Views of Detroit

Views of Detroit: $9.7 Million Grant Given to W Industries for Expansion

2009-10-05T09:01:00.001-04:00

Views of Detroit: $9.7 Million Grant Given to W Industries for Expansion

Maybe someone in the news industry ought to check out this company to see if nepotism really exists, seeing that they received all of this money. Isn't MEDC a state department that issues out government money? I don't know if it is or not, but an accusation such as nepotism should raise some eyebrows. Anonymous, I don't know how far this will go as far as someone reading this, but I posted your comment.

Free Health Screenings for Women - check it out!

2009-07-28T09:10:00.003-04:00

Women's Health symposium scheduled for Aug. 15, 2009 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., at Wayne State University, Community Arts Auditorium and Student Center, 450 Reuther Mall, Detroit, MI. Attendance is free to all women and teens who are accompanied by an adult.

The BET Foundation (BETF), General Mills, Inc., Honey Nut Cheerios Brand, the Detroit Department of Health & Wellness Promotion, Wayne State University and a host of Detroit community organizations will be hosting this event.

A day of health education, fitness facts, entertainment and fun is scheduled during this event featuring Vickie Winans and Deborah Cox.

Call 1-866-356-7348 or visit www.ahealthybet.com to register and for more information.

Free Notary Services for Seniors in Detroit

2009-06-08T08:32:00.004-04:00

Detroit Neighborhood City Hall Services offers free notary public services to seniors in Detroit and low rates to all others. The director was at Detroit City Council and described the different services they offer to Detroit residents. They also have bags and gloves for neighborhood cleanup. It is worth checking out.

Follow this link to view their other services.

Joseph Boakai His Excellency the Honorable Vice President

2009-05-26T20:13:00.004-04:00

His Excellency the Honorable Vice President of Liberia, Joseph Boakai appeared before the Detroit City Council today to present his country as a possibility for trade with Detroit. He visited Detroit with his entourage at the invitation of the Reverend Jim Holly, Pastor of the notable Little Rock Baptist Church.

Vice President Joseph N. Boakai

Mr Boakai expressed how Liberia now has a female President, and how the country is arising out of many years of civil war. He said that liberia has many products and materials that could benefit and revive the city of Detroit.

Detroit's Laid-off workers to receive help.

2009-05-12T08:03:00.004-04:00

A Federal Emergency grant will award Michigan $4.1 million to help laid off workers affected by the troubled auto industry. That's the good part; the bad part is, it is only going to help 1500 laid off workers, a small fraction of the overall numbers.

US Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis who announced the grant promoting renewable andergy and green jobs, assured that the grant was only a down payment and she was sure there would be more to come.

Read about other articles regarding "laid-off workers".

Detroit's New Mayor

2009-05-11T17:19:00.005-04:00

Former hallmark of famer Dave Bing was sworn in today as Detroit's new Mayor. It appears that he had a lot of people and businesses backing him and I hope he does not become a disappointment to the city as was with the previous mayor. We must all pray for the City of Detroit government.

Other news on the new Mayor...

Mayor Bing's views of fixing Detroit

Homelessness can be turned to fruitfulness

2009-05-05T08:19:00.007-04:00

Homeless help

There is a thought amongst some people, that being homeless is being useless. In many cities across America, in this day, are perhaps millions who live on the streets or in tents or squatting in vacant buildings. During census taking and during campaign elections, these people are earnestly sought out that the number of counts could be increased.

Now, if these people can be sought out for those reasons of elections and census taking, why not seek these same ones out to give them a job of keeping the city streets clean and keeping city property grass cut. I mean they are already out there, and they are in need of help, why can't the City, County, or State go out on the streets and offer them minimal wage work to clean up the neighborhoods. The amount of money that is used in providing food and health care, and in fighting the crimes of the homeless would probably far outweigh the cost of paying minimal wage to cleaning up neighborhoods.

Now, I know that it is not financially feasible to pay every homeless person, but, consider maybe a few at a time and consider that: they would be paying City and State taxes; they would be given an opportunity to help themselves get back on their feet; they could possibly fill some of these homes that are vacant; it would take them from being a hopeless homeless to living in a home having restored hope with a job; thereby increasing the working population of the city. I am sure many of these homeless persons are very energetic and would jump at the opportunity to work if offered a job.

Maybe a University or some other organization should do a study. I am sure there are many philanthropists, and foundations who would be glad to help fund this project along with the different levels of governments; maybe a part of a stimulus package could be used to help fund this project.

It's just a thought! Maybe someone could take this idea and run with it to get some of the homeless off of the street.

Keep Michigan Working Coalition

2009-05-04T11:45:00.005-04:00

The 'Keep Michigan Working Coalition' formed by Governor Granholm, met for a news conference on this past Friday to annouce their accomplishments and to inform the people of Michigan how they can receive needed help. There were several subjects of note; but the one bit of information essential to finding out where to go for what help, was a central number that anyone can call at any time of the day. That number is 211. Also mentioned was that the state will pay up to $10,000 for free schooling ($5,000 per year for 2 years) in the subject areas that they have listed. I would suggest you calling the 211 number to get the list of subject areas. To note, this tuition grant is on a first come first serve basis, so for anyone interested, you should inquire and register immediately.

Detroit Free Summer School Approved

2009-04-28T10:59:00.005-04:00

$52 million has been approved for Detroit students to attend summer school. Previously, high school students would have had to pay $250.00 per class, but the Michigan Departent of Education has approved funds to offer free classes for those who have failed the same classes.

The $52 million will come from federal Title I grants DPS stood to lose by Sept. 30 because the money was languishing unspent.

Detroit Stimulus Weatherization Information

2009-04-26T00:01:00.004-04:00

Those of you who are interested in being trained for free to do the jobs covered by the weatherization stimulus package can contact the Detroit's Workforce Development Department at the number below.

Stimulus funds could mean more jobs for weatherization companies. Detroiters interested in receiving training for weatherization projects should contact the Workforce Development Department. Training programs are available at no cost to eligible individuals. For more information, contact Detroit’s Workforce Development Department at (313) 962-WORK (9675).

By the way, if you follow the link in the title, which is the City of Detroit's website, you will see my granddaughter (Tyanna)on the slide.

Obama's Suit in "Click On Detroit"

2009-04-09T12:15:00.004-04:00

Why does the White House Correspondent feel that she has to record what President Obama is wearing on a business trip? Was this normal info regarding previous presidents?

The following was in "Click On Detroit":

"Obama wore a business suit as he descended the steps of his plane after a flight from Turkey."
Title:
Obama: Time For Iraq To Stand On Its Own
President Stops For Brief Look At War
JENNIFER LOVEN, AP White House Correspondent
POSTED: Tuesday, April 7, 2009
UPDATED: 1:22 pm EDT April 7, 2009

Ilitch, Leno's Compassion being shown on Detroit

2009-04-09T09:56:00.005-04:00

Apr. 9, 2009

Mike Ilitch, owner of the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Red Wings is true to form. Starting in 1959 with one Little Ceasar's Pizza, his empire grew to about 4000 restaurants by 1999. Mike ilitch expresses his love for Detroit and does what he does to help the city to become revitalized. So it is no wonder that he would go the extra mile to assist the Big Three auto industries in Detroit, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. Although GM did not renew its contract to display signage at Ford Field because of financial woes, Mr Ilitch left the signs up free of charge as his way of helping the industry. It would be just horrible in these auto companies had to declare bankruptcy and have to shut down. Their names are definately landmarks, giving Detroit its nickname, 'The Motor City'. Hats off to YOU MR. ILITCH.

Jay Leno, having a love for Detroit, gave the people a second free night of entertainment. No parking fees, free seats, other free things. His rational, in so many words, is the people are already feeling laden down with the loss of jobs and the declining economy, a little laughter will boost the spirits.

Detroit really appreciates what these iconic figures, among others, are doing to help Detroit out of this pinch.

Free People Mover Pass for Seniors

2009-03-29T22:30:00.002-04:00

Seniors age 65 and over who live in Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park can receive one free annual People Mover pass each year.
You must pick up your new Fast Pass in person at the Detroit Transportation Corporation (DTC) Sales Office and bring proof of AGE and RESIDENCY to receive your new pass. You may choose to bring:
Proof of Age:
· Certified Birth Certificate;
· Driver’s License;
· Michigan State I.D. Card;
· Medicare Card
Proof of Residency:
· Detroit Department of Transportation Bus Card;
· Michigan State I.D. Card;
· Driver’s License
Senior citizens and disabled persons living outside these areas may purchase monthly, semi– and annual passes at a 50 percent discount.
The DTC Sales Office is located at 1420 Washington Blvd., 3rd Floor, (between Grand River and Clifford Ave.) and is open Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM.
For questions or more information, call 313-224-2160.

Over $8.7 Million in New Funding for Community Health Centers

2009-03-29T21:51:00.003-04:00

Help for four Detroit community health centers in the form of grants. Press Release

“With families losing their jobs and health insurance, community health centers serve as the family doctor to many in our state who are struggling to pay for health care,” said Stabenow.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
and Carl Levin (D-MI)announced today that community health centers throughout Michigan will receive $8,712,256 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Increase in Demand for Services (IDS) grant program over the next two years. This funding will assist existing Community Health Centers by expanding operating hours and increasing the scope of medical services offered.

The following are the health centers with their respective stimulus portions:

COVENANT COMMUNITY CARE INC DETROIT $137,606
DETROIT HEALTH CARE FOR THE HOMELESS DETROIT $289,944
COMMUNITY HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES CENTER DETROIT $401,388
DETROIT COMMUNITY HEALTH CONNECTION DETROIT $360,479

Jefferson Ave retail business can get financial help

2009-03-24T08:46:00.005-04:00

Detroit will hopefully soon see a major improvement with retail business along the Jefferson Ave corridor.

The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) is undertaking a program called the "Jefferson Avenue Retail Readiness Program" along the Jefferson Ave. corridor from I375 to McClellan Street. Funded by a $1.25 million grant from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan - Detroit Neighborhood Fund, the Program is providing financial incentives to make properties more marketable or “retail ready”.
This program provides matching grants for building and parking lot improvements, $100k per building or $30k per surface parking lot.

Go to DEGC's site for more information....

The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation is a private non-profit organization that has been dedicated since 1978 to helping businesses create new jobs and leverage private investment in the City of Detroit by providing technical, financial and development assistance to the city and the business community, from the start-up entrepreneur to the multinational corporation.

Michigan tourism to get boost

2009-03-23T09:08:00.005-04:00

Representatives from more than 400 businesses that cater to the well-paid tourism business, will gather today and Tuesday to learn of ways to boost the tourism trade industy while it is in a slumping economy. They will learn how to better market and brand themselves and increase sales.

The annual Michigan Governor's Conference, this year labeled the "Driving Tourism 2009", will bring these representatives together at the Renaissance Center and other venues around the city.

An excerpt taken from the Detroit News.

