February 5, 2016
The Detroit Future City (DFC) Field Guide to Working with Lots is a tool that provides step-by-step instruction to support Detroiters in transforming vacant land in order to create cleaner, safer and more attractive neighborhoods.
The Detroit Future City (DFC) Implementation Office developed the Field Guide mini grant program to encourage Detroit residents, community groups and businesses to utilize the Field Guide to implement land stewardship activities in Detroit’s neighborhoods.
Out of 31 applicants, 15 were selected to receive a share of $65,000 in mini grants to implement lot designs from the DFC Field Guide to Working with Lots. Each mini grant winner has been awarded $3,500 to implement their lot design, with the remaining funds earmarked for further financial support after undergoing technical assistance sessions with the DFC Implementation Office.
The Field Guide mini grant program funds a diverse range of lot designs across the city, including:
360 Detroit, Inc, planning to implement the Rear Parking Partner lot design on the West Side of Detroit
360 Detroit, Inc, planning to implement the Rear Parking Partner lot design on the West Side of Detroit
360 Detroit plans to implement a lot design that would provide off street parking with paved parking pad that allows water to infiltrate the ground, instead of running quickly off into Detroit’s streets and sewerage system.
Scott Street Farm LLC, planning to implement the Friendly Fence lot design on the East Side of Detroit.
Located close to The Boggs School and the University Prep Science and Math, Scott Street Farm envisions applying a DFC lot design in their community that will be beneficial for windbreaks. They will use the implementation process as an educational youth engagement project.
Bounce Back Detroit, planning to implement the 8 Mile Rain Garden with Dumping Preventer lot design in the HOPE Village Community on the West Side of Detroit
With community ties stemming back nearly 50 years, Bounce Back Detroit plans on implementing a lot design that inspires young people to embrace the idea of creating a resilient community that counters the narrative of blight.
North Rosedale Civic Association, planning to implement the Native Butterfly Meadow lot design on the West Side of Detroit
North Rosedale Civic Association, planning to implement the Native Butterfly Meadow lot design on the West Side of Detroit
North Rosedale Civic Association (NRCA) is planning to use their funds to implement a design that would enable them to install a Native Butterfly Meadow that will soak up rainwater runoff and improve the quality of life for North Rosedale residents.
Jacqueline Perkins, planning to implement the Paisley Patch lot design on the East Side of Detroit
Detroit resident Jacqueline Perkins will implement a lot design that will provide a fragrant, family friendly social space for neighbors to memorialize and honor veterans. Perkins hopes to help stabilize her community by adding a charm on the block.
Detroit Film Fatales, planning to implement the Mounds of Fun lot design in the Corktown Community
Detroit Film Fatales plans to create organic seating places for attendees to sit comfortably during their monthly movie screenings. They hope to implement a lot design that will mimic amphitheater seating and to inspire Detroiters to consider improving vacant lots in their community in a similar fashion.