The next area to benefit from the city's Strategic Neighborhood Fund is Cody Rouge and Warrendale on Detroit's west side. The neighborhoods will see $7.4 million invested in improvements for its residents and visitors.
The plan was developed over a year and a half from input of local residents, including 400 youth who call it home.
Key investments include:
Improving the West Warren Commercial Corridor. This will entail adding an open-air plaza, supporting existing businesses, adding streetscapes and murals to attract new businesses and visitors, and improving building facades (see before/after slider below).
Streetscape improvements. In order to slow down traffic on West Warren, the plan includes adding bike lanes, moving bus stops, safer crosswalks, better lighting, and adding wayfinding signs so area kids can easier locate schools, parks, and rec centers.
Housing stock stabilization. The plan calls for rehabbing homes and moving in new families or demolition if neighborhood homes are too far gone for rehab.
Park and green space enhancements. Next year, the city will begin improvements of neighborhood parks. Simanek Playfield will get update courts and playfields, along with bike and skater areas. A new stage for performances will be built at Stein Park. And a new park will be developed at the old Dixon School site.
Huntington Bank is the corporate sponsor for the Warrendale-Cody Rouge effort. This is the 9th out of 10 Neighborhood Strategic Fund areas. The 8th - East Warren - was announced earlier this year. The 10th area - Gratiot and 7 Mile - will be presented to residents in June. The Strategic Neighborhood Fund launched in 2016 with three neighborhoods and has grown with corporate partners to expand across the city.