"It's about all the things you can do to pump up business," said George Zimmermann, vice president of Travel Michigan, the state's tourism advertising agency. "Obviously it's a difficult time for the tourism industry, just like any other industry. It's going to be challenging."

Pan-African News Wire: Detroit People's Summit June 14-17

2009-03-21T10:02:00.001-04:00

The Moratorium NOW! Coalition to Stop Foreclosures and Evictions voted unanimously on Feb. 28 to call a People’s Summit in Detroit from June 14-17. Organizers will begin widespread outreach to garner endorsers and draw other organizations into building for the June activities. These actions will include a march along Woodward Avenue for jobs and housing and a tent city in Grand Circus Park of the foreclosed-upon, jobless, underpaid, homeless and all who struggle for social and economic justice.

Pan-African News Wire: Detroit People's Summit June 14-17: "Detroit People's Summit June 14-17"

Detroit Stimulus Grant- Weatherization approved

2009-03-21T06:35:00.003-04:00

Help comes to Detroit residents by way of a stimulus grant for weatherization according to according to Mayor Ken Cockrel Jr. .

Detroit will get $30 million to implement a residential weatherization program. Beginning April 1, Detroit residents can apply for up to $6,500 per home in weatherization grant money. They must meet federal poverty guidelines. The $30 million must be spent within 18 months and distribution to seniors and disabled will be a priority. Residents who qualify could get new appliance, insulation and roof repairs.

The city's workforce development program will offer free training to Detroit residents interested in learning how to do this kind of work.

Gov. Granholm announces 2600 jobs with 11 Projects

2009-03-19T10:13:00.003-04:00

Although it is encouraging news to hear of 2600 jobs that are expected in Michigan from the nine companies that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is helping and the two Brownfield projects that they are backing, it is a wee bit of hope for Detroit.
It appears there are only 50 jobs targeted for Detroit.

The following is the list of projects:

Secure-24 Inc.
Billhighway.com
Quantum Learning
Global Futures & Forex Ltd.
Emergent Biodefense Operations Inc
Magna Electronics
Emergency Technology Inc., d/b/a SoundOff Signal
Mercedes-Benz Hybrid LLC
Meijer Distribution Inc.
City of Detroit - State and local tax capture valued at $856,225 support the redevelopment and conversion of the Detroit creamery building and surrounding areas into a luxury residential and retail complex. Phase I of the project will convert the 120,000-square-foot primary building into 93 loft apartments. Phase II will convert a secondary building into a common area with a swimming pool and fitness center. The project will generate $61 million in new capital investment and is expected to create up to 50 new jobs.
Washtenaw County

WXYZ Action News had more info on the other companies

Detroit Pistons- Shooting from the heart

2009-03-11T16:00:00.006-04:00

The Pistons - helping to stamp out hunger- that's the kind of people that Detroit represents...'caring, thoughtful, generous, helpful, compassionate; reaching out to those who are in need. How much more of a wonderful place Detroit would be if all who could afford to do more, would do more. Of course, not everyone in Detroit is of that character, but Detroit is full of that type of people and a special notation needs to be mentioned for those who are. PISTONS, WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!!!

It's called 'GIVING BACK'. You don't always have to be wealthy to help someone. I am often in need of things, and my neighbors often help me out, and I likewise help them out when I can if they are in need. Sometimes it may be just shoveling snow or cutting grass, or maybe sharing portions of a meal, or driving an older person to the store, it is all pointing to a type of people, where race or ethnic background or culture is not the focus, but character.

This whole day will be devoted to raising money which will go to "Feed the Children" here in Michigan by the Pistons. It includes the broadcast of the Pistons vs Knicks tonight. The raised funds will go toward feeding 400 needy families in Michigan. For every $7000.00 raised, the Pistons will fill a semi-trailer with food and personal items valued at $30,000.00.

It would be wonderful to share with those who are in need, just where they need to go to be helped, but at this point, I am not privy to that information.

Detroit Businesses promoting one another

2009-02-28T10:37:00.005-05:00

In reading this story, I was reminded of how happy I was when a new Family Dollar came into my neighborhood. I was visiting the Family Dollar on Grand river between Meyers and Wyoming a few days ago and mentioned to the store owner that I hope that they will be there for a long time. They had everything that I was looking for and it seems the customers of the store are increasing.

Now getting to the hub of this story, which is promoting business in Detroit: the Detroit News did an article on how Metro Detroit businesses are using discounts, gift cards and even low interest loans to encourage shopping locally.

Detroit, this is an excellent idea because increase in business does lead to more jobs.

Goodwill Industries receive $50,000.00 grant

2009-02-26T08:34:00.002-05:00

Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit received a $50,000 grant award from the Skillman Foundation to initiate the Flip the Script in school youth program in Detroit's North end community.

Battery Cells-GM to contract LG Chem a Seoul based company

2009-02-18T09:37:00.006-05:00

This is appalling! Jennifer Granholm had hopes of Michigan getting in on the forefront of building ion-cell batteries, and here GM goes and contracts a Seoul-based company to build the battery cells.
When is the US going to catch on that the only way of getting the country back into good financial standing is to begin to manufacture its own products, keeping the money in the US, instead of sending the money out of the country. Surely GM could have found a US manufacturer to produce the battery cells that they would need.

Detroit Mayor offers help to struggling market

2009-02-17T10:25:00.003-05:00

Zaccaro's Market was expected to close this week but there may be hope they will remain open.
The owner Cindy Warner said she received calls from the head of the Detroit Economic Growth Corp and Mayor Ken Cockrel Jr. over the weekend offering help.

There seems to be concerns from residents that live around the market that the market was not that efficient in stocking the basic necessities. It's a possibility they could have been struggling to remain open a good while. Perhaps if they get financial help, they will be able to stock more of the basics that the customers look for.

Story in Freep

Over 8,900 New Jobs

2009-02-16T11:18:00.003-05:00

Over 8,900 New Jobs are planned for Michigan, Governor Granholm says.
The announcement made on Feb 3, 2009 by Gov. Granholm listed 14 projects that are expected to create and retain 8,912 jobs and generate over $330 million in new investment in the state.
Of the 14 projects announced two are in Detroit and they are highlighted in green:

* Great Lakes Towers LLC – The start-up wind turbine tower manufacturing company is planning to initially invest $19 million to locate its first manufacturing plant in Monroe. The company eventually expects to manufacture more than 500 wind towers each year. The project is expected to create 290 new Michigan jobs, including 152 directly by the company. The MEGA board approved a state tax credit valued at $3.7 million over 10 years to help convince the company to expand in Michigan over a competing site in Ohio. The city of Monroe is considering an abatement and infrastructure improvements to the Port of Monroe to support the project.

* W Industries – The metal fabrication company plans to invest $36 million to expand its operations in Detroit. The expansion will enable the automotive supplier to diversify into the aerospace and defense sectors. The project is expected to create 943 new Michigan jobs, including 501 directly by the company. The MEGA board approved a state tax credit valued at $9.7 million over 10 years to help convince the company to expand in Michigan over a competing site in Texas. Also, through the assistance of the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. on behalf of the city of Detroit, the city of Detroit approved a 12-year property tax abatement to support this project.

* Motown Motion Pictures LLC – The new business venture, which will be both a film studio and a production services company, plans to invest approximately $70 million in a 600,000-square-foot development with nine sound stages in Pontiac. The project is expected to create 5,139 new jobs, including 3,600 directly by the company. The MEGA board Tuesday approved a state tax credit valued at $101 million over 12 years to help bring the project to Michigan. In addition, Infrastructure Development Film and Digital Media incentives totaling $12.9 million have been approved to help support the project. Job training assistance through the MEDC and Renaissance Zone designation by the city of Pontiac are also under consideration.

* MT Acquisitions LLC d/b/a Models & Tools - The Troy-based aerospace tooling company plans to invest $6.2 million to launch a new high bay facility in Shelby Township, which will support the company’s current aerospace work for both commercial and defense projects. The additional floor space will allow for further investment in expanded machining capabilities, with the added height enabling the company to compete in a very select market for large assembly tooling. The project is expected to create 164 jobs, including 72 directly by the company. Based on the MEDC’s recommendation, the MEGA board Tuesay approved a $2 million state tax credit over 10 years to help convince the company to expand in Michigan over a competing site in Texas. Shelby Township has approved a five-year abatement to support the project.

* Tribal Manufacturing Inc. – The Missouri-based start-up manufacturer of brass machined fittings for the plumbing industry plans to invest $4.6 million to launch new operations in Marshall. The project is expected to create 335 new Michigan jobs, including 193 directly by the company. The MEGA board Tuesday approved a state tax credit valued at $3.9 million over seven years to entice the company to choose Michigan over competing sites in Kansas and Missouri. The city of Marshall is considering abatements to support the project.

* Wonderstruck Studios LLC (Detroit Center Studios) – The new venture, as part of Detroit Center Studios, will produce film content with an emphasis on computer-generated visual effects and animation. It plans to invest $85.9 million to create a digital pipeline, used to pull in numerous film projects, in downtown Detroit. The project is expected to create 700 new Michigan jobs, including 413 directly by the company. The MEGA board Tuesday approved a state tax credit valued at $16.9 million over 12 years to help convince the company to expand in Michigan over competing sites in India, China and Korea. In addition, Infrastructure Development Film and Digital Media incentives totaling $11.7 million have been approved to help support the project. The city of Detroit intends to provide abatements to support the project.

* Atwell-Hicks LLC – The land development consulting firm with a focus on alternative energy and wind power energy production and transmission corridors for wind farms plans to invest $5 million to expand its operations in the Ann Arbor area. The project is expected to create 239 new Michigan jobs, including 131 directly by the company. The MEGA board today approved a state tax credit valued at approximately $1.4 million over seven years to help convince the company to expand in Michigan over a competing site in Tennessee. The city of Ann Arbor and Pittsfield Township have both pledged to support the project with tax abatements or administrative assistance pending a final site decision by the company.

* Greenblendz –The Arizona-based start-up, which designs manufacturing processes for commercial cleaning agents using new nano-technology, plans to invest $795,000 to purchase a vacant chemical manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills where it will develop and manufacture “green” cleaning chemicals, personal care and antimicrobial coatings. The project is expected to create 143 new Michigan jobs, including 47 directly by the company. The MEGA board today approved a state tax credit valued at $11.3 million to help convince the company to expand in Michigan over competing sites in Ohio and North Carolina. The city of Auburn Hills has approved a seven-year abatement to support the project.

* Maverick Industries LLC - The manufacturer of plastic-injection molded components plans to acquire the former Kaneka plant in Blackman Township along with the machinery and equipment in the plant. The company will provide packaging support and manufacturing using advanced materials. The project is expected to create 208 new jobs, including 90 directly by the company and generate $11 million in private investment. The MEGA board Tuesday approved a state tax credit valued at $1.2 million over seven years to help convince the company to expand in Michigan over competing sites. Blackman Township has approved a seven-year tax abatement to support the project.

