Brush Alley to get a makeover thanks to placemaking grant

Flint was one of 15 communities in the I-69 Thumb Region to be awarded a $2,000 grant from Michigan’s Placemaking Mini-Grant Program.

The grant will help Friends of the Alley beautify undeveloped areas off of Brush Avenue. The lot is next to Cork on Saginaw downtown Flint. Plans included adding fencing, paving, and electrical outlets that will allow the space to be used for small concerts and other social gatherings in the future.

“The goal is to provide some financial support, by way of a grant, for local governments or nonprofits to do something that could have a positive ripple-effect in their communities,” said Tyler Rossmaessler, director of economic development at the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, one of the seven partners of the I-69 Thumb Region.

The program, funded with financial support from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and administered by the I-69 Thumb Region partners, was established to help communities implement small, impactful projects that encourage and contribute to a stronger sense of place.

Projects in Grand Blanc and Grand Blanc Township were also among the 15 funded throught he grants.

In addition to the Flint & Genesee Chamber, the I-69 Thumb Region is comprised of the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County, Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission, Lapeer Development Corp., Sanilac & Huron County Economic Development Corp., Shiawassee Economic Development Corp. and Tuscola County Economic Development Corp.