Welcome to Grandmont!
Welcome to Grandmont, one of “Detroit’s Premier, Diverse Communities." Grandmont is a close-knit community of 800 homes, we pride ourselves as being “Detroit’s Home of Good Neighbors." The tranquil atmosphere of our family oriented community is deeply rooted in our serene, tree lined streets and the classic architecture of our houses. The neighborhood is home to Edison Elementary School and Ramsay Park.
This lovely community is served by the Grandmont Community Association (GCA). GCA publishes a monthly newsletter known as The Grandmonitor.
Grandmont’s annual events include a neighborhood-wide banquet, a home and garden tour, and the Grandmont Arts & Crafts Fair.
GCA President Candice Fortman
It was my great honor to be elected as president of the Grandmont Community Association. I have been a proud neighbor of Grandmont for 10 years and a member of the board for just over two years.
I currently serve as the Marketing & Engagement Manager for WDET 101.9 where I spend most of my days thinking of how we can engage in more meaningful and powerful dialogue and community building. I will bring that same instinct to my term as president.
Detroit is changing. You can decide for yourself if we are headed in the right direction, but what I do know is that this space we take up inside of Detroit, our “Home of Good Neighbors,” remains a strong and viable community and that is solely because of the people who live here. We represent diversity in every possible way, but most of us are of the same mind when it comes to keeping our neighborhood safe, clean and enjoyable for all.
GCA has scholars
The Grandmont Community Association Annual Business Dinner held on Saturday, April 14, 2018 was graced with the presence of Daniel Kirton, our 2017 Scholarship awardee. Daniel expressed his overwhelming gratitude for the scholarship which assisted him in his first year at Wayne State University. He spoke with professionalism, confidence and enthusiasm.
Let me tell you about our honoree. His field of study is Molecular Cellular Biology with a minor in Chemistry. He is passionate about Stem Cell Research and the cure for cancer. Presently, this extraordinary young man has maintained a 3.0 grade point average in his studies while working a job late into the evening. His volunteerism is evident at Ramsay Park Cleanups with flower planting, Sigma Beta Club, March of Dimes, Track & Field, and Cross Country.
Grandmont is committed to providing scholarships for our youth. Daniel Kirton is a fine example of our success.
Dare to give to our future leaders
The Grandmont Community Association is a community with a mission to provide scholarships to our graduates as they embark upon a future filled with complexities and uncertainties. At this time, we have a small amount of money to award scholarships to students who have worked tirelessly to graduate this year.
As the Scholarship Committee Chair and on behalf of the entire scholarship committee, we need your support to continue this effort. I request that the residents of this community continue to participate in our many fund raising efforts which include the flower sale and art fair. These activities support the scholarship fund.
Donations are always accepted. Please mail to Grandmont Community Association, Attention: Scholarship, P.O. Box 27790, Detroit, MI 48227.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact, Cora A. Duncan-Foster, Scholarship Chair, at (313) 273-7914.
Rippling Hope update May, 2018
Rippling Hope is an ecumenical non-profit neighborhood-focused ministry whose goal is to improve the physical conditions of targeted communities in Detroit by providing minor home improvement. Rippling Hope does free home repair year round when they have volunteers. Home repairs done include: garage painted, gutters cleaned, first floor painted, landscaping, vacant home board-ups. The volunteers come from not only Michigan but Ohio, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, and more. This is the eighth year for Rippling Hope Ministries.
I attended Rippling Hope Leadership Meeting on April 14. I submitted 29 applications for GCA. We have the most applications submitted. Rippling Hope Volunteers will service 62 different groups in Detroit this year. 330 applications were distributed and at this time 271 have been submitted. Priority is those not serviced last year.
All home repairs must be assessed by a Rippling Hope Staff Member. On May 2, all 29 Grandmont applicants were assessed. Prior to this date, Ethel Smith and Regina Pierce assisted me in notifying our residents. I sincerely appreciate their commitment to Grandmont.
Safety and Security Committee
Importance of reporting all crimes
We want to remind area residents that it is imperative that they report all crimes, even after they occur and even if they are not emergency situations. Documenting crime is a crucial part of combating it. If we do not provide the police with an accurate record of crime in our neighborhoods (the frequency and locations of crimes), then the police are less able to map hot-spots or take strategic action against criminals.
Environmental Committee
The Environmental Committee seeks to protect and ensure the investment and resale value of residents' property by encouraging homeowners to maintain, upgrade and beautify their property. The committee informs residents of zoning ordinances and city code regulations and also monitors the ownership and status of vacant homes and properties in Grandmont. The Committee along with the GCA Board represents residents at Board of Zoning appeals hearings, when particular zoning enforcement and variances are of an issue to Grandmont. Grandmont is zoned R1, Single Family Residential. They also act as a liaison for the community for city and public services such as lighting, tree trimming, garbage and bulk pick-up, street maintenance, and housing compliance.
Contact Us: Harrison Duke III (313) 837-4913
Youth and Education Committee
The Youth & Education Committee serves to promote dialogue and positive reinforcement within our local schools, particularly Edison Elementary School. This liaison fosters a positive link between school and community, They also plan activities for youth in the community and promote social responsibility.
Contact Us: Carla White-Smith, (313) 220-8530
Social Planning Committee
The Social Planning Committee assists in planning the official meetings of the GCA, which include the Annual Business and Dinner meeting in April each year. The committee also helps plan and organize other social events with the other committees of our community. They send cards on behalf of the Association for significant events of our residents and their families.
Contact Us: Krystal Thurmond (313) 837-6262
Board meeting minutes
To view the minutes of the previous GCA Board meeting, click here.