* Stardock Systems Inc. – The software developer and publisher will invest $900,000 to expand at their current location in Plymouth Township to allow for the development and implementation of a new PC game. The project will create 154 new jobs, including 53 directly by the company. The MEGA board Tuesday approved a state tax credit valued at $1.2 million over 10 years to help convince the company to expand in Michigan over competing sites in New York, Seattle, Los Angeles and San Francisco. In addition, Infrastructure Development Film and Digital Media incentives are under consideration and Plymouth Township is considering abatements to support the project.

* City of Livonia – State and local tax capture valued at $6.5 million will support the $60-million redevelopment of the former Livonia Mall. The project will include the demolition of the existing mall building, discarded sewer and water infrastructure, and parking lots. The site will be redeveloped with new construction of approximately 300,000 square feet of retail space including a proposed Wal-Mart. Additional retail space will be constructed as market conditions permit. Site improvements such as new parking lots, landscaping, and private driveways will be included. The project is expected to create up to 486 new jobs.

* Mason County – State and local tax capture valued at $31,350 will support the construction of a new 7,100 square-foot building to house an automotive shop and body/repair shop in place of a vacant and obsolete building on U.S. 10 in Pere Marquette Charter Township. The project, expected to generate $800,000 in new investment and create and retain 11 jobs, will enable the auto shop to expand its operations, and the move from its current location on Pere Marquette Lake will open the waterfront property for new development.

* Washtenaw County – State and local tax capture valued at more than $526,000 will support the redevelopment of the former Michigan Inn site in Ann Arbor into a new multi-use facility. The project includes demolition of the former hotel and site preparation for the new plant. The project is expected to generate $28 million in new investment.

* Washtenaw County – State and local tax capture valued at $86,800 will support the renovation of two functionally obsolete elementary school buildings in Ypsilanti. The renovated buildings will be used as a printing house and digital photograph production facility. The initial phase of the project is expected to generate $2.8 million in new investment and up to 100 new jobs over the next five years.

Congratulations US on your New President

2009-02-14T19:11:00.003-05:00

U.S. should congratulate itself for electing such a wonderfully inciteful new President. Barack Obama will, no doubt about it, turn this country around. It is awful and shameful the state that this country was in at his reception of this office, but if anyone will be able to fix a lot of wrong things, HE WILL!

Of course the knit-pickers will be doing everything they can to make him look unqualified, but America, at this point in time, I don't think no one else could have made the kind of decisions that he is making to fix things, especially the amount of the stimulus package.

Loans for start-up business in Detroit

2009-02-14T18:47:00.003-05:00

Do you have a viable business plan, start-up facility, or looking to expand your existing business in Detroit? Well, you may qualify for a business loan ranging from $50,000 to $500,000.
The loans, carrying interest rates from 4 percent to 9 percent, will go toward establishing new small and mid-sized retail storefronts in the Midtown, Eastern Market, Corktown, downtown and riverfront neighborhoods.

A $5 million loan program is being launched to create more storefront business from the New Center area to the Eastern Market to Corktown.

The Detroit Urban Retail Loan Fund was announced by the private Detroit Investment Fund and the state's Michigan Economic Development Corp. Each entity will contribute more than $2 million, organizers said.

Detroit State of the City Address by Ken Cockrel

2009-02-14T18:33:00.004-05:00

Mayor Ken Cockrel mentions in his State of the City Address that he is cutting his own paycheck by 20%.

The State of the City address inspired new hope for Detroit as the New Mayor started the payroll cuts at the very top.

These are his words:
"A key component of this plan, are salary cuts. Because I believe change needs to start from the top, I’ve chosen to slash my own office’s budget by $2 million and my own salary by 20 percent. Additionally, the salaries of my own staff and of all mayoral appointees will be cut by 10 percent. If our employee unions are willing to follow suit we can limit the number of layoffs."

His department also cut unnecessary spending thus far by about $2 million dollars. Mayor Cockrel is probably the best thing that could have happened for this city in a long time. He is on the right track to bringing this city out of a deficit of about $300 million. It is going to take a good while and a lot of work, but I do believe that he would be the one to do it.

$30 Million Plant Planned by General Motors

2009-02-07T23:27:00.004-05:00

It seems that there is a move to spur manufacturing business in the US.
The House Democrats has awarded $2 Billion in advanced battery research grants

Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., head of the panel overseeing energy projects, said " "In addition to creating jobs, this economic recovery plan will help unleash our country's energy potential. By making investments in energy research and development, renewables, and new technologies for our existing domestic energy sources, we are investing in our nation's economic future and reducing our reliance on foreign oil."

Mike Moran, Ford Motor Co. spokesman said:

"Investment incentives to support domestic production of advanced batteries are critical to getting advanced technology vehicles in consumer's hands at affordable prices".

It will be wonderful if Detroit workers will be trained in this new battery technology field of domestic energy sources. This training and these jobs are badly needed for Detroit.

$9.7 Million Grant Given to W Industries for Expansion

2009-02-07T23:00:00.004-05:00

W Industries received a $9.7 MEGA grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp (MEDC)for the following project. It is investing $36 million in Detroit to retrain its work force and expand it's presence in the aerospace, energy and defense markets.

W Industries, owned by Metal and Welding Industries, has traditionally been an auto company but is now expanding into aerospace, energy and other industry market sectors.

W Industries is looking to renovate one of its facilities in downtown Detroit and purchase a second facility by the second quarter of 2009.

This expansion will allow W Industries to fulfill an existing military contract for military material handling vehicles and add a gantry mill that will allow Metal and welding Industries to expand into aerospace and alternative energy.

It seems alternative energy is the way to go.

Bank Bailouts - losing momentum

2008-12-23T19:23:00.004-05:00

Temporarily shifting focus from Detroit to the bank bailouts, I must say that these banks and mortgage companies made the biggest heist ever in any country or nation.
If an average person were to take somebody else' money they would be arrested, charged and tried. What makes the bigwigs of these companies any different.
Why can't they be held accountable for the taking of the monies that belonged to others.

They knew how these toxic mortgages were going to end up, but still without regulation they were allowed to pull these schemes off. They knew with the huge payouts they were receiving from the companies, that eventually the companies would have to cry bankrupt. They knew that the people they were giving these mortgages to would eventually not be able to make the payments. It is hard to believe that they did not know that the government would bail them out in the end.

These banks and their executives should be forced to give back a lot of that money. They should be held accountable.

Now, that is just my opinion.

As for the automakers, I believe that they were legitimately in financial trouble because of rising costs and lower sales. True, there was more that they could have done also to correct their financial standing earlier. But because of all of the hundreds of thousands of people depending on the automakers to stay alive, I am glad that they have received the loans.

By the way, why is the government so hard on the automakers, which is legitimate, and not hard on the banks? Those banks were just handed almost a trillion dollars on a silver platter with few or no questions. I believe that the government came down hard on the automakers to take focus off of the banks.

$17.4 Billion Offered to Automakers

2008-12-22T09:12:00.003-05:00

The White House on Friday offered the automakers $17.40 billion in loans to assist them out of their financial dilemma. The loans offer did not come without stipulations though. The loans were offered in exchange for meaningful concessions from the carmakers and their workers, labor unions, and suppliers.

President Bush said, the companies "must understand what is at stake, and make the hard decisions necessary to reform."

Prior to the news conference, a senior administration official said $13.4 billion in short-term financing will be drawn from the $700 billion Wall Street rescue program, with another $4 billion to be added later. The companies must become viable by March 30, 2009 or they would lose the taxpayer money.

That short space of time is such a hard demand, but at least for now the millions that are directly and indirectly affected by a possible bankruptcy by the auto companies will have an opportunity to work together to keep the business going.

Speaking of financial aid, the Canadian government has since offered the Canadian arms of the auto companies $3.3 billion in loans.

Cleanup of Detroit Area Neighborhood

2008-12-03T15:58:00.007-05:00

This particular area, I sort of keep my eyes open for new things because it is the community that I live in. I walk to the store, or travel the roads to the supermarket, laundry, post office or gas station etc.., so I am familiar with the area.
Something happened withing the last 2 months because it has been about that long since I have seen the illegal trafficers in this area.
There were prostitutes working the intermediary street for several blocks. There were panhandlers hanging around a store that I frequented for my pepsi. Small time drug sellers and users were seen pacing certain streets where there was assumed a drug house.
Now, as I travel up and down the streets, they are gone, they are all gone!! (Hallellujah). Even a lot of the old vacant houses have been torn down and the land cleared.
I don't actually know what was done, but after seeing the debate last night and listening to Mayor Ken Cockrell talk about things that he changed, one of which caused the crime rate to go down, I had an intuition that this area was a part of that change.
There may be others who might be qualified to hold the office of Mayor of Detroit, but I truly believe that Mr. Cockrell is a decent and honest man, that he has integrity and is a hard worker.
He will certainly be good for the city and I believe will take us out of that deficit. This is simply my opinion because of what I see.

Big 3 Auto Crisis

2008-11-20T10:42:00.004-05:00

The automobile industry in Detroit had been praised all down through the years. Beginning with Ford and his novice idea of paying more to its employees so that they could buy its cars, praises and honor flew out of the mouths of many. The auto companies had been the infrastructure and the hub, of holding the city of Detroit together for as long as it did.
I have seen a time when auto workers were envied amongst the poor who strove to become a part of the prosperous America by becoming a part of that industry.
Immigrants, hearing of how prosperous America had become, poured into the country to bask in the freedom and get a piece of the pie. I must say that the automobile industry played a large part of how prosperous America was and looked.

Maybe the CEOs of these companies have made wrongs decisions. Maybe their focus changed from being prosperous to becoming the best, with all of the other foreign companies that started up to bite a chunk of the incomes that the American companies were paying out of their profits to their employees.

Okay!! In the past, Detroit needed these auto companies to stay alive. Noooow, not only do they still need them, but, these auto companies need the U.S to help them stay alive. The captain of the ship that is sinking, stays on board to do all that could be done to save the ship. That is what these auto companies are doing. Striving to stay alive.
Where is the praise, where is the honor now when their back is against the wall; when they are struggling to keep from drowning.

It is time for U.S. to awake out of their dream, to realize that because of their own support for foreign made cars, these US companies have been fizzled out.

Make rules and guidelines, be an overseer, make demands, put a hold on the Unions (don't eliminate); but help these struggling US auto companies out of their dilemma! Let's not bring them to be looked at as a thing of the past, a trophy on the shelf, if you will. Help Detroit, by helping these companies!

$1.6 million grants for 2 Detroit High Schools

2008-11-17T16:13:00.004-05:00

The Greater Detroit Education Venture Fund, created by the United Way of Southeastern Michigan, the Skillman Foundation and AT&T, has awarded grants to Cody High School and Osborn High School. Both schools, located in Detroit, will each receive 5-year grants of $1.6 million dollars.

Detroit high Schools need a boost in financial assistance to produce students who will be educationally ready to meet the real world. The awarding of these grants shows that some believe that there is great potential in Detroit for our young people.

