Detroit Evening Report: Hurricane Helene impacts Detroit; Gratiot gets funding boost and more

Friday on the Detroit Evening Report, we cover the remnants of Hurricane Helene bringing strong winds and rain to the Midwest; Detroit’s new funding boost to improve the Gratiot corridor and more.

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Rain headed to metro Detroit

Hurricane Helene left an enormous path of destruction across Florida and the entire southeastern U.S. on Friday, killing at least 40 people in four states, The Associated Press reports. The Category 4 storm has since weakened into a post-tropical cyclone, with its remnants expected to bring winds and rain to the metro Detroit area starting around 6 p.m. Rainy weather is likely to stick around through the weekend, with highs  in the 70s on Saturday and Sunday

HOPE application deadline move up

The deadline to apply for Detroit’s Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) program has been moved up from early December to Nov. 1. City officials say the change gives the Property Assessment Board of Review more time to evaluate applications and allows applicants extra time to submit complete forms before the end of the year.

The number of applications received by the Board of Review has grown a lot, according to program staff, so the earlier deadline will give them more time to manage the high volume of applications. The HOPE program gives Detroit homeowners a 10-100% exemption from their current year’s property tax. The eligibility is based on if the resident owns or occupies their primary residence. For more information about the HOPE program, including eligibility, required documents and how to apply, visit Detroitmi.gov/HOPE or call the Housing Resource Helpline at 866-313-2520.

Detroit gets funding boost to improve Gratiot 

The city of Detroit received over $12 million to make the Gratiot corridor safer for all users. The funding is part of the Safe Streets for All grant from the U.S Department of Transportation and the State of Michigan Infrastructure office. The city is focusing on the entire corridor of Gratiot within Detroit city limits, with the goal of making a lasting and meaningful impact on safety and reducing crashes.
Between 2019 and 2023, there have been over 2,000 crashes, 1,000 injured and 38 fatalities along the corridor, according to the city. More information about the project can be found on the city’s website.

Sound bath at Peace & Pilates

Peace & Pilates in Detroit is hosting a Stretch and Sound Bath event at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29, at the studio. The event is meant for those who are seeking to relax and reset for the week ahead. Attendees with have the opportunity to stretch and take part in empowering affirmations followed by a calming sound bath and a hot herbal tea selection. More information at peaceandpilatesstudio.com.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.