Nate Heffron, city manager, city of Negaunee

By NATE HEFFRON

City manager

City of Negaunee

Special to the Journal

NEGAUNEE — The city of Negaunee continues its forward momentum following the successful completion of the Downtown Engagement or Streetscape project.

Two new grant awards were announced in the last two weeks. This influx of funding will incentivize investment in the heart of our community; not only attracting more people to visit Negaunee businesses, but also give current and new business owners even more reasons to invest.

According to an announcement from Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office this week, $6.5 million in funding will be distributed to 27 municipalities and eight transit agencies under the Shared Streets and Spaces Grant program.

According to the release, the SSSG program supports quick-build projects — led by incorporated cities and transit agencies — that improve plazas, sidewalks, curbs, streets, bus stops, parking areas and other public spaces in support of public health, safe mobility and strengthened commerce.

Negaunee will receive a $200,000, zero-match grant to help facilitate our Phase-2 Streetscape Project. This project consists of some minor sidewalk repairs, tree plantings, the installation of an enhanced crosswalk, a new bike shelter and bus stop along with some additional furniture and safety upgrades.

Most of this investment will be made to the Jackson Street corridor in downtown This project is expected to start in the spring of 2025, ending in late summer, early fall.

An additional grant, much smaller, but impactful in its own right, will benefit two downtown businesses as well as provide public art.

The Michigan Arts and Culture Council has awarded $12,000 to Love & Bicycles and Strega Nonna, for mural projects.

Love & Bicycles owners Blake and Jon Becker are no strangers to community investment these days. Just two years ago they received a $25k grant from the Negaunee DDA to help with their facade project, allowing them to completely rehabilitate their entire Iron Street storefront.

“We are looking forward to adding some additional art and culture to downtown”, Blake Becker said.

Rachael Grossman, owner of Strega Nonna, has also been making major strides. Just after opening in 2023, her business was also awarded a $25k grant from the Negaunee DDA to help with her facade.

Now she’s looking at her outdoor eating area where she has been busy this summer with a yard expansion and the construction of an outdoor stage.

Her mural project will only add to Strega Nonna’s unique dining experience.

Grantees are required to invest 20% in matching funds. Each project is expected to cost under $10,000. City leadership will continue to work hard to bring state grant dollars into Negaunee. We will work to support our businesses and help them to achieve their goals and dreams. That’s just one more thing that makes Negaunee a place where businesses can Forge Their Adventures!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Nate Heffron is city manager of the city of Negaunee.