President Barack Obama and 1st family.jpg - Gmail

2008-11-05T18:07:00.002-05:00

1st family.jpg - Gmail

New Playground between Meyers, Schaefer, Plymouth and Fullerton.

2008-10-28T13:03:00.004-04:00

City of Detroit workers today were installing a new playground on Capital Street between Steele and Appoline. This neighborhood needed a new playground badly to give the old and new families in the ;neighborhood a place to take their children and grandchildren without having to go too far from home. Seeing how gas has increased in price, this will save them travelling money.

Vibrant New Industry Planned for Detroit by Glenn Plummer

2008-10-26T03:15:00.003-04:00

Vibrantly and passionately expressed by Glenn Plummer, Pastor of Ambassadors for Christ, a new media industry is in the making for Detroit. A new industry that allows a plethora of networks of different arts to come together. This will bring the possibility of thousands of jobs to the city: acting, movie making, music, dance, and many more. What an innovative idea for Detroit.
Watching the history of Glenn Plummer, the hurdles that he has overcome, it leaves no wonder as to whether it will work. He is creating a new concept and idea that will set the stage where the eyes of the world will be on Detroit.

With all that Glenn Plummer has done in Detroit, especially the revival that was sparked from his network, he gets very little recognition. This dedicated Pastor has set the stage for a potential rebirth for Detroit.

He is soliciting contributions. http://ctnusa.org/

Refurbished Apartments in Detroit

2008-10-21T13:32:00.004-04:00

As I drove down Plymount Road, I noticed between Meyers Road and Schaefer, what used to be two run down dilapidated apartment buildings that are now restored. New sod had been laid and these two buildings look near new.

What an encouraging sight!

Excitement: East meets West --Bridging 96

2008-10-21T10:31:00.006-04:00

Read what Mary Kramer of Crain's Detroit wrote regarding a mini-immersion sponsored by 'Bridging 96'. Below is just a segment:

Last week, I crisscrossed the state by bus as part of an exchange of businesspeople from Grand Rapids and Detroit.

This partnership of Michigan's two leading business publications is just beginning. Based on the response to our people-to-people exchange, we may have hit just the right time for a fresh look at the strengths and assets both sides of the state can build on together.

What a wonderful idea! This sparks excitement to know that others have an opportunity to actually see the growth first hand of Downtown Detroit. As development and redevelopment of the City of Detroit expands from downtown towards the inner city, hopefully, the tours will expand their routes to show off the redeveloped housing areas.

Detroit has so much to offer the visitor to ensure that their visit will be a positive one. The negativity of the past still lingers, but the more the people have an opportunity to see the transformation that is taking place in Detroit for themselves, the more a positive word will be spread of this beautiful historic city. Detroit does have a history.

Not only is there a change in the physical image of Detroit, but a wonderful change in leadership. The city now has a leader that is concerned about its residents. Hopefully, because of this change, there will be a greater focus on the economic prosperity of every resident and not just the select few.

Officers to Patrol Detroit School Areas Project

2008-10-01T08:49:00.004-04:00

A 4-day police patrol around Detroit area schools

In a so much needed effort to target and address the public safety issues in communities surrounding targeted schools in the district, approximately 120 officers were sent out to patrol around certain schools.

Beginning yesterday, in a four day project called Project Safe Passage, the officers from the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, the Detroit Public Schools Public Safety Department, the U.S. Marshals and the Michigan Department of Corrections fanned out to patrol Southeastern, Cody and Northwestern high school areas (to name a few).

DPS officials have observed problems such as homes full of squatters or homes occupied as drug houses in these areas. These problems make it very hard for students who want to go to school, but can't because of fear.

This is a step in the right direction seeing that many children are attacked, raped, or prevented en route to or from school.

Read more in Freep

$47.1M to fight blight in Detroit

2008-10-01T03:08:00.004-04:00

Fed HUD funds to help communities buy land, assist home buyers, demolish abandoned properties.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced a total of $3.92 billion to all states and particularly to areas hit hard by high foreclosure rates.
Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties received a total of $52.9 million. Detroit will receive its own allotment of $47.1 million as part of HUD's Neighborhood Stabilization Program. The money can be used to acquire land and property; demolish or rehabilitate abandoned properties; or offer down payment and closing cost assistance to low- to moderate-income home buyers.

Vacant properties in Detrot are numerous and once abandoned, become eyesores; partly because of arsonists, and thieves who go in and tear out windows and pipes and wiring.
This is an opportunity for communities to bring their neighborhood up and help to eliminate crime. The drug dealers look for newly vacated houses to set up shop. If that house can be inhabitated in a shorter period of time, it will help to keep the drugs off their blocks and out of their community.

Detroit, read more about these funds..

Legislation for light-rail on Woodward in making

2008-10-01T02:35:00.003-04:00

Just what Detroit needs to revive it's economic crunch.

There is a plan to build a $103 million light-rail down Woodward Avenue in Detroit by a private-sector which has been awaiting legislation. The system, known as The Regional Area Initial Link (TRAIL), would be a 3.4 mile light-rail line in the Woodward Corridor from Hart Plaza to Grand Boulevard, running past the major business, cultural, medical, educational and sporting destinations in the city.

Bills that would allow such a system, which eventually would operate as a public-private entity with some type of public subsidy, were introduced last week in the House and will be introduced this week in the Senate.

Mass transit is a major element for the revitalization of the economy for the city of Detroit.
The light rail would eventually become a public-private entity with some public subsidies.
The Woodward plans each call for future expansion, such as along Gratiot and Michigan avenues.

Levin, Stabenow seek grant program for lighthouses

2008-09-29T21:41:00.003-04:00

US Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow are seeking to create a program to help pay for the preservation of historic lighthouses.

The Tri-Centennial lighthouse on Detroit's riverfront is not historic, but is a wonderful place to visit. If one has not seen this lighthouse, you are missing a real treat. It is a very serene place to visit, situated right next to the Tri-Centennial State Park.

$7.5 billion- House Passed Bill for Auto Industry

2008-09-29T21:12:00.004-04:00

There may be a new start for the auto industry in Detroit.

A greener big three will reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil. The earmarked money requires that automakers use the money "to retool aging auto plants to make hybrids and other fuel-efficient vehicles," working toward an average fuel economy rating of 35 miles per gallon by 2020.

The loans might be just the start of what Detroit needs. The Detroit-Free Press comments, "The loans are one of several government aids -- from research funds to consumer tax credits -- that automakers will increasingly rely on to build the technology they need to survive." Michigan's Congressional delegation has already "pledged to seek an additional $25 billion after the elections, citing the industry's financial woes."

Now that there is fresh leadership in Detroit, a fresh start for the auto industry may be just what Detroit needs to begin its turn-around.

One D Regional Coalition adds a 7th member

2008-09-21T16:26:00.003-04:00

"From the very onset of One D, the vision has been to widen the circle of the founding partner organizations and connect with the substantial body of work already being done in the region that aligns with defined priorities," Ford added.

The groups that founded One D Regional Coalition are: Cultural Alliance of Southeastern Michigan, Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau, Detroit Regional Chamber, Detroit Renaissance, New Detroit and United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

Now they have added Paul Tait, who is executive director of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments and head of the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, to the list.
Including SEMCOG/Metropolitan Affairs Coalition will bring forth an effort to bring together the public, private and non-profit sectors together as well as help with transit where it is needed.

Read Freep for further info...

GM VOLT

2008-09-16T09:45:00.003-04:00

Happy Birtthday GM.
Detroit loves you and we appreciate you. The Volt is dynamic style and in that it can go 40 miles on a charge. It is beautiful on the inside and out. The two information screens make a great statement. I believe that you will go another 100 years.

In all that you have done in your commitment of yourself not only to Detroit but around the world, there is no doubt that many countries have benefited from your commitment. I have experienced the Riverfront Walk with my grand-daughter and it was truly a wonderful experience, so much so, that I have shared with others on this blog what it has meant to me. To know that I have a place of solace to go to and enjoy at the same time makes me glad that GM is in Detroit.

Before my sister's death, she worked for GM many years. Not only was she dedicated to her job but she voiced to me how appreciative she was that GM would give her that job. It is in her honor (Wanda Jean Russell) I say Happy Birthday!

Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick Pleads Guilty

2008-09-04T12:59:00.003-04:00

As the proof of perjury, and obstruction of justice, and misconduct in public office by the Mayor was coming to a head, we find here today that the now former Mayor of Detroit, Kwame Kilpatrick, has pleaded guilty to perjury 3 times, and stepped down from office. The Mayor accepted a plea deal that requires him to do 120 days in jail, must pay $1 million dollars to the city, be on probation for 5 years, cannot seek office of mayor for 5 years, he must give up his pension, and his license to practice law has been taken away.

Because of her involvement in the Brown case, it is no wonder, that the chief of police of the city of Detroit, Ella Bully-Cummings, has resigned after hearing of Kilpatrick's surrender of office.

It is a sad day for the city of Detroit, but a day of relief, as now our city can move on.

The city was asked by Governor Jennifer Granholm, to pray for the city of Detroit and for the mayor's family. The city council has asked for prayer for the mayor and his family and the city of Detroit.

The City of Detroit residents want to thank Governor Granholm for her involvement in the removal hearings. We are glad that she did not have to make a decision on that case, because it would have been very hard for her. She really did not want to get involved, but because of the circumstances where a judge decided it was illegal for them to force the mayor to step down, she agreed to proceed with the removal hearing.

Detroit, we can move on, we can arise , we do not have to let the past months pull us all the way down. We must lift up our heads that hang down. Detroit must strengthen their hands and step up behind Kenneth Cockrel to lift up his hands, as it will be a long struggle ahead to pull out of this mire.

New International Welcome Center comes with fitting tribute

2008-08-22T07:45:00.005-04:00

Tribute to Gloria Jeff.

The Detroit Mexicantown International Welcome Center which officially opens today, gives the region and entire state something to celebrate.

The Spanish-style building in southwest Detroit near the Ambassador Bridge will be fittingly dedicated to Detroit native and former Michigan Department of Transportation Director Gloria Jeff, who crossed a few bridges herself, including becoming the first woman and first African American to head the MDOT. Jeff served from 2003-06.

The 5,000-square-foot, $17-million welcome center is the state's 14th, and the first in an urban area, offering a rest stop and tourist information for motorists getting on and off the bridge. At least 800,000 motorists a year will pass through the center, enhancing the $230 million that MDOT is investing in the Gateway Project to directly connect the bridge plaza to the interstate system.

Renewed Butzel Playfield to be dedicated today

2008-08-22T07:38:00.002-04:00

The City of Detroit's Recreation Department is to dedicate the newly renovated Butzel Playfield at the Adams/Butzel Complex at 3 p.m. today.

The complex is at 10500 Lyndon at Meyers.

Renovations to the 32.8-acre playfield include the installation of a 400-meter track with rubber surfacing and a play area with rubber protective surfacing.

