Detroit Gets $50M for Blight Removal to Demolish 3,300 Structures

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The city of Detroit will demolish 3,300 blighted structures after receiving $50 million from the “Hardest Hit Fund,” designed to help cities recover from the housing crisis that hit in 2008.

Administered by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, the additional funding comes with the federal expansion of the designated areas in which the city can focus its anti-blight efforts through the program.

“Residents of Detroit have seen a major difference already with the first round of anti-blight funding,” says Mayor Mike Duggan. “With another $50 million, and an expansion of the (Hardest Hit Fund) boundaries, we will be able to improve the quality of life of thousands more Detroiters, right in the neighborhoods where they live.”  

The city has spent $57 million this year to combat blight, putting the funds towards nearly 3,700 demolitions in targeted neighborhoods. 

Moving forward, the city will average 200 demolitions per week, Duggan says.