In all, some $3.7 million is being contributed to the effort forthe various agencies. The coalition's first act will be thedemolition of an abandoned Holiday Inn at the corner of Gerald andWoodward Avenues that has been long considered a primary source ofcrime and vice and a symbol of the blight that has plagued thecity. The demolition is being funded by Clean Michigan Initiativefunds from the state.

Until now, cleanup activities have been spearheaded by localresidents, the 30th District Court, and community groups, includingthe Highland Park Illegal Dumping Task Force and Focus: Hope. Theefforts are being funded by numerous sources including the city ofHighland Park Community Block Grant and local law enforcementgrants. The State Office of Drug Control and Policy has awarded$250,000 to help law enforcement officials serve the community moreeffectively.

Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano said the county will devoteresources through several initiatives to help revitalize HighlandPark, including the illegal dumping initiative, home repair grantproject, housing renovation grants, and the demolition program toremove vacant abandoned houses.