Features

Development News Ferndale-moves-2

Ferndale utilizes interactive map for public input on forthcoming transportation plan

“We’re always open to feedback and criticism and praises. Anything people contribute, we welcome that,” says Erin Quetell, Ferndale’s environmental sustainability planner. “We want an open and inclusive and resilient community and mobility is part of that strategy.”

In The News Forgotten Harvest

Sterling Heights partners with Forgotten Harvest to provide mobile food pantry

Metro Detroit food rescue organization Forgotten Harvest reported a 50% increase to it's food pantries over the last year. Now, Sterling Heights is teaming up with the non-profit group to host a mobile food pantries in the city this month to help residents facing COVID-19 challenges.

Mill Street development set to unleash 'catalytic force' on Ecorse’s revitalization

Farmington Hills-based Friedman Real Estate and Southfield-based General Development Company (GDC) are under contract for the development of the 66-acre Mill Street site.

Feature Story Christmas, Sterling Heights

Photos: Best ways Sterling Heights is celebrating the season outside and online

Sterling Heights is getting it's outdoor game on this season, embracing winter to share some joy at the end of 2020.

Feature Story Grace Perric

Connecting teens during COVID-19: Q&A with librarian Tricia White

When the Sterling Heights Public Library had to switch community programs to online platforms this year, librarian Tricia White noticed virtual fatigue was stopping teenagers from connecting. One of the few programs that's stayed strong is the Pizza & Pages book club, which one participant described as a "lifeline during the pandemic". We talk to White about why it's working and what she's witnessed this year. 

Feature Story The historic Farmington State Savings Bank building

Small businesses reflect on 2020 and look toward the future in downtown Farmington

With the year coming to a close, we thought it would be a good time to survey some downtown businesses and take their temperature, to see what they’ve thought about the past year and what they hope for the next.

Feature Story Macomb has 155 miles of constructed bike trails

Macomb Parks & Trails: Here's why Macomb County is entering a new era in outdoor recreation

The last year has been a turning point for parks, trails, and waterways in Macomb County. And the future looks bright indeed.

Partner Content Jefferson along the Detroit River in Ecorse. Photo by David Lewinski.

Ecorse sees new DDA as key to unlocking the Downriver city's potential

"We have a very progressive group of board members," says City Administrator Richard Marsh. "They're ready now. I saw it in their eyes during a couple of questions that were asked. I think we've got the right people to transform the downtown area of the city of Ecorse."

Development News Care packages, Macomb, Meals on Wheels, COVID, Coronavirus, Seniors

Macomb County to distribute care packages for seniors with drive-through event

Macomb County will distribute approximately 1,000 care packages to senior residents to help with health and safety during the winter season. 

Development News “We’re thrilled to have the rink open in time for the holidays,” says Melissa Andrade.

Outdoor ice rink officially opens in downtown Farmington’s Riley Park

This year’s outdoor ice skating season will look different from those in the past. Riley Park Ice Rink opened in downtown Farmington earlier this week.

Feature Story bowpose

Dearborn's Yoga Shala predicts pandemic pivots like outdoor classes, live-streams here to stay

Looking past the pandemic, owner Jamie Garrison anticipates that her pivots will continue to serve her well.

Feature Story Back to the Past. Photo by David Lewinski

Wixom comic shop aims to capitalize on community in new future as auction house

Owner Scott Lovejoy does not see much difference between excitement for The Wizard of Oz and comics, Star Trek, or old records. Fandom is fandom.

 

Feature Story Brayz Hamburger, Hazel Park. Photo by David Lewinski.

Main Street Hazel Park unites small business community in a tough year

"Hazel Park is resilient. This is not our first rodeo."

Wyandotte sustains 'a sense of liveliness' during a tough year

Several developments are now underway in the city, and even without the annual Wyandotte Street Art Fair, downtown Wyandotte has continued attracting visitors with a variety of socially distanced outdoor events

Special Report Joe Baskin, owner of Joe Edward Salon, strikes a pose

Van Buren Township downtown officials create vibrancy and a sense of community

A conversation with DDA leadership and business owners about the challenges that have been overcome to create a vibrant downtown district in Van Buren Township.

Development News Sterling Heights, Community Center, Grand Opening

Sterling Heights wins awards for community center design and COVID-19 response

Despite a global pandemic, or perhaps because of it, Sterling Heights' Parks and Recreation team have been busy this year. Their work hasn't gone unnoticed, garnering two mParks awards for their service to their community in 2020.

Development News libertypark.jpg

Macomb County to receive $300,000 boost in brownfield site redevelopment

Macomb County's brownfield redevelopment projects will receive a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to strengthen clean-up projects over the next three years.

Development News Ringwald Theatre

A new chapter begins for the Ringwald Theatre as it leaves longtime Ferndale home

We spoke with artistic director Joe Bailey who, along with husband Brandy Joe Plembeck, is one of the original founders of the theater. We asked Joe about the latest production, their decision to leave Ferndale, and what’s next for the Ringwald Theatre.

Innovation News Sterling Heights start-up company RAVE Cave works with 3D visual modelling.

Sterling Heights start-up awarded grant to test pilot-less aircraft

RAVE Cave, a 3D virtual reality business in Sterling Heights, recently received a grant to test unmanned aerial systems.

Feature Story lolly-by-golly.png

Dearborn's Lolly by Golly dishes up 'creative' holiday offerings

From personalized candy baskets for curbside pickup to a Santa behind plexiglass, this small, family-run passion project is doing what it takes to serve their customers this season.

 
Nonprofit leaders across southeast Michigan are contributing their thoughts via journal entries on how COVID-19 is affecting their organization. 
This series is made possible with the generous support of our partners, the Michigan Nonprofit Association and Co.ACT. Click here to read the journal entries.