Dear Friend,

 

I am pleased to share that East Cross Street in Ypsilanti’s Depot Town has been designated by the American Planning Association as one of America’s Greatest Streets for 2018. In recent years, East Cross Street has been reinvigorated as businesses and residents encourage renovation and redevelopment efforts to beautify the area. This recognition from the American Planning Association is affirmation of the fantastic work they have done.

 

A huge block-party celebration is being planned for October 20 to highlight all that this vibrant historic district has to offer. I encourage you to share the good news about Depot Town’s national honor and come on down to see for yourself why East Cross Street is one of America’s Greatest Streets.

 

As part of your tour of Depot Town, please take note of the renovations and redevelopments that are under way. In late 2017, after years of neglect, failed redevelopments and talks of demolition, Depot Town’s historic Thompson Block building is on track to undergo an $11.8 million renovation. The project will transform the Civil War-era structure into a mixed-use development. I was proud to testify in support of the project before the Michigan Strategic Fund last year. The project won approval of a $3.175 million Michigan Community Revitalization Program performance-based loan. In addition, MSF approved $1,265,799 in local and school tax capture for the Washtenaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority to remove hazardous materials to ensure that the site is clean and safe. Seventy new full-time jobs are projected to be created through this venture which will transform a dangerous eyesore into a much-needed breath of new life for Depot Town.

 

There is also a Michigan Department of Transportation Road Safety Audit being conducted for a rehabilitation project in fiscal year 2022 which would improve traffic flows along major roadways in Depot Town. The project will improve the stretch of US-12 along Huron-Hamilton and Michigan Avenue, as well as along M-17 on Washtenaw Avenue. This project is sure to make Depot Town an even more walkable and attractive destination.

 

Upcoming Town Halls

 

Make sure to mark your calendars for my upcoming town halls! I hope you can join me for what is sure to be productive, meaningful and informative discussions on issues impacting us in our community and throughout the state.

 

Senior Health Care Town Hall Meeting

Monday, Oct. 15

6-7:30 p.m.

Huron Valley Pace

2940 Ellsworth Road

Ypsilanti

 

Join me and my special guest Sonja Love Felton, executive director of Huron Valley PACE to discuss senior health care options available in our state.

 

Early Childhood Education Town Hall

Monday, Oct. 22

6-7:30 p.m.

Ypsilanti Township Civic Center

7200 S. Huron River Drive

 

Join me and my special guest Margy Long, director of the Success by 6 Great Start Collaborative to discuss the state of early childhood education in Michigan.

 

 

I hope to see you soon!

 

In the meantime, please contact my office if you have any questions or concerns about an issue in state government. You can call me and my staff at (517) 373-1771 or email us at RonniePeterson@house.mi.gov.

 

Sincerely,

 

Ronnie Peterson

State Representative