8 Mile Boulevard Association

ESTABLISHED IN 1993, THE EIGHT MILE BOULEVARD ASSOCIATION (8MBA) is composed of 13 communities and three counties along Eight Mile Road. In conjunction with the Michigan Department of Transportation, businesses, neighborhood groups and corporations like DTE and ITC, they facilitate collaboration between
these stakeholders toward the revitalization of Eight Mile Road, with a focus on a span of 27 miles of the corridor.

An IRS-designated 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization, 8MBA and its partners employ projects to unlock Eight Mile’s socioeconomic potential, including business assistance, community development, beautification projects and more.

The Mission Statement: “The Eight Mile Boulevard Association (8MBA) revitalizes and promotes the Eight Mile transportation, business and residential corridor be-tween I-94 and I-275 by linking the efforts of the public and private sectors.” It’s great, but it doesn’t cover everything going on in this dynamic and progressive organization.

Many jurisdictions begin, end and overlap on Eight Mile, complicating services such as public transit. Eight Mile’s reputation as a divider between Detroiters and subur-banites also fuels socio-economic inequality. The 8MBA seeks to change this.

ENTER BETHANY HOLLAND, HAZEL PARK’S 8MBA REPRESENTATIVE and meteoric fire-starter. Although Hazel Park borders only roughly one mile of Eight Mile Road with I-75 cutting through the city’s section, Holland’s energy for the 8MBA could light up the entire 27-mile span. Holland, of course, also serves on the Hazel Park City Council.

She was quick to volunteer her time for the representative position, and sees the 8MBA as a great platform for change. With a large, spirited membership, 8MBA has been focused on beautification and economic development of the Eight Mile corridor.

Hazel Park has hosted the 8MBA board meetings twice in the past year. Holland indicated that it is her highest priority to improve pedestrian safety with a proper crossing at Eight Mile and Dequindre Roads. The Belmont Shopping Center is working with the city planner on making a safer pedestrian crossing at this Tri-County corner where Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties converge.

While Hazel Park is a founding member of the 8MBA, Holland reports that the City hasn’t been an active participant in recent years due to financial and other constraints during the economic downturn. That is all changing. Cities are emphasizing art and walkable communities. And right now, Eight Mile is not walkable, but there are some colorful murals being painted on buildings along the corridor. Holland would like to continue to create those opportunities for local artists.

Another challenge that Holland and the 8MBA are ad-dressing is the public transit along the corridor. Eight Mile is one of the busiest transit routes in the Metro area, and they need improved transit opportunities. Right now, most bus stops are simply signs on a pole that indicate where riders need to stand in order to catch their bus. She would like to see more covered waiting areas for riders that will protect them from rain, snow, wind, and road debris.

HOLLAND SEES THE 8MBA AS A GOOD ORGANIZATION to rebrand Eight Mile. “Everyone in the
8MBA is passionate about making this a road you want to drive. If you’ve had the opportunity to drive Eight Mile recently due to the I-696 construction, you may have seen the economy percolating along the boulevard. Vacant buildings are filling up. Signage tells you what city you are in as you travel the corridor, and drivers will notice a ton of new development in the Tri-County area of Eight Mile Road.”

Holland recognizes the huge economic opportunities that are opening up for Hazel Park and surrounding cities. She believes that Hazel Park needs to jump on those opportunities now and build on the momentum. 8MBA is a perfect partner for that.

8MBA has played a big role in supporting the business-es and communities bordering Eight Mile Road for 25 years. 8MBA provides it membership with a voice and serves as a conduit for regional collaboration. For more information about 8MBA, its work in the community, and how you can be a part of the revitalization of this historic Boulevard, go to eightmile.org