sugarbrook

Giving back. It's the manner in which Melvin Parson chooses to live his life, one person or one neighborhood at a time. And Melvin's intention to make a difference has been realized. Melvin is founder of the 'We the People Opportunity Farm' in Ypsilanti. One of the ways Melvin and the farm give back is with a no-cost, food distribution program, and right now, a primary focus is on taking care of people in the Sugarbrook neighborhood, Melvin shared the inspirational story and filled us in on what comes next in his conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

Significant investments are being made to enhance the Ypsilanti area's ability to capture stormwater and add acreage to nature areas that house pollinator prairie gardens. There are seven different projects that are funded over the next two years with grant money. Harry Sheehan is the Chief Deputy Water Resources Commissioner in Washtenaw County and in charge of seeing these projects completed. He joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the positive impacts these enhancements will make for the environment, and the area’s quality of life.

Nestled on the eastern side of Ypsilanti Township is a neighborhood park that is largely grass-covered and is an underutilized resource. That is changing.…

Ypsilanti's Sugarbrook neighborhood was hit particularly by the Great Recession of 2008. Still, local pastor Willie Powell and his wife, Geraldine "Lady…