MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) — After years of planning and several delays, a major revitalization project is getting underway in downtown Mount Clemens.
Local business owners on Cherry Street said they were excited about the plans.
“I love all the energy, it’s all positive,” said Daniel Nevin, the owner of Nevin Jewelers.
Nevin first moved to his location almost 40 years ago; in fact, he was the very first tenant of the strip mall on Cherry Street, near New Street. Needless to say, he has faced some tough times over the years.
“I survived by being flexible, that’s the way to do it,” Nevin said.
Nevin said he’s glad the city has finalized plans to move forward with the multimillion-dollar revitalization.
“The city needs a little kick start and I think this is what we’ve been waiting for,” Nevin said.
“I fully support the efforts that are underway,” said Monika Rittner, owner of Discover Center of Macomb.
The Discover Center is the first hands-on STEAM center for children in Macomb County.
Rittner said she understands the project may cause some disruption to business, but she believes it will all be worth it.
“It will be difficult for businesses while the infrastructure repairs are underway, but it is a time investment that we are eager to make here at the Discovery Center,” Rittner said.
“We view this as a transformative project,” said Laura Kropp, the mayor of Mount Clemens.
Kropp said the nearly $6 million project also gives the city an opportunity to address infrastructure issues.
“So this is a unique opportunity for us to address underground infrastructure issues like water lines and sewers, and we also had some flooding issues in our Cherry St. Mall, which is a big part of the project,” Kropp said.
Cherry Street gets a new streetscape. Renderings provided by engineering firm Anderson, Eckstein & Westrick also showed the addition of a large flat fountain and a grand new entrance sign to downtown.
Kropp also praised those who helped secure funding for the project.
“The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is lending $813,000 for the project and Congressman John James was generous and was able to get us $3.5 million in federal funding,” Kropp said.
The city is expected to take the first steps in the revitalization project in February 2025.
“With this new plan, I just hope it will work,” Nevin said.
