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As we receive questions regarding the OTSC Grant Program we will often share them here. Please review this page before submitting questions to us. Thank you and we look forward to continuing the momentum of Corktown’s redevelopment!


Rumor has it the program is over! Is this true?

Yes, the program has been fully allocated.


How much money is available total? Will you update us on how much money is left?

At this time, OTSC is providing $800,000 for construction, renovation, and capital improvements (e.g. energy efficiency improvements, roof replacement, HVAC installation, security system installation, approved fixed equipment, and facade improvements including signage).

An additional $150,000 is available for pre-development costs (e.g. environmental studies, legal work, architectural plans and specifications, economic and finance structuring, zoning and permit approvals, survey work, engineering studies, and site planning).

Reimbursements are available only for uncompleted work, meaning you cannot apply for money to fund work that has commenced or has been completed. All work contracts must be signed following the approval of funding from OTSC. If the applicant is accepted by OTSC, Zachary & Associates, Inc. will meet with the applicant to ensure funding requests are meet federal requirements.


When will you begin reviewing applications?

Round 1 applications began August 1, 2012 and ran through October 1, 2013. Round two began February 1, 2013 and ran through July 12, 2013. Round three applications are due December 11, 2013.


At the July 17th, 2012 meeting, your team said past expenses could count towards total project expenses. Can you clarify this for me?  

The OTSC will allow applicants to include expenses accrued over the past sixth months from the date of application. You must provide proof of expenses through invoices and receipts. These expenses are not reimbursable but can be used to count towards your overall project costs. OTSC asks for total project expenses to ensure funds are going towards an actual project rather than a speculative project.


Can I apply for funding to start a park? 

No, these specific funds are not available for funding park developments. The Larger Economic Development Initiative-Special Project (EDI-SP) grant appropriates funds for the redevelopment of the tiger stadium site (and way finding) and commercial areas within Corktown. According to the project description approved by the US Department of Housing and Urban development (hud), otsc will fund commercial district redevelopment projects within the Corktown neighborhood. Local business owners may request funds for construction, renovation, and capital improvements (e.g. energy efficiency improvements, roof replacement, HVAC installation, security system installation, approved fixed equipment, facade improvements, including signage).


At the July 2012, info meeting Zachary & Associates mentioned park development money. Can I apply for these funds? 

At this time, the remaining funds are being held for the redevelopment of the Tiger Stadium site and area way finding. As detailed in Congress’ 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act, the majority of funding is earmarked for the preservation and redevelopment of a public park (i.e. Old Tiger Stadium). Based on the status of the Old Tiger Stadium site, discussions will begin this fall related to funding non-commercial park related projects. Please keep an eye on our website for updates.


Can I apply for funding to renovate my residential property?  

No, these specific funds are not available for residential only projects. The larger Economic Development Initiative-Special Project (EDI-SP) grant appropriates funds for the redevelopment of the tiger stadium site and commercial areas within Corktown. OTSC may fund mixed-use (commercial/office with upper floor residential) projects. Funding for mixed-use projects is limited to “shared” improvements such as roof, facade/exterior, and improvements to the commercial/office space per the list of eligible costs listed in the application packet. For further questions on your specific project, please contact us.

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Zachary & Associates, Inc. | 71 Garfield, Suite 130, Detroit, MI 48201 | 313.831.6100 | info@zacharydetroit.com | © 2013 All rights reserved.