A picnic area was built, the west parking lot developed and the east fence line replaced.

"These park improvements increase the quality of life for the entire community," said department Director Lawrence C. Hemingway.

Hemingway said Adams/Butzel is one of the city's most active recreation centers.

The project was funded by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund and Detroit Recreation Department bond dollars.

Detroit Grand Prix

2008-08-21T06:44:00.003-04:00

Detroit Grand Prix

Detroit is revving up for the Grand Prix scheduled to begin next week. Again, it will be held at the beautiful Belle Isle Park.

Barricades have been set up as well as the bleachers. Major overhaul has been done to restore the magnificent Scott Fountain. Dedicated in 1925, the signature landmark on Detroit’s Belle Isle Park has an interesting history and it plays a central role in the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. All net proceeds from the Grand Prix are directed to a special fund for improvements and maintenance at Detroit's jewel – Belle Isle Park.

The Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix has a year-round presence at many high-profile events throughout the Detroit metropolitan area and Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Featuring its beautiful 2008 IndyCar showcar – which was an actual race car driven in IndyCar Series competition by Helio Castroneves – and a mobile promotional display manned by event volunteers, the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix takes every opportunity to support its partners and key events in its local communities. Below is a listing of upcoming events and appearances that will feature the Grand Prix promotional tour in the coming weeks.

Cancer Research Victory Walk Concludes

2008-08-14T21:41:00.002-04:00

DETROIT, Aug. 13 VictoryWalk-concludes
Sean Shearon raises awareness and donations for breast cancer research/programs

DETROIT, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sean Shearon wanted to make a difference and do his part to end cancer, as well as honor the victims and survivors of this horrific disease. He set a goal of walking 18 marathons in 18 days -- The Victory Walk -- to raise awareness and dollars for breast cancer research and programs at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, in Detroit. He began his journey in Sault Saint Marie, Michigan, on July 27 and will conclude his Victory Walk Thursday, Aug. 14, at approximately 6 p.m., at Campus Martius, in Detroit.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone would just do a part to raise awareness and donations for breast cancer research.

Final Touches on Book Cadillac

2008-08-13T16:40:00.003-04:00

The Westin reservation system is accepting room bookings for stays beginning Nov. 1. The hotel will open to the public on Oct. 1, but no ceremonies are planned until a black-tie event featuring Grammy winner Michael McDonald on Oct. 25.

Tickets for that event are available in three prices -- $2,500, $2,000 and $600 -- with details available at the Web site www.bookcadillacnextchapter.com.
There's also a street party called Access Detroit planned to take place outside the Westin Book Cadillac on Oct. 24. "People will be able to come down and really celebrate the opening of the Book Cadillac as one more reason to live, work, play in the city," said Scott Stinebaugh, the hotel's director of sales and marketing. "Because we believe that's really the bigger thought here: The hotel opening is just one more reason to come down and take a look at what there is to do in Detroit."

When the Westin Book Cadillac opens Oct. 1, it will feature 453 rooms, 65 condominiums and an array of ballrooms, meeting rooms and dining options, including Roast, a meat-lover's restaurant run by celebrity chef Michael Symon.

The new Book Cadillac will be similar to the hotel of memories but not a direct copy. For the renovation, crews stripped the interior down to the structural ribs, and then built it out anew. The famous Grand Ballroom is now known as the Venetian, while the old Motor Bar, which used to be located on the ground floor, is now on the second, or lobby, level.

Read whole story

Woodward Dream Cruise

2008-08-13T16:18:00.006-04:00

Thousands of people converging on Detroit from around the world. Even though the cruise doesn't officially start until Thursday, already, Woodward Ave. is getting packed with old classic cars.
One of the largest old car displays in the world, owners will be cruising up and down Woodward Avenue showing off their pet cars that have been spruced up to tickle the fancy of any car buff.

Belle Isle being prepped for Grand Prix

2008-08-11T07:14:00.006-04:00

Grand Prix
The Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix is set for Aug. 29-31, and everything is ahead of schedule, said Bud Denker, race chairman and a senior vice president for Bloomfield Hills-based Penske Corp. His boss, Penske Corp. founder Roger Penske, brought the open-wheel auto race back to Detroit last year after a six-year hiatus.

Ticket sales are ahead of last year. Seventy-five percent of the 27,000 daily tickets have been sold, Denker said. Race officials declined to give an attendance number for last year's races, which included American Le Mans Series and open-wheel IndyCar Series, but did say it was more than 100,000 for the three days.

A new attraction for fans this year is the addition of a SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship race on Sunday. The race features Cadillacs, Vipers, Mustangs, Corvettes and Porsches.

Denker said another reason sales are up is because Toronto and Cleveland won't have open-wheel auto racing for the first time in 20-plus years, and fans will be taking special trains to Detroit from Ontario. Rock bands Sugar Ray and Everclear will be performing on the island, too.

Ticket information is available at detroitgp.com.

Penske and DTE Energy Corp. are working together to repair the vandalized Scott Fountain to the tune of $100,000. Denker said the fountain will be operating in time for the race.

Read entire story in Crain's Detroit News

Isaac Hayes Dies Today at Age 65

2008-08-10T19:56:00.003-04:00

Isaac Hayes was performing in my younger years in the 70's and was noted for his smooth voice. He was found dead near a treadmill.

In Riverside, Calif., Hayes will be honored as planned on the final day of the Inland Empire Jazz Festival on Aug. 24, the event's executive director said Sunday.

His voice was so mellow in Shaft as was with all of his music. What a loss to the world.

This brings the count to two notable African Americans that has died within the last week. The second being Bernie Mac.

Light Rail Presentation by DDOT

2008-08-09T12:24:00.001-04:00

Light Rail Presentation by DDOT

SEMCOG (Southeast Michigan Council of Governments) has approved DDOT’s exciting proposed Woodward Avenue Light Rail project (aligned from Jefferson Avenue to the State Fairgrounds). Come to a 20 minute presentation from DDOT and stick around for a discussion after.

Info is on Detroit Synergy Site.

YOU NEED TO STEP DOWN NOW MAYOR KILPATRICK!!!

2008-07-25T06:49:00.005-04:00

Who's going to protect the police from Mayor Kilpatrick?

The police officers and detectives have a great job to do in the city of Detroit protecting the citizens from the criminals. I applaud the police detectives who have enough stamina to thoroughly investigate a crime, especially when it involves the Mayor's friends and relatives. Apparently, in the course of this $47 million sludge contract investigation, the detective, doing his job, alledgedly is pushed by the Mayor. Can the mayor get away with bullying the police? Does he think that he has enough power to just push his staff's employees around because they are doing their job? Now we really see who's side the Mayor is really on. It definitely is not the side of the city of Detroit, but on his own selfixh motives. Enough of this nonsense!! This city wants and needs to move forward towards it's initiatives of revitalization. The mayor is not a one man show. He has thousands who work under him doing their jobs if they will be allowed to do their jobs.

STEP DOWN NOW MAYOR KILPATRICK!!!

Brodhead Armory sale delayed-City Council distrusts Mayor

2008-07-16T11:36:00.004-04:00

What an awful position the city is in right now. But one cannot blame council for the delay because Mayor Kilpatrick and his folks and his friends have stolen or misappropriated or squandered enough of the city's money.

Read more...

Kresge Foundation Goes Green With Renewable Power From DTE Energy

2008-07-12T03:56:00.005-04:00

DETROIT, July 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kresge Foundation, a private foundation dedicated to building stronger nonprofit organizations, is"greening up" the power to its Troy headquarters with 100 percent renewable energy provided under DTE Energy's GreenCurrents program.

GreenCurrents is a voluntary renewable energy program that provides DTE Energy's 2.2 million electric customers the option of choosingenvironmentally-friendly energy for their homes and businesses.

Under the GreenCurrents program, DTE Energy's residential electric customers can purchase a block of renewable energy for as little as $2.50 extra a month. Customers also can choose to match 100 percent of their home's electricity consumption with renewable resources by paying an extra $10 to $15 per month for a typical household.

Business customers can purchase 1,000 kilowatt hours of green energy for an extra $20 a month - or match all of their electricity usage with renewable energy for an additional cost of two cents per kilowatt hour.

In partnership with grantees, Kresge seeks to influence the quality of life for future generations by creating access and opportunity in underserved communities, improving the health of low-income people, supporting artistic expression, assisting in the revitalization of Detroit,and advancing methods for mitigating and coping with global climate change. In 2007, the foundation approved 442 grants totaling $178 million.

Read more....

Kilpatrick neighborhood meeting

2008-07-09T16:22:00.007-04:00

A few weeks ago, Kwame Kilpatrick held a meeting at Third New Hope Baptist Church on Plymouth Road- a question and answer meeting for the neighborhood.

I asked two questions:

" In the last week or so, there were approximately 5 lawn servicing trucks in this vicinity with about 5 men on each truck, each had a weedwacker. Across the street from my house is a vacant city lot. These 5 men got off the truck with their weedwackers and within about 5 minutes cut a few portions of the lot, leaving the majority uncut. They did not use a lawn mower of any kind. Now, this lawn servicing company was from Oak Park. (1)In the first place, why is Detroit contracting these jobs out to a company outside of Detroit, because it is better to keep the money in the city? (2)Why are they getting paid for these half done jobs?"

Response fro Mr. Kilpatrick:

There are not any lawn servicing companies large enough in the city to handle these jobs which are contracted out in zones.
My response was I couldn't believe that.
He said that this company was not supposed to do a half job but he expected better service from them than what I had told him and for me to inform the director of the address of this vacant lot.

The next day the director came to my home and informed me that they would remove the logs and get rid of the tree stumps and cut down the near dead trees on my block.

Well, to my surprise, they held to their word. The lot is being kept cut and the near dead trees have all been cut down. I did notice that the trucks carrying the people doing the work are now city owned trucks.

So now Detroit, you see, you must attend any neighborhood meetings and that the mayor is speaking at, and speak up, to get your neighborhood cleaned up.

BDV-115572-BDV

Riverwalk Conservancy

2008-07-08T11:19:00.006-04:00

My grand-daughter and I decided to travel back down to the Riverwalk in downtown Detroit because we enjoyed the first trip so much. Again, it was nothing boring, but excitement had taken us back down the same path. This time when we visited the Conservancy, we did go into the Wheelhouse bicycle rental and was pleasantly greeted. They not only rent bicycles but they also repair them.

Again, we ate ice cream and we rode on the carousel.

When we left there, we traveled down to the Tricentennial State Park to look at the lighthouse. We sat and rested there for a few minutes and decided to travel down the road to Belle Isle. We were disappointed that the fountain was not on, but she enjoyed seeing it. We travelled on to the giant slide and she had a blast coming down it.

This trip was just as exciting as the first one. I will probably begin to make regular visits downtown because there is so much more that I would like to see.

