Business Improvement Zone Initiative
The Sinai-Grace Guild Community Development Corporation and West McNichols Business Association are excited to announce our intention to develop a Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) with the Six Mile corridor.
We believe that by working together with local businesses and property owners, we can create a BIZ that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our community. Your involvement is crucial to our efforts, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas as we work towards enhancing the vibrant business environment of our area.
THE SIX MILE CORRIDOR is home to a varied business community, with opportunities to build upon existing assets and address challenges. Our research tells us:
The corridor contains approximately:
389
BUSINESSES
WHAT IS A BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT ZONE (BIZ)?
And spans numerous commercial properties:
608
STOREFRONTS
Yet, also offers opportunity:
29%
VACANCY
A BIZ is a defined geographic area where commercial property owners collectively fund enhancement projects and services to improve the overall business environment. All commercial properties in the zone pay a special assessment along with their property taxes, which goes into a dedicated fund for improvements.
WHY A BIZ FOR SIX MILE?
BIZs have shown great success across Detroit, leading to significant improvements locally;
IN THE W. VERNOR & SPRINGWELLS district of Southwest Detroit, the BIZ
slashed graffiti by over 80% .
Since 2007, it has cleared
1 million gallons of litter.
DOWNTOWN DETROIT'S BIZ not only beautified the area with its nationally-renowned holiday lighting but also
helped nearly 1,000 job seekers find employment.
Motivated by these achievements, we’re confident a Six Mile BIZ will similarly boost our corridor, enhancing property values, reducing crime, and increasing community vibrancy.
WHAT CAN A SIX MILE BIZ DO?
Michigan law allows BIZs to “enhance the economic prosperity, appearance, image, and safety” of the zone. Potential initiatives for Six Mile could include:
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Beautification like sidewalk cleaning, landscaping, and litter control
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Increased security through ambassador programs and patrols
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Marketing and business attraction efforts
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Small business support and micro-grants for community projects
TIMELINE & MILESTONES
To ensure transparency and keep you informed, here's a detailed timeline of the key milestones we plan to achieve in the development of the Six Mile Business Improvement Zone:
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Established dedicated committee
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Conducted initial groundwork
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Commenced stakeholder outreach
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Began crafting zone plan
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Continued community outreach
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Continued refining zone plan
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Opened city communication channels
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Scheduled petition drive
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Continued city communication for finalization
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Sought council approval for proposed plan
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Finalized establishment process via mail vote
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Launch of implemented Six Mile BIZ initiatives
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Ongoing BIZ maintenance/admin/engagement
PROPOSED BIZ BOUNDARIES
The proposed Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) will encompass the commercial corridor along W. McNichols Road, spanning from W. Grand River to Livernois.
The thickly outlined area along W. McNichols Road represents the specific parcels and properties that will be included within the BIZ extent, focusing solely on the commercial establishments and businesses along this major thoroughfare.
WHO IS PART OF THE BIZ?
The proposed Six Mile BIZ would encompass all commercial properties along the corridor.
Based on our research, there are:
428 unique property owners with the majority (67%) residing right here in Detroit.
Shape Six Mile’s Future: We Need Your Insights
What challenges or ideas do you have for improving the Six Mile area?
Your input will be critical as we finalize the BIZ boundaries and priorities.
We invite you to help shape the visual identity for our BIZ initiative. Your input is crucial for creating a brand that accurately reflects the values and aspirations of our community. Your feedback will guide our communication strategies and the brand's visual representation.
UPCOMING EVENT:
NEW!
Join us for our virtual BIZ info session via Zoom on July 10, 2024
Working together, we can create meaningful opportunities that will benefit everyone —business owners, residents, and visitors alike.
For any inquiries, please contact us at info@sinaigraceguildcdc.org OR (313) 731-0001.
We appreciate your participation and look forward to deepening our relationship with you as this process unfolds.
DOWNLOADS
JUNE 2023