Latest news with #DepartmentofNeighborhoods
CBS News
23-04-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Solar neighborhood project transforming homes in Detroit
As the City of Detroit works toward achieving a full transition to clean and renewable energy by 2034, the first step toward reaching that goal is well underway. About a year ago, Haley Henley says she started noticing major problems with her electricity in the home she's lived in for nearly 50 years. "I was losing appliances, my small appliances. I would plug them into the wall, and then they would just stop working," said Henley. After reaching out for help, she learned her home's wiring was in desperate need of an upgrade, potentially costing thousands of dollars. "For the most part, for me, I didn't have it to spend," said Henley. That's where the city's Neighborhood Solar Initiative comes in. Department of Neighborhoods Director Erinn Harris says she and her team have spent the last two years heading into communities that have a large number of vacant or blighted properties to share their efforts to fight climate change and transition to clean energy. "This program is to help the city become more greener and to have a greener footprint," said Harris. Open patches of land, like the one at Lyford Avenue and Castle Street, will soon be home to solar panels that will help offset the community's rising electricity costs. Harris says any homeowner who lives in the areas of the solar project could qualify for up to $15,000 in energy-efficient upgrades, like wiring, windows or a new roof. "These were opportunities that maybe they couldn't either afford to do, and so they thought this is a great time for them to get these opportunities in their neighborhood," said Harris. Henley says the grant allowed her to repair the fuses in her entire home, as well as get a new furnace and water heater. "I was in tears; I was so happy. I'm just grateful. I'm thankful for everything that they did. If I had to do it over, I would," said Henley. Harris says the city is currently working through the second phase of the project, with nearly 200 acres of land seeing improvements.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Columbus community plan aims to revitalize Eastland Mall property
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The City of Columbus launched some big plans for the Eastland neighborhood Thursday night. The Department of Neighborhoods is spearheading the Eastland for Everyone Community Plan that outlines projects to spur community growth and development. The plan spans six square miles of southeast Columbus and outlines what the department calls '8 Big Ideas.' Some of which include creating more housing, community and educational spaces, retail developments and job opportunities. Some efforts are already underway to revitalize the community. The Eastland Mall, for example, is now in the process of being torn down to renovate the space into use for future developments. Additionally, the Vista Village tiny home subdivision now housing residents. Noelle Britt, Eastland Neighborhood Program Specialist, said a part of the vision is to make sure everyone in Eastland has equitable access to recourses. 'What we heard a lot during this process is that so many folks have to leave to do so many things, to meet so many basic needs and that is something we need to address,' she said 'And you will see that moving throughout the plan. A higher quality of life, a place where everyone can belong or call home and a strong sense of community which I hope you all feel that tonight.' Britt said they received a lot of community input that helped build this plan and Columbus mayor Andrew Ginther said the city is fully committed. 'We want to strengthen our neighborhoods, build a stronger community and ensure we're creating a healthy space where everyone can thrive,' said Ginther. The Eastland Advisory Committee will reconvene in the spring with community partners to keep the ball rolling toward a promising future for eastside residents. To view the full Eastland For Everyone Plan, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
05-02-2025
- General
- CBS News
Shadow Program in Detroit provides youth a view of how the city works
(CBS DETROIT) — The Detroit Department of Neighborhoods is growing once again and is seeking the next generation of local leaders through its Shadow Program. "You may be in college for something, but as soon as you get exposed to something, you get more of a passion. So, I'm excited to see the increase in passion," said the department's District 5 Manager, Joshua Roberson. The six-week experience gives nearly 90 Detroiters between the ages of 18 and 25 the chance to sign up to work alongside mentors in their fields of interest for one day across all city offices, getting an inside look at how the city works. "We really want to get young people engaged civically with the city government, but hopefully we can be mentoring some of our next directors, our next deputy directors, who will be creating policies for the future," said Roberson. Jason James is preparing for his day this year and hopes to be placed in a department that focuses on his favorite subject, financial literacy. "Ever since I learned what those two words meant, it's just been on my forehead, ever since, so it's just been my journey to get into that type of field," said James. Growing up, James says he didn't really know what career he could pursue, but after hearing about the Shadow program, he knew he wanted to explore it. "I know it's a lot to learn when it comes to being in rooms and buildings with such people that got some power and that's just something that I think about all the time," said James. While it has only been around for a short time, those with the program say it has already made a major difference. "You never know who you may run into, who you may be. You never know what the day may look like. You never know what that opportunity may lead you to. So, you never know where you're going unless you walk through that door," said Logan Newman, outreach coordinator of the Department of Neighborhoods.
