DETROIT (WXYZ) — The City of Detroit will begin its second round of streetscape projects this spring with McNichols Rd. in the Fitzgerald neighborhood, the city announced on Thursday.
According to the city, construction will begin in May on McNichols between Livernois and Greenlawn. It's one of five planned streetscape projects in Detroit this year.
The purpose of the streetscape project is to create resident-focused streets, according to the city, that serve and attract businesses and families to the neighborhoods.
Last year, the program revitalized Livernois in the Avenue of Fashion, Bagley in southwest Detroit and Grand River Ave. Construction was delayed on Livernois and left business owners struggling. The city worked throughout the summer and fall to find ways to attract people to the area.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan met with residents in the Fitzgerald neighborhood to get their input on a final design for the project. The city said it will enhance pedestrian safety, increase walkability and beautify the corridor.
“By working with and listening to residents, we have adapted the plan and come up with a strategy for improving this neighborhood that is in keeping with the wishes of the community,” Duggan said in a release. “To see such an increase in property values in such a short time is a sign the improvements we’ve already made are having a positive impact.”
The city is also working on a larger effort to revitalize the Fitzgerald neighborhood near the University of Detroit Mercy. So far, they've demolished 27 blighted homes, rehabbed 13 vacant homes and turned vacant lots into a new park. In two years, the property values of homes in the area have gone up 26%.
