Main Street Hazel Park Making Things Happen in South Oakland County
(Lilly Crossley, March 18, 2025)
Hazel Park, MI – Main Street Hazel Park Main Street Hazel Park (MSHP) has a lot of projects in store this year to improve its community, the biggest being the Hazel Park Place Making Project. It includes upgrading the corridor on John R Rd between 8 Mile and 10 Mile by decorating with more trees, plants, concrete walkways, and lightbulbs.
MSHP received $125,000 in funding for this project, 60% from the Hazel Park Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and 40% from Main Street Oakland County. Plans will officially start in the spring, and the new decorations will be placed throughout the summer.
The mission statement of MSHP is “to enhance the economic potential and promote the eclectic character of John R Rd.”
The Place Making Project fits this goal because it is “trying to tie a lot of things together,” says James Finkley, the Hazel Park Planning and Economic Development Director. It adds beautification to the community, attracting more people to visit and shop, which in turn strengthens the local businesses. “We want the character of that corridor to be inviting,” James explains.
Another project MSHP has planned for this year is the Main Street Gateway District Signage. This includes the installation of new signs in the Main Street District, welcoming people to the area. New pole banners will also be added to the light poles on Northern John R, and these plans have no cost to the city.
James enjoys working for MSHP because “it’s a very unique organization. It ties together business owners and different areas of our city to help grow economically and socially.”
One project that reflects James’ statement is the business awareness campaign, “Face and Soul of Hazel Park.” This happens once a month, in which a local business is featured on the Main Street Hazel Park Facebook, highlighting its name, owner, and five star reviews.
Marcel Badia, a board member of MSHP, works very closely with this project, creating business awareness to attract more customers to the corridor. “I am always finding ways to make Hazel Park open and welcoming for families,” he explains. Marcel was previously on the beautification commission board, and although he enjoyed that position, he found that he wanted to help more with the businesses themselves. He loves being part of MSHP because he “enjoys helping small businesses in any way we can.”
Along with the “Face and Soul of Hazel Park” project, the MSHP Facebook highlights any upcoming events, as well as the new logo they created last year.
A major purpose of MSHP is to provide resources and help businesses in the area, including those that are starting new and looking to open there. Adam J. O’Connor, the chair of MSHP, explains that, “we focus on historical preservation, business innovation, community engagement, small business retention and attraction, and partnerships aimed at furthering the city’s objectives.”
Adam, a business owner and resident of Hazel Park, sees firsthand how the development and vitality of the businesses on MSHP have a direct effect on the type of community Hazel Park is becoming. He loves working with Main Street Hazel Park because, “though it is a small city geographically, it is a diverse and wonderful, up-and-coming town that is nestled in the literal corner of Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties. We like to joke that all roads lead to Hazel Park,” Adam enthuses.
Along with the many projects Main Street Hazel Park does, there is a lot of administrative work that goes on in the community. Although this work isn’t showcased as much, it is equally as important for the organization, promotion, and economical development of the city and the businesses within it.
“It’s an exciting time to be involved with the city, and we are grateful to be working on multiple projects, from city signage to facade improvement grants for small businesses,” Adam said.
Any updates on current or upcoming plans can be found on the Main Street Hazel Park website and Facebook page.