Jon Bon Jovi Helps Five Detroit Families Build a New Place to Call Home

2008-07-08T10:23:00.007-04:00

Jon Bon Jovi Helps Five Detroit Families Build a New Place to Call Home

Thank you for your generosity and for believing in Detroit!

Although many see the down side of the possibility of Detroit's revitalization, there are many that still not only have hope but show that they have hope by investing and contributing to the success of this revitalization. It seems when photos are shown of Detroit, they are always of the areas that are delapidated or that are in ruin. They never show the areas that are kept up by the residents or the areas that show development or redevelopment. Hopefully this will change eventually.
I wish there were many more like Jon Bon Jovi and others who have partnered with Detroit-area Saturn Retailers and Habitat for Humanity to continue to build new homes in Detroit.

Read more on what Jon Bon Jovi is doing in Detroit....

Brownfields 2008 Thanks Detroit and Michigan

2008-07-07T22:41:00.002-04:00

The Brownfields 2008 thanks Detroit and Michigan for their hospitality.

Read all about the conference and the thank you note.

Pilot film set in Detroit

2008-06-29T19:49:00.004-04:00

We were informed previously about how some film makers are pointing to Michigan to film some movies because of the big Michigan tax break incentives.

ABC's pilot "Prince of Motor City" is a drama co-written by a sitcom actor and is set in Detroit's auto industry.

Woodbridge Youth Center serves kids from 7 neighborhood schools

2008-06-16T22:31:00.005-04:00

Youth Center to bring revitalization to its community.

The Woodbridge Community Youth Center opened a year ago on W. Canfield, across the street from Woodbridge Estates, and has become the place for kids in the neighborhood to learn and play after school and on the weekends.

The center works with kids in a method that utilizes the Three L Model, which focuses on life management coaching, literacy support and leadership development. All classes and activities fall into one of the Triple A categories for arts, athletics and academics.

Sports teams fielded by WCYC include soccer, basketball, flag football and baseball. Adult health and wellness activities, including aerobics, dance and financial literacy courses, are in the works.

Read more...

WCYC is located at 1200 W. Canfield. Call 313-832-4770

Having fun in downtown Detroit

2008-06-16T15:54:00.006-04:00

It was intended to be an afternoon of prayer at Hart Plaza with the city of Detroit repenting led by Pastor Glenn Plummer of CTN television station.
The weather was just perfect - no humidity, nice breeze off the water, a little hot but bearable. The grass was just a little bit wet in spots from the week we had of rain, but overall it was just a glorious day. The prayer started at noon with many different ones taking turns leading the prayer, and lasted until 3:00 p.m.. What an exciting move and glorious presence of God just in how the prayer flowed.

The streets of downtown were pretty clean as well as Hart Plaza. After prayer, my granddaughter who happened to bring her skates, and myself decided to walk down the Riverwalk. Even though at some point in this blog the Riverwalk had been mentioned, I had never walked it.

What a pleasant afternoon it turned out to be. Along the path there were many different sitting areas, some encased with hedges and flowers. The benches seemed to attract the couples versus families who were sitting and gazing out at the water or across the river on the Canadian side.
On the waterfront, there were two tour boats that you could ride on. The one cruised the river for two hours which was very reasonably price; and for a higher price one could cruise and have lunch or dinner on the much bigger boat.

There was a tribute with statues and a story on the slaves and the undergroung railroad. Thousands of bricks that you walk upon held the names of those who contributed to the cost of putting up the tribute.

There was an area that had a hundred or so water spouts coming up out of the pavement with the water levels ever changing. Lots of children, whether they had a bathing suit or street clothes on, were running and playing in the water. Even some adults decided to pull off their shoes and sandals and get their feet or whole bodies wet to cool from the sun. That whole scenario was a scene of life that was most pleasing and one that you don't often see in Detroit. After my granddaughter was soaked, we decided to continue walking.
Down further on the path, there was a carousel that the children or adults could ride very inexpensively and a sitting area with tables and chairs in front of cafes, where one could purchase food or ice cream. We sat and ate our ice cream and looked out at the different boats on the water.

On the path we noticed that some had bicycles and we found out that the bicycle rental was just on the other side of the little cafes.

While we were there, a wedding party had crossed in front of us to pose in front of the water for pictures.

We decided to return to the car and on the way back she had to stop once more to play in the water. It was warm enough for her to dry off somewhat before getting in the car. That excursion was enticing me to see more of downtown, but the time was getting away from us, so we had to leave.
This will not be my last time going down to the Riverwalk, as a matter of fact I have asked several others to join me to take a ride on the Princess.

SUMMER IS HERE IN DETROIT!!

2008-06-09T21:11:00.004-04:00

It is not just a figment of one's imagination, but Detroit is really becoming appealing to a lot of folks as a family vacation spot. Read the interesting and positive comments below of what one blogger had to say about Detroit.

"Downtown was bustling and there were plenty of families enjoying their Detroit experience. With two new downtown stadiums and rumors of a new hockey arena, downtown Detroit appears to be on the verge of a major revitalization, which could not come soon enough, as last week’s poll suggests – the economy is foremost on the minds of Michiganders. The new stadiums got me thinking about this week’s poll – what’s the best game venue in Michigan, past or present?"

There's more....

Quicken to build on two sites in downtown Detroit

2008-06-03T09:29:00.003-04:00

One choice of two historical sites will be home to Quicken Loans and the other developed for other uses.

Offered his choice of two prime sites downtown for his new corporate headquarters, Quicken Loans Chairman and founder Dan Gilbert is planning to develop both sites in what looms as a major boost for the downtown market.

One site is where the old Hudson's store stood on Woodward Avenue in the second block north of Campus Martius. An underground parking garage is now on the site.

The other major parcel available to Gilbert is the Statler site on Grand Circus Park, so-called after the former hotel that stood there until it was demolished by the city in 2005.

Read whole story in Freep

Two projects has tax breaks approved by Brownfield Authority

2008-06-03T08:29:00.003-04:00

The Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority on Thursday approved two projects that include green/energy-conservation features to receive Michigan Business Tax credits.

Community redevelopment projects:

A $4 million project of 18 town homes to be built north of the old Tiger Stadium will have two- and three-bedroom units of 1,200-to-1,500 square feet priced from $160,000
On Detroit’s east side, a $6.3 million project of the Northeast Guidance Center won authority board approval for a $688,250 cleanup tax credit.

Read whole story in Crains Detroit Business....

Tour gives U-M staff an education about Detroit

2008-05-30T04:48:00.003-04:00

U-M is in the nascent stages of providing a host of efforts targeting students in Detroit -- a possible semester of study in Detroit for undergraduates, graduate-student trips and projects with the city, an admissions and outreach office there -- under one umbrella.
Gant and others say this humble tour spurs interest among faculty and staff across the university who are excited about heightening awareness of Motown's realities -- both positive and negative.

Among the tour's stops were: Public Art Workz, a dynamic, nonprofit art center aimed at youth; Earth Works Garden, an urban gardening project, and Peck Park. The park, Grant said, is part of a larger real estate development that ensures affordable housing for about a fifth of the units.

"I'm pleasantly surprised to see what I see," Marsha Benz, 45, said as the day drew to a close. She works in the health promotion and community relations department at University Health Services.
"I've never been in these corners of the city."
Maybe no other city than Detroit could better open the eyes of college town folks from a sometimes bubble-like city such as Ann Arbor, Gant said.
"There are these nice jewels in the city that are literally unknown to many," said Gant, who's lived in Detroit for more than 20 years and works with community groups and nonprofits and health education and outreach efforts here.
Student adviser Adam Courtman photographs Earth Works Garden on May 16 during the Detroit Culture Bus Tour. The aim is to help U-M staff get to know the city better.

Lisa Richter, 28, a farm worker for Earth Works, talks to tour members about growing vegetables in an urban environment.

More than 40 U-M staffers saw some of Detroit's jewels, such as Earth Works Garden. The U-M employees wanted to learn more about Detroit, because it's the home of a majority of the university's African-American population. The tour is popular; there's a waiting list.

Read whole story....

Detroit shows off new model

2008-05-24T06:56:00.006-04:00

Monica Haynes from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette had some interesting and positive things to say about Detroit as it stands today. Detroit is beginning to be recognized as a luxurious and elegant place to visit for families.

The following are excerpts from her story.

- Penguins fans will find a city on upswing since Super Bowl XL

-But Detroit, like Pittsburgh, has been working hard to revamp its reputation as a rusted shell of its former industrial self, with much of the attention turned to its downtown riverfront.

-But this time around, there's a lot more elegance, luxury, nightlife and plain old-fashioned family fun to be had in the Motor City.

-"Detroit really has the potential to be a great urban destination," said Jim Townsend, executive director of the Tourism Economic Development Council for metro Detroit.

Read more of what the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has to say about Detroit....

$4-million N. Corktown townhouse development

2008-05-23T21:42:00.003-04:00

A $4-million plan to build 18 townhouses in Detroit's North Corktown district won preliminary approval Thursday from the city's Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.

Corktown Housing LLC, a nonprofit developer, plans to build the environmentally sensitive project just north of the I-75 service drive roughly between Wabash and Rosa Parks, not far from Tiger Stadium, which is slated for demolition.
Aimed at working families with children, the project would feature condominiums in the $160,000 to $190,000 range. Units would range from 1,200 to 1,500 square feet and include two or three bedrooms.

Read whole story.....

Preservation awards revived

2008-05-19T13:33:00.002-04:00

TRI-UMPH awards are being resurrected...

Detroit City Council's Historic Designation Advisory Board has renewed an awards program for preservation efforts.

Presented during the 1990s but discontinued around 2002, the Tri-UMPH awards (Upholding, Maintaining and Preserving History) are being resurrected with ceremonies Thursday at the FD Lofts, 3434 Russell St.

Robert Heide of Urban Life Development is to be honored for historic adaptive reuse for converting of the former Detroit Fire Department maintenance garage into the FD Lofts.

Eastern Market Corp. receives an award in the government and nonprofit category for its restoration of Historic Shed #2.

Marilyn Nash-Yazbeck & Gassan Yazbeck, owners and operators of The Inn at 97 Winder, a Brush Park bed-and-breakfast, are cited for neighborhood preservation.

Read whole story..

New Plaza is planned for Detroit's west side

2008-05-18T20:02:00.004-04:00

Developers are mapping plans for a 61,000-square-foot retail center on Detroit's west side.

This project, known as Metro Plaza, would feature a 45,000-square-foot grocery store, a beauty supply store and several other retailers. Developers are negotiating for a T.J. Maxx store although that is not final yet. A T.J. Maxx store would be great in Detroit.

The Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority approved another step in the financing for the more than $6-million project. To be developed by a partnership known as Metro Livernois LLC, the retail center would be at 6100 McGraw, near the intersection of Livernois and Warren.

Construction is expected to begin soon and be completed by 2010.

Kresge Foundation Employs New Funding Methods in its First Quarter Grant Awards of Nearly $43 Million

2008-05-17T19:40:00.004-04:00

Kresge Foundation Employs New Funding Methods in its First Quarter Grant Awards of Nearly $43 Million

Recent grants reflect foundation's ongoing, multi-year expansion to better address society's pressing issues.

