Saginaw-based MSHDA initiative praised by Gov. Granholm

Good things do not go unnoticed and Saginaw's blight-reduction initiative is getting plenty of attention these days.

The Saginaw Code Enforcement Neighborhood Improvement Cooperative, known simply as SCENIC, has recently been named as a "Promise Spotlight" success story from the state's Cities of Promise program. SCENIC were recently recognized by Gov. Jennifer Granholm as well as representatives of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority during an event at Michigan State University.

"The term 'blight reduction' usually suggests demolition. While demolition is a key component of the strategy employed throughout the Cities of Promise, it is not the only tool in the box," says MSHDA interim executive director Gary Heidel. "The first line of defense in blight reduction is community awareness and code enforcement, both preventative tools that can impede blight before it becomes a long-term problem."

SCENIC was one of eight to earned "Promise Spotlight" recognition. Other cities earning the nod included Benton Harbor, Detroit, Flint, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Muskegon Heights and Pontiac.

The city of Saginaw launched SCENIC in June 2008 as a creative partnership tool to effectively combat blight. It was initially created as a part of the Cathedral District Neighborhood Revitalization plan. The Cathedral District, a neighborhood east of the Saginaw River, has hundreds of blighted and abandoned parcels, but also is home to St. Mary's of Michigan hospital, City Hall and the DOW Chemical events center. The Cathedral District Revitalization plan gives the city an opportunity to leverage local, state and federal resources. The program is volunteer-driven and includes Saginaw firefighters, police and city code enforcement staff.

More information about the program can be found at the SCENIC website.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Gary Heidel, MSHDA