Creekside Community Development Corporation is helping to change the face of the lower east side. The group works to improve the area bounded by Connor, E. Jefferson, Alter and the Detroit River.
The organization will break ground in December on
Creekside West, 10 homes to be located on Kitchener Street south of Jefferson. The scattered site infill development includes two models of homes, the Kitchener and the Continental (pictured). Each style is approximately 1,300 square feet and will sell for $110,000 to income-qualified buyers.
Creekside West is in the vicinity of two previous housing developments that have already added 70 homes to the area.
Home repair grants are ongoing, says housing coordinator Sam Butler. "It is our most paramount issue. Much of this neighborhood is at a tipping point," he says. "Some houses just need a little bit of help."
Other programs include tree plantings conducted in partnership with the
Greening of Detroit, neighborhood recycling by
Recycle Here! held on the fourth Saturday of every month and regular home repair and ownership workshops. Creekside also partners with the Jefferson East Business Association on several programs.
Why Jefferson-Chalmers? The quick answer is the Detroit River. Maheras-Gentry, Ford, Mariner's and Lakewood East Parks all provide public access. On top of that, some of the homes in its easternmost portion back up to canals leading directly to the river.
Residents are also close to shopping in Grosse Pointe and Riverbend Plaza as well as several high-performing schools.
Sources: Karen Brown and Sam Butler, Creekside CDC
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
Image courtesy Creekside CDC
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