TROY, Mich., May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kresge Foundation's first quarter awards illuminate its evolving values-centered approach to grantmaking as well as its early exploration of new funding methods, including program-related investments, growth-capital grants and program-support grants.

In March, the Board of Trustees approved 54 awards of $42,694,500 in six fields of interest - health, the environment, arts and culture, education, human services and community development. "The expansion of Kresge's grantmaking is well on its way," says Elaine D. Rosen, chair of the board. "These first quarter grants represent significant progress in our efforts to become more flexible in our deployment of resources. In partnering with our grantees, we want to meet them at their area of greatest need."

Of the 54 awards approved in the first quarter, 33 were facilities-capital challenge grants to arts and culture, education, environment, health and human services organizations. Kresge has been a driving force in the building of facilities for nonprofit organizations for much of its 84-year history. In 2007, it elevated nine values to serve as the centerpiece of its grantmaking criteria. Its grantmaking decisions in this quarter and going forward pivot most centrally on how well an organization's mission, programs and proposed project advance these values.

Eight grants were made to the Detroit Program, a comprehensive, community-development effort to strengthen the long-term economic, social and cultural fabric of the city and surrounding area.....

Film Development Website says - Send Them To Detroit

2008-05-12T16:30:00.006-04:00

Films to possibly be made in Detroit.

According to a film development website, CHUD (Cinematic Happenings Under Development), because of the 40% tax cuts offered in Detroit, several big-time productions are seriously considering shooting out of Detroit.

As a matter of fact, last week The Detroit Free Press: reported "thirteen deals were already signed under a new law offering lucrative incentives to filmmakers to bring their projects to Michigan, state officials said Friday."

ART SEEKERS IN DETROIT- NOW'S THE TIME TO LOOK

2008-05-08T01:30:00.004-04:00

ART DETROIT NOW is here!!

This weekend nearly every gallery in the Detroit area will be hosting an opening of a new exhibition or a special event in celebration of this historic occurrence. There’s an amazing array of different venues, types of works, and events to check out this weekend. Below is a link where you will find a few samples (in no particular order) from all that might be seen, along with some words from some of the operators of the venues. As always, the arts calendar has the rundown of EVERYTHING going on in Arts. And this week, everything really is everything. Check out the arts calendar in the link below for all the specifics and all the events going on. This is really an opportunity to celebrate just how strong and diverse Detroit’s arts community is.

http://thedetroiter.com/b2evoArt/blogs/index.php?blog=2&title=art_detroit_now_is_here&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

Funding for Redevelopment in Detroit continues.

2008-05-06T15:59:00.004-04:00

Another project that has been in the works for 2 years has received approval for a loan that will sustain the project through this year until the market recovers.

The Detroit Economic Development Corp., approved a $700,000 loan Wednesday for the Watermark, the east riverfront condominium project being built by civic and business leader Dave Bing.

Bing and his partners, who include a roster of Detroit sports and civic leaders, have invested more than $3 million in the project and face another $3.9 million in costs this year for design, engineering and marketing.

The Community Revitalization Alliance Launched at the Brownfields Nat. Conference

2008-05-06T12:49:00.003-04:00

DETROIT, May 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Responding to the plight of Detroit communities and other communities in America struggling to combat the impacts of a negative economy, Congressman John Conyers Jr. (D-MI) and Deeohn Ferris, President of Sustainable Community Development Group, announced today the launch of the National Community Revitalization Alliance.

The announcement was made at the Brownfields 2008 National Conference in Detroit, the largest, most comprehensive conference focused on cleaning up and redeveloping abandoned, underutilized, and potentially contaminated properties in the nation. Like many American families, Detroit residents have little capacity to combat the divestment and blight in their communities. The Community Revitalization Alliance will seek, as a priority, to bring the rarely heard voices of these disadvantaged community residents to the highest levels of Washington, D.C. It will also seek to influence the federal planning policies that affect all struggling American communities, through the efforts of its alliance members -- a coalition of sustainable development and environmental justice stakeholders working to address equitable development, community revitalization, and environment and health issues."We need to have everyone working on these issues and the people who live and work in the community are indispensable to addressing poverty, health disparities and environmental injustices," said Congressman Conyers Jr."There is a direct relationship between environment and health, and the needs, health and vitality of a community. The reality is these issues: community quality of life, environmental justice and shared prosperity should be at the center of governmental decisions and programs. We look forward to getting the input of community leaders and experts to develop and articulate priority national policy recommendations," said Deeohn Ferris.

The Community Revitalization Alliance is a project of Sustainable Community Development Group, Inc. (SCDG), a not-for-profit corporation working with the public, private and community sectors to advance environmental sustainability, equitable development and global smart growth.

Author : Sustainable Community Development Group, Inc.
http://www.sustainablecommunitydevelopment.org/

GAR building - could be purchased and renovated

2008-05-06T05:43:00.006-04:00

Brothers, Tom and David Carleton who heads a media company has submitted an offer of $220,500 to purchase the historic Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) building in which the City Council could consider the proposal on tomorrow.

This gorgeous castle-like structure whose architects were Julian Hess and Richard Raseman, was constructed between the years 1887 -1901 at West Grand River and Cass. It is an icon in the historic district in Detroit At the time of construction, it was in a prime location and those who sold goods on that location pressured the city's government to devote the first floor to their markets.

The GAR restricted membership to Union Army veterans so their rolls declined rapidly in the Twentieth Centruy. By the 30's, the GAR stopped using this building and the city began to rent it out. Michigan’s last Civil War soldier died in 1951.

Per the Detroit Free Press:
The proposal would revive plans to resuscitate a century-old structure that has remained largely vacant and deteriorated despite various plans. The Ilitch family's Olympia Development was awarded development rights two years ago but a deal was never finalized. Last week, the city's Planning and Development Department sent a letter to the City Council asking to rescind the sale to Olympia.

The GAR building was listed on February 13, 1986 in the National Registry of Historic Places (#86000262).

Tour the RiverWalk in Detroit on a bicycle

2008-05-04T21:10:00.004-04:00

I remember as a young girl in the 50's and early 60's going to Belle Island and being able to rent bicycles to ride around the Island. That was so unique and wonderful because you could go on the bicycle trails through the woods and everywhere a car couldn't go. I was disappointed when the time came that they stopped the renting of the bikes.

Well guess what. There is a new opportunity to rent bicycles and accessories in downtown Detroit to cycle and tour the city .

According to Wheelhouse blog:
Wheelhouse Detroit is open for business! Our staff and services will make it easier for the whole world to experience Motown on two wheels. Detroit is fun and safe to cycle, and Wheelhouse Detroit will get you going – whether you want to tool down our beautiful RiverWalk for a couple of hours or have a day-long Detroit adventure, we can help!

Wheelhouse Rentals
Wheelhouse rents cruisers, comfort hybrids, road and kids bikes – as well as accessories like tagalongs and trailers to make it fun for the entire family.

Wheelhouse Service
If your day of fun hits a bump – or goes flat – Wheelhouse can help. Our experienced service staff can do it all: from changing a flat to rebuilding a frame. Maintenance service is also available; let Wheelhouse shape your steed into the best shape of its life with a tune-up!

Wheelhouse Tours
Short and long, tough and easy, Wheelhouse offers a variety of guided tours for cyclists of all abilities and stamina level. What’s your interest? Detroit architecture…family rides…neighborhood excursions…dining tours…We can even craft a custom tour for your business or family!

Brownfield Conference-Breath of Life For Detroit

2008-05-04T06:24:00.001-04:00

Detroit Free Press:

Breathing new life into the lands is the subject of the 2008 National Brownfields Conference that begins Monday at Cobo Center.
Among the many activities scheduled for the three-day conference are tours of dozens of potential redevelopment sites by thousands of builders and urban planners. Information on more than 1,000 local brownfield sites will be available to potential investors.
"It will give Detroit great exposure," said John Kerr, director of economic development for the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority. "It's an excellent opportunity to show experts in the industry what we're doing with brownfield sites. We're really excited."

Jobs, Revenues, Attendees Expected

2008-05-04T05:48:00.003-04:00

From the Detroit News:

6000
Number of people expected to attend the 2008 National Brownfields Conference at Cobo Center this week.

$5.5 billion
Total dollars scheduled to be invested in brownfield projects approved in the city of Detroit during the past eight years.

13,000
Hoped-for number of jobs to be created in the city of Detroit through redevelopment of those brownfield sites.

8,000
Estimated number of new housing units to be created in the city of Detroit through those brownfield projects.

2008-04-24T17:39:00.002-04:00

Privatizing City Airport studied

Kilpatrick wants to turn over management, renovate City Airport and add longer runway.Christine MacDonald / The Detroit News

According to the Detroit News:

DETROIT -- Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is close to announcing a plan to turn over management of the struggling Coleman A. Young International Airport -- commonly known as City Airport -- to a private company that has pledged to spend $50 million to revamp it.

Improvements would include construction of a 6,500-foot-long runway parallel to the two shorter existing runways, said Deputy Mayor Anthony Adams. He said Kilpatrick plans on submitting to the City Council a proposed agreement with AvPorts, a Baltimore-based company, in the next three weeks. Bigger jets can't use the airport because its runways are too short. But lengthening runways is expensive and will face certain opposition from nearby suburbs over noise.

The deal is tied to the $6 million Kilpatrick has set aside for the airport in his proposed $300 million economic stimulus plan, Adams said.

He said that money would help bring in AvPorts, which he said would then make the renovations. "It's an area ripe for redevelopment," Adams said.The $6 million would be used to complete a federally recommended safety zone by buying out nearly 500 area property owners, a plan which the city has been working on for more than 13 years. Adams said the city would still own the airport, but the private company would manage operations -- similar to the city's relationship with the Detroit Zoo.

James Canning, a Kilpatrick spokesman, said the administration is unable to release more details on the proposal, including what would happen to city employees who work at the airport. Eight full-time positions are listed for the airport in the city's current budget. It will cost the city nearly $3.4 million to run the airport this year.

Detroit officials have talked about turning over management of the airport for years without success. The last three Detroit mayors have promised to expand the airport, but all have fallen short. About a dozen commercial airlines have pulled passenger service since 1975, and the only planes using it are private, corporate and cargo. Still, some aviation experts see the airport as a key opportunity in the city's revitalization.AvPorts operates and manages airports. Its sister company, Atlantic Aviation, runs 72 fixed-base operations at 69 airports across the country

Brownfield Redevelopment Conference In Detroit

2008-04-21T19:22:00.002-04:00

Want to learn why brownfield redevelopment is important? One will have an excellent chance to find out next month in Detroit as Brownfields2008, the world's largest conference on brownfield redevelopment, is held May 5-7 at Cobo Center.

