There's no doubt in my mind that a strong, vibrant Detroit is needed for the growth of SE and South Central Michigan - or for the State as a whole, for that matter.
In the 'old days', it made sense for some municipalities to provide a lot of services themselves - lighting, water, transportation. I remember a time when Wyandotte did its own lighting (or electricity), too. But that model doesn't work any more.
As a Detroit-born and raised guy, it pains me to see the problems of my 'home town'. Government is needed, but politics often is used for petty, personal and unscrupulous reasons that tears down the good aspects of government.
The historic demise of Detroit Public Schools is a great example of how a large organization infiltrated by cronyism and nepotism can destroy a valuable asset. Decades of unchecked malfeasance and inefficiency took them into receivership. Now the City is there,too. Except that the City representatives are fighting more earnestly. And I don't think that's a good thing.
A former Mayor on trial right now (after a conviction and served time on other counts), appointees convicted or on trial, a former Councilperson in jail - where does it end?
The 'local control' issue is a smokescreen for not giving up power. If I lose power, it's a 'power grab' by the other side, some City officials seem to think. Or maybe they don't. Maybe they just see the loss of their personal power. A couple of points to show that Detroit losing some of it's 'power' isn't all that bad for the residents.
First, DDOT, the transportation system. In Janury 2012 they were privatized and since then ridership has increased, they've retired some older buses which allows them to concentrate on keep the rest of the buses in service, and they've added GPS to most of the vehicles in service.
The "415" plan gets buses running every 15 minutes on the City's four busiest routes, but it was also criticized at first. When a something is as broken as Detroit's transportation system was, nothing can happen quick enough, but this is a privatization success. The real solution is a regional sytem, as long as this dysfunctional municipality doesn't have veto or controlling power over it.
The Belle Isle initiative proposed by the state would require a long term lease for its operation, but again, City Council balks under the premise of 'losing local control'. Guess what? The City has mismanaged, neglected and ignored this resource for (again) decades. That is it's sad history, and the sad history of City governance. Restore this almost 1000 acres to something that the City and the State can be proud of. Get the lights back on for the residents and provide basic police and fire protection. Einstein famously said that doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result was the definition of insanity. Apparently, Detroit's leaders are insane.
Showing posts with label Detroit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Detroit. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Hey, What About Me?
A lot of big news in the last couple of days. OBL finally caught and justice administered by Navy Seals and a quick burial at sea, US Intelligence pouring over a trove of captured documents. US Army Corps of Engineers treats Illinois to a night time display while destroying a Mississippi River levee to save Cairo,IL from flooding. Canadian Conservatives win big and the BQ separatists seem to be reduced to a non-issue.
And from Detroit, the cry is raised, "Hey, What About Me?" OK, not quite literally, but that's the sense of it.
Mayor Dave Bing is trying to rejuvenate the city, and had offered abandoned homes for sale to policemen for $1,000 to get them to move back. What good would that do? Well, it would help eliminate some vacant homes, hopefully start to stabilize neighborhoods, and put the properties back on the tax rolls for just a few things. Cities don't just happen 'downtown' or in the Greektowns or at the casinos, or the sports arenas. Their roots are in the neighborhoods. And Detroit has some pretty bad neighborhoods. Many look more like a war zone than anything else.
So now we have citizens saying, "Great, but what about me? What will you do for me? Lower my taxes?" This sense of entitlement is the root of a lot of problems in big cities and in America. Yes, Detroit has a close to obscene tax rate (65 mils). Some folks in the really nice areas like Boston-Edision or Indian Village pay a lot of money ($7,000 happens a lot in those areas). But in the other neighborhoods, that's not the case.
I checked my childhood neighborhood (Delray in SW Detroit). A lot of those folks are paying between $450-$900/yr of taxes. Nicer areas in NW Detroit can pay up to around $3,000/yr. It depends on the value of your house. My quick check is neither exhaustive nor qualitative, but I didn't se one single property that had a taxable value (TV) the same as the State Equalized Value (SEV), they were all sustantially lower on the TV.
Folks, it took DECADES for Detroit to get into its current predicament. It may take another DECADE to see momentum build in a turnaround. Do what you can do to make it a better place. Band together with neighbors, clean up the trash, encourage police to return to the city and you'll start to see better emergency response times and things turn around. It won't happen overnight. But if you give up except to fight the little bright spots like this program, it may never happen. And in the meantime, your neighbors that have the ability to move to the suburbs will do so.
And from Detroit, the cry is raised, "Hey, What About Me?" OK, not quite literally, but that's the sense of it.
