The
Kresge Foundation has granted three of Detroit's greenways projects a
combined total of $3.5 million. The money will be used to extend the
Dequindre Cut north to Mack, build another segment of the Conner Creek
Greenway and fund construction of the Mitdown Loop's Phase 2, the part
that traverses John R and Canfield.
Todd Scott of the
Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance
says that this "challenge grant" will help the fledgling Detroit
Greenways Coalition get some legs. "One of the important things we need
to do is to formalize our group structure so that we can use this
money to get the most bang for our buck," he says. "This money has
pushed us to the next level
in terms of being organized."
The Dequindre Cut is a trail that currently extends from the East
Riverfront to Gratiot Avenue; this extension will take it into the
heart of Eastern Market.
The
Conner Creek Greenway
will eventually connect the East Side from the Detroit River to Eight
Mile. The Kresge grant will fumd two phases: from Jefferson to the
riverfront Maheras Gentry Park and from Harper to Eight Mile. Libby
Pachota of the Detroit Eastside Community Collaborative hopes to see
construction begin in the summer of 2010 for both segments.
The
Midtown Loop will provide a culturally stimulating route around
Midtown. Phase One, which will begin construction this summer, runs
along Cass and Kirby. Read more about the design of the Loop
here.
Sources: Todd Scott, MTGA and Libby Pachota, DECC
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh