Crain’s Detroit Business has reported that the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM) awarded over $4 million in grants to help revitalize Detroit neighborhoods from the riverfront to the near east side.

Two of these grants are of special interest to those following trail development in Detroit.

The first is a $500,000 grant to the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy to help create recreational, fitness, cultural and educational programming.  This programming will be developed by working with local community groups, churches, schools and businesses.  It will likely be located or involve the Riverwalk and Dequindre Cut, both of which are managed by the Conservancy.

The second grant is $100,000 for the City of Detroit to begin planning a connection for “direct and safe” pedestrian access between the Dequindre Cut and Eastern Market.

Leor Barak on the Detroit Riverfront

Green Teas are monthly meetings to promote green activities within the City of Detroit. Past topics include urban gardening and greenways.

The August 28th Green Tea is about biking, including what current projects are underway and how can folks can more involved.

If you plan on attending or need to rent a bike, RSVP to Jeff Williams via email or call 313.894.1030.

Here are the details:

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 2008, 4:30 PM at Wheelhouse Detroit (located at Rivard Plaza on the Riverwalk, Atwater and Rivard.)

BYOB (Bring your own bike or rent one from Wheelhouse!)

Meet other folks who bike, share what you think would help facilitate biking in the city, connect with bike organizations, learn about biking opportunities along the riverfront and the Dequindre cut, find out about the Detroit non-motorized plan and how you can support it, share your favorite routes, find a commuting partner!

We will also take a short ride to the Eastern Market for refreshments! (In case of rain, the meeting will take place under Shed 2 at the Market).

Phase I of Detroit’s Dequindre Cut continues to make progress. It is expected that paving will begin within the next week or two. One estimate says it will be completed by July.

Phase I runs from Woodbridge, near the river, north to Gratiot. This basically connects the riverfront, Tri-Centennial Park, Lafayette Park, Elmwood, and Eastern Market.

Phase II continues north of Gratiot to Mack. That portion of the rail corridor is still privately owned, though discussions are underway for it’s sale to the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.

The hope is that eventually future phases will continue further north still and connect with Hamtramck, Highland Park, and more.