Speedy Permit Process Helps Older Suburbs Redevelop

"Hoping to make themselves more attractive to developers in this sluggish economy, a group of six older metro Detroit suburbs has worked for more than a year to speed their permit processes.

Wednesday, five members of the group -- which includes Hazel Park and Southfield - were honored by the Michigan Suburbs Alliance and Gov. Jennifer Granholm for their efforts to promote redevelopment vs. urban sprawl. In a ceremony at the La Casa Inn on Nine Mile Road, Ypsilanti, River Rouge, Eastpointe and the two Oakland County communities were certified as 'Redevelopment Ready.'"