Mayor Dave Bing is trying to rejuvenate the city, and had offered abandoned homes for sale to policemen for $1,000 to get them to move back. What good would that do? Well, it would help eliminate some vacant homes, hopefully start to stabilize neighborhoods, and put the properties back on the tax rolls for just a few things. Cities don't just happen 'downtown' or in the Greektowns or at the casinos, or the sports arenas. Their roots are in the neighborhoods. And Detroit has some pretty bad neighborhoods. Many look more like a war zone than anything else.
So now we have citizens saying, "Great, but what about me? What will you do for me? Lower my taxes?" This sense of entitlement is the root of a lot of problems in big cities and in America. Yes, Detroit has a close to obscene tax rate (65 mils). Some folks in the really nice areas like Boston-Edision or Indian Village pay a lot of money ($7,000 happens a lot in those areas). But in the other neighborhoods, that's not the case.
I checked my childhood neighborhood (Delray in SW Detroit). A lot of those folks are paying between $450-$900/yr of taxes. Nicer areas in NW Detroit can pay up to around $3,000/yr. It depends on the value of your house. My quick check is neither exhaustive nor qualitative, but I didn't se one single property that had a taxable value (TV) the same as the State Equalized Value (SEV), they were all sustantially lower on the TV.
Folks, it took DECADES for Detroit to get into its current predicament. It may take another DECADE to see momentum build in a turnaround. Do what you can do to make it a better place. Band together with neighbors, clean up the trash, encourage police to return to the city and you'll start to see better emergency response times and things turn around. It won't happen overnight. But if you give up except to fight the little bright spots like this program, it may never happen. And in the meantime, your neighbors that have the ability to move to the suburbs will do so.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Michigan In Winter
Well, it does take a hearty soul to last through Michigan winters. It really, really helps if you force yourself to do more than run from the house to the car to the office to the car, to the . . . You get the idea.
'Up North' (around Gaylord - or the 45th parallel) is snowmobile heaven. Plenty of public trails, towns that cater to the winter recreation, and of course skiing of both alpine and nordic types.
Let's not forget the northern climate pasttime of ice (or 'hard water') fishing. Drive or drag your equipment out into the lake, cut holes in the ice, and catch some fish. Shanties, as they're called, can be simple home made shacks, the new collapsable types, or even very deluxe units with every convenience short of cable TV (satellite TV in some wouldn't surprise me!).
Here in southern Michigan we can still do a lot of these activities, but you need a good base of snow to effectively snowmobile. Here in Livingston County you can downhill ski at Mt. Brighton, or make a short trip to Alpine Valley or Pine Knob. Huron Clinton Metroparks have a lot of cross country skiing options open, and there are plentiful lakes from which you can fish.
If nothing else, you can make a snowman, have a snowball fight, or visit on of the many 'ice festivals' that are around. It's all winter fun, as my friend Linda says, "It's all good".
And here's something you can only do in a cold location - The Ice House Detroit Project. Labeled as, "Ice House Detroit is an architectural installation and social change project currently taking place in Detroit" is an unusual and eye-catching project. The exact east side Detroit location will be made public on February 7th, but it has garnered national attention already.
And speaking of Detroit, don't forget the 'Motown Winter Blast' that will be centered around Campus Martius Park (Woodward and Michigan Aves) in downtown on February 12-14th. Plenty of fun from bands, food, drinks, winter activities, ice sculptures - all within walking distance of some great hotels and Greektown. I understand the sled dogs and huge snowboard hill won't be there this year due to budget reasons, but it still sounds like a lot of fun. I've been to a couple of them, and it's a great way to spend a day.
'Up North' (around Gaylord - or the 45th parallel) is snowmobile heaven. Plenty of public trails, towns that cater to the winter recreation, and of course skiing of both alpine and nordic types.
Let's not forget the northern climate pasttime of ice (or 'hard water') fishing. Drive or drag your equipment out into the lake, cut holes in the ice, and catch some fish. Shanties, as they're called, can be simple home made shacks, the new collapsable types, or even very deluxe units with every convenience short of cable TV (satellite TV in some wouldn't surprise me!).
Here in southern Michigan we can still do a lot of these activities, but you need a good base of snow to effectively snowmobile. Here in Livingston County you can downhill ski at Mt. Brighton, or make a short trip to Alpine Valley or Pine Knob. Huron Clinton Metroparks have a lot of cross country skiing options open, and there are plentiful lakes from which you can fish.
If nothing else, you can make a snowman, have a snowball fight, or visit on of the many 'ice festivals' that are around. It's all winter fun, as my friend Linda says, "It's all good".
And here's something you can only do in a cold location - The Ice House Detroit Project. Labeled as, "Ice House Detroit is an architectural installation and social change project currently taking place in Detroit" is an unusual and eye-catching project. The exact east side Detroit location will be made public on February 7th, but it has garnered national attention already.