Detroit is an ideal location for the event because, according to Department of Environmental Affairs Director Vincent Nathan, the city has in the past five years implemented 113 successful brownfield projects, one of the best records in the nation.

It is anticipated that nearly 6000 people including developers, contractors and municiple officials will attend this conference. This a great opportunity for Detroit.

Detroit's old Brodhead Armory could become fitness, boxing club

2008-02-13T07:05:00.006-05:00

John Gallhager of the Detroit Free Press wrote the following...

Brodhead Pier LLC, a private partnership formed by the Wayne-based husband-wife development team of Kathy Makino-Leipsitz and Mark Leipsitz, would pay the City of Detroit $3 million for the armory, and then put $20 million into remaking the facility.

The deal goes to City Council for review later this month. It would be financed privately but could receive brownfield and historic tax credits as incentives.

“They’re looking to convert it into an entertainment venue that will have kind of a state of the art bowling alley, plasma screen TV, lot of family kind of events during the day and more of a club scene in the evening,” Diggs said.

View of this author.
What the City of Detroit needs are places that offer family activities to draw families into the city. The renovation of the Brodhead Armory would be an ideal way to do just that. This renovation would also preserve some depression-era murals on the walls. There is a lot of history with Brodhead Armory and it should not be discarded. The longer vacant buildings stay vacant, the easier they become prey to vandals and this building has been vacant around 4 years. I say, let the Liepsitz team remake and restore the old building.

Firms pitch D Brand to would-be hires, out-of-town visitors

2008-02-12T05:19:00.004-05:00

A national brownfield conference is coming to Detroit May 5-7, providing an opportunity for developers to promote redevelopment sites across the country and for Detroit to educate national investors about local sites.

Detroit really does have good things to offer out-of-towners. This city is on the move to revitalization and it takes companies like the ones in the following article to promote what it has to offer.

Crain's Detroit Business

Detroit - Innovation City!!

2008-02-08T22:34:00.000-05:00

Listen Detroit, John Kao from the Huffington Post in New Orleans wrote some inspiring things about the "Big D" that he observed from his recent visit here.

View of this author:

Nurturing the roots of a true Detroit Renaissance to effect its transformation is the scenario that Detroit will choose!

There are many who are very angry in the way Detroit has deteriorated and I do believe that the anger is turning out a call to action upon the same residents. Detroit is well loved, and there are organizations being formed or are now rising up, that are calling the citizens to take action and to work together.
Detroit, believe it or not, people are talking! They are talking about the good things in Detroit. Transformation begins in the heart of the people and the residents of Detroit want change! All it takes is for a few to get excited and spread the word. Sometimes transformation takes a good while because revitalization must take place first.
Rise up Detroit and take your city to heart. Show the world what Detroit can do.

Shop Detroit Encouraged

2008-02-07T12:57:00.000-05:00

Support Detroit Businesses During the Holiday

City leaders encourage area residents to Shop Detroit during the holidays.
For a list of participating Detroit businesses and more information,
click here.

http://www.ci.detroit.mi.us/HomePage/ShopDetroit.htm

Seminars offer help for new businesses

2008-02-07T12:37:00.000-05:00

Now may be the perfect time in Detroit for entrepreneurs to start up their own business.

Susan Tompor, Free Press columnist writes..

Tough economic times in Michigan apparently are not discouraging many
people from going after their dreams and trying to start a new
business.
"Just the opposite," said Robin Duncan, business development
director for the Jefferson East Business Association in Detroit.
Instead, she said many people see now as the perfect time to go out on
their own. Their jobs at big manufacturing companies aren't secure, she said, so
they seem more willing to take that first step to turn their ideas or dreams
into small businesses.
So would-be entrepreneurs -- or even current entrepreneurs -- in southeast Michigan might want to look for extra help at getting the job done this year through a series of seminars on such topics as preparing to borrow money and marketing and fraud prevention.
The continuing series, which has one event this week, is a joint effort by three community-based, nonprofit business associations on the east side of Detroit. The groups are the Jefferson East Business Association, the East Warren Avenue Business Association and the Mack Avenue Business Association. The seminars are sponsored by Comerica Bank.
Events for everyone...........

BARACH OBAMA -YES WE CAN VIDEO

2008-02-05T14:21:00.000-05:00

http://www.yeswecansong.com/

Five people lauded for aiding diversity

2008-02-05T13:18:00.000-05:00

The Detroit Urban League will honor 5 people of Detroit for their outstanding work in aiding diversity, five who they named the 2008 Distinguished Warriors.
Brazeal Dennard - promoted African-American classical and folk music His chorale performed negro spirituals at one time.
Elizabeth (Betty) Brooks - raised money for cultural institutions including the Detroit Opera House
Ernie Harwell - blazed diversity trails outside of sports
Dr. Rachel Keith - broke racial boundaries
J. Caulton Mays - served as a Tuskegee airman in World War II built up what is believed to be the nation's largest African-American-owned printing firm.

Read more about these five warriors.

Detroit’s business leaders face a dilemma

2008-01-31T01:30:00.000-05:00

In ref. to: "Detroit Renaissance will continue to stay engaged in the redevelopment of
the city," he said. Left unsaid was this: whoever is mayor. ...

View of this author:

To the business leaders who have invested and had plans to continue to invest into the City of Detroit: Kwame Kilpatrick was wrong all the way around with what he did, but we hope that you won't hold that against the City of Detroit. This city needs your help. It wasn't the citizens that brought in this ugly shadow, and I hope that it was the citizens that was in your mind to help when you made the pledges. Please do not forsake this city or its residents. It is growing stronger and it will turn around thanks to your help and the help of many others, but there is still a long ways to go.

Another call for the people of Detroit to work together

2008-01-25T18:13:00.000-05:00

There is a new image taking place in Detroit. The people want change!! They want change.
A change that they can be proud of when they talk about the city that they live in. Organizations are calling out for the people to unite and partner together and work together to improve living in Detroit.
Follow this link and watch the you tube to see what 'Arise Detroit" is doing.

http://www.arisedetroit.org/contact_us.htm

Contact Arise Detroit!
ARISE Detroit!
5830 Field Street,
Suite 103Detroit, Michigan 48213
(313) 921-1955 (866) 94-ARISEor info@arisedetroit.org

Call us on the Radio
Tune in to ARISE Detroit! every Sunday at noon. We are live on NEWSTALK AM 1200 WCHB from 12 pm until 1 pm. Call in: (313) 298-1200
-->
We Appreciate our Partners

The City of Detroit Executive Order #22

2008-01-25T16:37:00.000-05:00

Quote from www.freep.com "Union workers protest hiring for Midtown project." Jan 25, 2008

Former Mayor Coleman Young created Executive Order 22 in 1983. The order stated any construction project funded partly or wholly city, state or federal funds,
“worker hours shall be performed by not less than 50% bona fide Detroit residents, not less than 25% minorities and at least 5% women.” The order also said percentages would be applied on a craft-by-craft basis. Demolition projects were included under the order a year later.

Union workers picketed for a second day in front of a Detroit apartment development because they believe a contractor hasn’t hired city workers to
complete skilled trades work.
Between 100 and 250 people were protesting in front of the Studio One development in Midtown, according to Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters Local 687 member Barabbas Shabazz.

Shabazz, 52, said "the city has defaulted on its responsibility to send representatives to construction sites to determine if the ratio of employees from the city and minorities is in order. He said a city representative visited the site for fewer than 20 minutes Thursday and he is unsure of what will come of it.

View from the author:

Sooo, why isn't the city looking out for its residents? Why do they have to picket job sites to get skilled trade jobs in their own city if the 'Executive Order' stated that not less than 50% of Bona Fide Detroit residents should perform the workers hours? If this city is so bent on revitalization, they should make sure the correct percentage workers that are getting the paychecks reside in the city, so that the money can be spent back in the city. That would just make so much sense in rebuilding the city. Come on Detroit, you can do better than this, look out for your people!!

Business Goes On Despite Bad News Of Mayor

2008-01-25T09:03:00.000-05:00

Thank goodness redevelopment goes on as usual regardless of any negative news. Chairman of Quicken Loans, President of Detroit Renaissance, and others have reassured us that business will go on as usual in proceeding "full steam ahead" with redevelopment. Let the naysayers re-evaluate! --Detroit will turn things around!!!

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080125/BUSINESS06/801250359/1057/SPORTS09&theme=KILPATRICK012008
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Two Foundations Playing Big Role in Helping Detroit

2008-01-24T21:33:00.000-05:00

The stress of not having money is being alleviated with these two foundations among others, giving to assist in the revitalization of Detroit.
We need everyone to catch the fever and to start doing what they can, to spark an interest in Detroit. People do care, and Foundations do care so don't be discouraged and don't give up on your city.
Beginning in 2006 and spanning over 10 years, The Skillman Foundation is investing $100 million in 7 Detroit Detroit neighborhoods which is drawing other contributions from other investors.

Knight Foundation to give $7 million in grants

Eight new community investments from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, including funding for a revitalization of Detroit neighborhoods, were announced Wednesday.
The grants, approaching $7 million, will focus on different aspects of Detroit and its residents.
Of the grant, $1.25 million will go to assist in implementing land-use plans for more than 4,400 properties in the North End neighborhood, and $1.3 million will go to Holy Cross Children's Services to stimulate job opportunities for black residents living in the North End.

Skillman Foundation to host kids' program

The Skillman Foundation, which partners with and helps fund ARISE Detroit!, will host its first Kids Matter Here Neighborhood Summit from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Detroit Science Center. The Science Center is at Warren and John R.
The program, which is free and open to the public, will include a resource fair and skill-building workshops.
For information, go to http://www.skillman.org/ or call 313-393-1185; or contact ARISE Detroit! at 313-921-1955.

Cross Reference:
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080124/NEWS01/801240375/1003

A New Design For Detroit

2008-01-14T23:52:00.000-05:00

I ask the question, "Well Detroit, what do you think about this new design?"

I do believe that this unique design is going to help highlight Detroit as a great place to visit and live. Yes, it does contrast the traditional highrises downtown, but that is what we want, isn't it? We want something that is going raise a person's eyebrow to wonder what it's all about, to tickle their curiosity, if you will. We want people to start talking about Detroit attractions; to offer the tourists a little more bait to get them coming back.

Most Detroiters would define the nonlinear design for the planned Cadillac Centre, a $150 million mixed-use development to join the Monroe block near Campus Martius Park, as anything but subtle.

Delta Sorority Pledges Community Programs

2008-01-12T20:14:00.000-05:00

The next neighborhood in Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's plan for revitalization will get a boost from the Delta Sorority. The targeted neighborhood is in the Osborne High School community and the 700-member Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Detroit alumnae chapter is looking to purchase and renovate a building in the vicinity of the East Seven Mile and Osborne area. The sorority is looking to have $3 million this year to expend on purchasing and renovating the building.

Among the efforts the Deltas have been involved in with the city include HIV awareness, mentoring, owning a senior citizen housing facility and a home for girls who have been through family or criminal courts.

Read more in the Detroit News