”
- Macomb Juvenile Court for “Next Steps Program,” a successful rehabilitation program for young sex offenders
- Department of Senior Citizen Services for “Senior Crime Victim Liaison,” a project providing individual assistance for navigating the judicial system, and referrals for additional help for coping with the aftermath of a crime
- Macomb Sheriff’s Office for “Volunteer Internet Investigators Assist Law Enforcement Apprehend Online Predator,” a program using volunteers to find and prosecute people who troll the Internet for victims.
- Macomb County Court Administration for "The Collection Improvement Initiative," a concerted effort to more aggressively recoup a variety of court costs from defendants.
- Macomb Public Works for “Imagine the Possibilities Recycling Contest,” a project promoting reducing, reusing and recycling
- Senior Citizen Services for “Discount Dental Program,” a plan that provides dental service discounts to people who enroll for $69 per year
- Health Department for “Facility Dye Testing Program,” a project that helps keep waterways clean by tracking wastewater discharges and correcting problems.
- Health Department, with support from the Sheriff’s Office and Senior Citizen Services, for “Family Safe and Environmentally Responsible Medication Disposal,” a program that encourages proper disposal of unwanted medications to keep them out of groundwater.
- Senior Citizen Services for “Medication Assistance Through Prescription Resource Network,” which helps eligible seniors obtain needed medications.
- Macomb County Community Services Agency for “Creating a Community Connection Day for the Homeless,” a county-wide endeavor to provide services and referrals for the homeless, or those in danger of homelessness, on the same day that a census of the homeless population is taken.
- Senior Citizens Services for “Legal Assistance Program,” which provides a comprehensive system of assistance and referrals for vulnerable older people.
- Community Mental Health Services for “Project Phoenix,” a program that provides support and healing to people who lose loved ones to suicide.
- Clerk/Register of Deeds Office for “Internet Campaign Finance Reports Promote Public Disclosure.”
- Clerk/Register of Deeds Office for “Birth Certificate Verification Via Internet Reduces Paperwork while Thwarting Terrorism.”
Awareness campaign to promote the Clinton River as a “Backyard Vacation Destination”
Senior Planner Gerard Santoro represents the department on the Clinton River Connection project. This is a collaborative venture between Macomb and Oakland counties and the local units of government within the Clinton River Watershed.
The purpose of the project is to promote the many recreational and educational opportunities that the watershed offers as related to water, trails, history, and economic development.
The first phase will focus on the "joining creeks" area where there is a confluence of three hike/bike paths (Clinton River, Macomb Orchard and Paint Creek trails), four creeks (Galloway, Paint, Sargent and Stony) and five historic towns (Lake Orion, Rochester, Auburn Heights, Romeo, and Utica).
This area provides a diverse multitude of amenities that are often overlooked and under appreciated. Planned outcomes of the project include a printed recreational guide and website. Both will provide relevant information to residents and visitors designed to maximize enjoyment of the area. As a result, businesses in the area are expected to benefit from increased awareness and visitation.
November 19, 2007
Housing Rehabilitation Program
Staff for the Macomb Urban County Housing Rehabilitation Program have had a busy and productive year. To date, they have facilitated the completion of 40 rehabilitation projects to help the homes of eligible owners meet local code requirements and the federal standards of “safe, decent and sanitary.”
In addition, five emergency rehabilitation projects have provided new plumbing to homes without running water, new roofs for homes with severe leaks and new furnaces to homes without heat.
Funds are still available to complete additional whole house and emergency rehab projects for eligible homeowners.
