Apartment Choice

LEWISTON — The city is seeking a large federal grant that would address housing and other issues in the poorest areas of downtown Lewiston , and neighborhood advocates say the funds could go a long way toward implementing goals they've had for years.  If successful in its bid, Lewiston could receive $1.3 million from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and what's known as a  Choice Neighborhood Planning and Action Grant. The city council approved the application last week, and will commit $237,500 in local Community Development Block Grant funds during implementation if the grant is successful.  The city hopes the funding can lead to long-term changes in the downtown neighborhood , where nearly half of residents live below the federal poverty level . According to 2015 census figures, the median family incomes in downtown census tracts 201 and 203, are $12,417 and $16,047, respectively.  The main purpose of the funds is to plan and execute major housing...

Ann Arbor YMCA swim instructor Aaron Jackson, center, helps 5-year-old Ypsilanti resident Macari Moore put on his life vest during the Ypsi SPLASH! program held at The Villas apartments in Ypsilanti. The program helps teach kids water safety . Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com The Ann Arbor YMCA is offering free swim and water safety classes at three Ypsilanti apartment complexes this summer following last year’s successful program . Twenty children participated in the 2011 inaugural Ypsi Splash ! Program at Aspen Chase Apartments located at 2960 International Drive. The program has expanded to allow access to more children and includes not only Aspen Chase but the Villas located at 2911 Bynan Dr., and Golfside Lake at 2345 Woodridge Way. Jan Hack , communications director of the YMCA, said the goal is to have 50 children participate this year. “We still have registration ongoing,” Hack said. “What happened last year was as parents saw what was going on, registration began to fil...