Cities team with 8 Mile Boulevard Association, launch crowdfunding to light Greenfield/8 Mile gateway

Southfield officials on March 20 joined the 8 Mile Boulevard Association and neighboring cities to announce a crowdfunding campaign to install artistic lighting at the Greenfield/8 Mile gateway where the Lodge Freeway, Greenfield and 8 Mile intersect.

The "Let There Be Light Gateway" campaign seeks $50,000 on the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Petronicity; the Michigan Economic Development Corporation will match donations dollar-for-dollar if the goal is met within 60 days, project representatives said. Molly Malone, executive director of the Southfield Downtown Development Authority, said the campaign is intended to add lighting to the underpass and gateway area to improve safety and imagery on a corridor that carries heavy daily traffic.

A short promotional video played at the meeting detailed the plan to raise funds for lighting under the 8 Mile bridge to create a distinctive gateway shared by Detroit, Oak Park and Southfield. "The campaign aims to raise $50,000 through the Michigan based crowdfunding platform, Petronicity, that will be matched dollar for dollar by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation," the presentation said.

Officials said the campaign was live and that the city's website and social channels include donation links. City leaders encouraged residents and businesses to contribute at levels from $5 to $10,000; small gifts will be kept even if the broader goal is not met, staff said.