Bergland Township Awarded $66,000 For Blight Removal of Former Grocery Store

BERGLAND TWP., Mich. – Local residents will soon see an eyesore disappear with help from a $66,000 blight elimination program grant awarded by the Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority.

“This is great news for Bergland residents,” said Sen. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba. “Restoring our communities is part of Michigan’s comeback. By removing this abandoned structure, it will clear the way for future development, which could lead to new job opportunities for area residents. We appreciate the authority’s support in helping our state move forward.”

The Bergland Food Store was damaged beyond repair by fire in 2013. Demolition will clear a site for future development.

“Since October 2013, local residents came together in search of a solution to clean up the local grocery store destroyed by fire,” State Rep. Scott Dianda (D-Calumet) said.

“We are elated to hear that the blighted structure will finally be removed to improve the health and welfare of the local community and we welcome the potential to redevelop the property. I congratulate Bergland Township on their blight removal grant and I commend the local residents who have patiently waited to restore the heart of their community.”

In October 2015, the MLB received a $1 million grant from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to continue efforts to demolish vacant and abandoned structures and promote public safety.

“Eliminating blighted properties promotes public safety, stabilizes property values and enhances local economic development opportunities,” Department of Talent and Economic Development Director Steve Arwood said. “An investment in blight elimination is an investment in the future of Michigan.”

County land banks and local units of government with eligible projects across the state were invited to apply for this round of funding by early February. Grant awards for individual projects were capped at $250,000.

To be eligible for funding, demolition projects were limited to blighted residential structures or blighted buildings in business districts, downtowns or commercial corridors; or demolition of commercial buildings that are part of a development project with funding commitments.

Statewide, 41 applications were submitted requesting more than $3.4 million to fight blight.

“Fighting blight aids in future community growth and revitalization in the neighborhoods where Michigan residents live, work and play,” MSHDA Executive Director Kevin Elsenheimer said.