Big news for W. Vernor: $2.5M for streetscape improvements, Atrium Gallery launches second show

The Michigan Department of Transportation has made a conditional commitment of $2.5 million to Southwest Detroit Business Association for infrastructure improvements along W. Vernor between Patton and Clark parks. The entire project cost is $5.56 million; the organization will raise the remaining funds throughout 2011 and hope to being construction in 2012. "We're not looking to fund-raise small money," says Vittoria Katanski, SDBA's marketing director. "We're looking at it as a development project, like Odd Fellows Hall, a financing-type piece."

The infrastructure work funded by the allocation will be used for landscaping and, most importantly, an updating of the corridor's lighting infrastructure. "We held several community meetings to find out a vision, what people wanted to have happen," says Katanski. With lighting being of major issue to many residents and business owners, SDBA made it a priority. "The city has lighting and electric systems that haven't been upgraded for several years, and this grant will allow us to make these major changes."

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