And speaking of Detroit, don't forget the 'Motown Winter Blast' that will be centered around Campus Martius Park (Woodward and Michigan Aves) in downtown on February 12-14th. Plenty of fun from bands, food, drinks, winter activities, ice sculptures - all within walking distance of some great hotels and Greektown. I understand the sled dogs and huge snowboard hill won't be there this year due to budget reasons, but it still sounds like a lot of fun. I've been to a couple of them, and it's a great way to spend a day.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
'Crazy Stella' - Rest In Peace
I was sad to see an item in today's Detroit News about Greektown's former standout personality, Stella Paris, who recently passed on.
As a North Cass Corridor resident for a good part of the 70's and into the early 80's, Greektown was beacon to me. Back then, Trapper's Alley really had an alley, King's used books was the dominant store, and many interesting restaurants that have since closed or sold out were a second home for me.
Lamb chops at Grecian Gardens (the absolute best) and the excitement of the persistent rumors that it was a mafia hangout led me there when I had a little extra money. They were more expensive than most of the restaurants but the food was very good. The old International was a great and friendly place, even if you weren't greek. A couple of times I wandered into the coffee shop on Monroe where euchre was game and there was no pretense in furnishings or menu offerings.
Almost every visit, all year long, you would run into Stella, her crazy nurses attire intermized with other articles, ranting, yelling, at you or at nobody in particular. Sometimes I'd see her inside the old bakery. Over the years she just became part of the fabric of Greektown to me. In some ways, I miss that old Greektown. It's so much more commercial now.
The old Greektown had the Bouzouki Lounge - then a fairly classy place with *real* belly dancers. It has since transitioned into a 'Gentlemen's Club'. Of course, that was all before the casinos opened, not that casinos are bad. It was just a different time.
I've been aware of Stella's absence on Monroe for a while now, even though my visits to Greektown have become much less frequent. The story said that she's been living in a nursing facility for the last few years, that she had calmed down some, and that she seemed at peace. I'm happy for that because I don't think she had a lot of peace in her life.
For those of us that remember the 'old' Greektown, it just isn't the same without Hella's, Grecian Gardens or Stella.
As a North Cass Corridor resident for a good part of the 70's and into the early 80's, Greektown was beacon to me. Back then, Trapper's Alley really had an alley, King's used books was the dominant store, and many interesting restaurants that have since closed or sold out were a second home for me.
Lamb chops at Grecian Gardens (the absolute best) and the excitement of the persistent rumors that it was a mafia hangout led me there when I had a little extra money. They were more expensive than most of the restaurants but the food was very good. The old International was a great and friendly place, even if you weren't greek. A couple of times I wandered into the coffee shop on Monroe where euchre was game and there was no pretense in furnishings or menu offerings.
Almost every visit, all year long, you would run into Stella, her crazy nurses attire intermized with other articles, ranting, yelling, at you or at nobody in particular. Sometimes I'd see her inside the old bakery. Over the years she just became part of the fabric of Greektown to me. In some ways, I miss that old Greektown. It's so much more commercial now.
The old Greektown had the Bouzouki Lounge - then a fairly classy place with *real* belly dancers. It has since transitioned into a 'Gentlemen's Club'. Of course, that was all before the casinos opened, not that casinos are bad. It was just a different time.
I've been aware of Stella's absence on Monroe for a while now, even though my visits to Greektown have become much less frequent. The story said that she's been living in a nursing facility for the last few years, that she had calmed down some, and that she seemed at peace. I'm happy for that because I don't think she had a lot of peace in her life.
For those of us that remember the 'old' Greektown, it just isn't the same without Hella's, Grecian Gardens or Stella.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Election Day Thoughts
The good news is that most of the productive Detroit City Council members kept their seats and the newly elected will have a chance to turn things around. Not that it'll be easy in this economy. I was also glad to see the Detroit Public School funding issue pass. We can never give up on our youth.
Mayor Bing is still largely an unknown entity, but he has been earnest with his duties, unwavering in his vision and steadfast in his efforts thus far. I'm glad he'll get a chance to continue what he has begun, especially with a more civilized and mature City Council. (Thank god we can say, "Monica who"?)
Now for the important and hard work to be started by the new City Charter Commission. This may be the single most important work that will affect Detroit in the long haul. If this group does its job and resists political 'tampering' and meddling, it will position the 'D' for a real move forward. If they do it with too many concessions to the powers that be, it could be even worse than it is now. Citizens, get involved. Stay up to date with what is being proposed and what it will mean to you. And for goodness sake, get more than 22% of the electorate out to vote!
