Governor presents 'big' check for Ypsi Freighthouse

By Dan DuChene
Apr. 10, 2009    ·    1:12 p.m.

Behind a row of video camera stands and crouching photographers, the south half of the Ypsilanti Freighthouse was packed wall-to-wall with people.

The crowd was likely the largest the 131-year-old structure in Depot Town has held since it was closed by the city due to building code violations in 2004.

All eyes were on Ypsilanti to watch Governor Jennifer Granholm deliver a $500,000 check, which could allow community events by the time the train stops in Ypsilanti in 2010.

Ed Penet, a trustee for the Friends of the Ypsilanti Freighthouse, was setting up chairs on the north porch of the building at 8 a.m. for the event. The occasion started at 9:30 p.m., and was moved inside due to cold weather.

“It’s thrilling,” Penet said. “We’ve worked so hard.”

Penet said he met his wife Bonnie, who serves as the organization’s co-chair, at the building 26 years ago. He said he’s looking forward to the Freighthouse holding public auctions, neighborhood meetings and other local events as it had since the city purchased the property in 1979.

“This is a community center,” Penet said. “This is our opportunity.”

Granholm was joined by most local and county politicians, as well as U.S. Congressman John Dingell, D-15th District; state congresswomen Alma Wheeler-Smith, D-54th District, and Pam Byrnes, D-52nd.

At the event, Granholm spoke about the source of the Freighthouse’s new funding, the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“This is a physical way that citizens across the state can see how this is going to help us,” she said.

Ypsilanti is one of 67 communities in Michigan to benefit from a total of $47.3 million in transportation enhancement funding according the governor. She said it will create 109,000 more jobs in the state.

“It’s not technically a road project, but it’s an enhancement,” she said. “Rail is a big piece of what the recovery act envisions.”

Bonnie addressed the crowd before Granholm. She explained the group’s vision for the Freighthouse after the work is completed. She said the building will serve as a environmentally friendly visitor center that can serve as an example of Ypsilanti’s history and innovation.

“Endless potential,” she said. “I’m sure the original builders could not imagine this transformation.”

Dingell spoke after Granholm. He thanked her for attending the event and for “bringing the money.

“This is a wonderful facility and a wonderful piece of the history of Ypsilanti,” Dingell said. “It has been loved by the people.”

Ypsilanti Freighthouse receives $500,000 in federal funds