Two U.P. communities selected for blight elimination

REPUBLIC/CALUMET — Over $83,000 in grant money will go toward blight elimination in Republic Township and the Village of Calumet.

The grant comes from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. The money allows for four and potentially five residential structures considered beyond repair to be demolished. All three of the houses in South Republic are located on Pine Street.

“Republic is one of those communities that is eligible for the funding,” said Marquette County Treasurer Anne Giroux, “we happen to have three houses on the same street that we foreclosed on that were in pretty poor condition. Actually, MSHDA likes that they’re all on the same street because you’re having a greater impact when you demolish more than one property on the same street versus complete spot demolition.”

One residential structure in Calumet will also be demolished with the possibility of a second. The other building is under consideration for being a historic building.

All three of the structures in Republic are scheduled to be taken down by the end of the month.