What's Happening on East Warren?
The good news is that work on the long-awaited East Warren streetscape between Three Mile and Cadieux began in earnest over the past month. The bad news is that, as we know too well, it’s causing plenty of disruption for drivers, pedestrians, and businesses. But having learned some valuable lessons from previous streetscaping projects in other parts of the city, all the city departments responsible for this one are doing their best to minimize disruption and communicate effectively with residents and businesses along the corridor.
According to Sarah Feldman, Operations and Special Projects Manager for East Warren Development Corporation, which is serving as a partner and liaison with the city in this project, “This week crews completed cold milling on the north side and set up ‘Open for Business’ signs. We are working with the city to support parking during the construction.” (Cold milling is the technical term for “tearing up the sidewalks.”) Framing of some sections - or “flags” - of the sidewalk has begun at the eastern end of the construction zone, in preparation for pouring new cement.
Another bit of good news is that E. Warren Development Corporation is offering microgrants for E. Warren businesses along the streetscape, ranging from $500 to $2,000, which can be used for special projects like facade improvement, advertising, and hosting events, or signage. Applications should be live in the next week. Make sure to sign up at https://forms.gle/28BthmmVYhM4scnTA to learn more about the microgrants.
It is the city representatives’ hope and expectation that work on the north side of E. Warren will be completed by the end of the summer. Work on the south side will begin shortly after that, with the goal of completing the major streetscape components towards the end of the year. Beautification items, such as flowers and plants, will be completed in early spring.
Until then, as residents we can do our part by remaining patient - major construction doesn’t happen overnight - and by alerting city representatives when we experience problems along the corridor. They won’t be able to help us if they don’t know what we need.
Additionally, it is vital we are visiting and shopping at our local businesses when possible to support the corridor during these slower months.
The city will be holding virtual office hours every Wednesday until November 10, from 5:00 - 6:00 pm. We encourage residents to bring your questions and concerns. Here’s the Zoom link: https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/j/88343840935/.
E. Warren Development Corp. will also be sending out weekly newsletters to keep us informed of progress on the construction and other things happening on the corridor. You can sign up to receive them and view the current newsletter by visiting https://linktr.ee/ewdc.
The process of cold milling on the north side of East Warren is in full effect. Image courtesy of Jeffrey D. Lewis II
A sidewalk slab is placed in a dump truck. Image courtesy of Jeffrey D. Lewis II