Did the UAW rank and file blow it with their refusal to ratify the recent negotiations with Ford? The CAW seemed OK with it. One black ink quarter does not a successful company make. I understand that everybody wants to make a statement and to stop being squeezed, but I have a very bad feeling about what will follow. Could Mexico be in line for more manufacturing jobs? I hope I'm wrong.
Republicans are starry-eyed over winning two gubernatorial contests. Democrats are over-thinking the results. How about just doing what is best for your constituents regardless of party planks? Personally, I don't give a basket of berries about your political party. Show me what you're doing and tell me why you did it. I will always vote for whom I consider best qualified for the job. You can score big points with me by working more than 3 days a week in D.C., to start.
It seems everyone is looking for 'their' handout - cash for clunker, first-time home buyer credit (hey, let's give it to everyone!). Still too many systemic problems with a too large government bureaucracy - nationally and at the state level. The bigger it gets, the slower it moves and the more diluted its actions. Everybody must be satisfied. I'm still waiting to see more reforms in the banking and insurance industries - especially those that got the big fat bailouts. What are the chances?
I'll save comments about Michigan's legislative and executive branches for later. I need to give my fingers a rest first.
Mayor Bing is still largely an unknown entity, but he has been earnest with his duties, unwavering in his vision and steadfast in his efforts thus far. I'm glad he'll get a chance to continue what he has begun, especially with a more civilized and mature City Council. (Thank god we can say, "Monica who"?)
Now for the important and hard work to be started by the new City Charter Commission. This may be the single most important work that will affect Detroit in the long haul. If this group does its job and resists political 'tampering' and meddling, it will position the 'D' for a real move forward. If they do it with too many concessions to the powers that be, it could be even worse than it is now. Citizens, get involved. Stay up to date with what is being proposed and what it will mean to you. And for goodness sake, get more than 22% of the electorate out to vote!
Did the UAW rank and file blow it with their refusal to ratify the recent negotiations with Ford? The CAW seemed OK with it. One black ink quarter does not a successful company make. I understand that everybody wants to make a statement and to stop being squeezed, but I have a very bad feeling about what will follow. Could Mexico be in line for more manufacturing jobs? I hope I'm wrong.
Republicans are starry-eyed over winning two gubernatorial contests. Democrats are over-thinking the results. How about just doing what is best for your constituents regardless of party planks? Personally, I don't give a basket of berries about your political party. Show me what you're doing and tell me why you did it. I will always vote for whom I consider best qualified for the job. You can score big points with me by working more than 3 days a week in D.C., to start.
It seems everyone is looking for 'their' handout - cash for clunker, first-time home buyer credit (hey, let's give it to everyone!). Still too many systemic problems with a too large government bureaucracy - nationally and at the state level. The bigger it gets, the slower it moves and the more diluted its actions. Everybody must be satisfied. I'm still waiting to see more reforms in the banking and insurance industries - especially those that got the big fat bailouts. What are the chances?
I'll save comments about Michigan's legislative and executive branches for later. I need to give my fingers a rest first.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
More Detroit Activities
My wife and I went to Detroit this past weekend. We stayed at the Westin Book, and jumped on the PeopleMover to go to Greektown Saturday afternoon. As we made our clockwise turns, we found a lot with many military vehicles parked. We figured out quickly that it was a staging area for the filming of the remake of 'Red Dawn'. Apparently this crew will be in Detroit for a little bit longer.
Sunday morning was pretty exciting. The Detroit Free Press/Flagstar marathon was taking place on Fort Street and Second. Actually, that was the start and finish line. The actual course winds through the city, crosses into Windsor via the Ambassador Bridge and returns through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. The tunnel is shut down for a few hours to accomodate the event. This is the only international marathon in the world with two border crossings. It also has the only documented 'underwater mile' - as you traverse the tunnel. Word has it that over 19,000 runners participated in all events.
Marathoner and half marathon runners alike use the border crossing. There is a 5K event that stays within the City of Detroit, so for those of us that don't want to train for 13.1 or 26.2 miles can always run, or even walk, the 5K.
The new Doubletree Hotel on Lafayette and First was pretty busy, and runners were in evidence throughout Greektown on Saturday evening. My guess is they were not carbo loading on baklava.
It was a great weekend in the 'D' and it was great to see so many people there.
Sunday morning was pretty exciting. The Detroit Free Press/Flagstar marathon was taking place on Fort Street and Second. Actually, that was the start and finish line. The actual course winds through the city, crosses into Windsor via the Ambassador Bridge and returns through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. The tunnel is shut down for a few hours to accomodate the event. This is the only international marathon in the world with two border crossings. It also has the only documented 'underwater mile' - as you traverse the tunnel. Word has it that over 19,000 runners participated in all events.
Marathoner and half marathon runners alike use the border crossing. There is a 5K event that stays within the City of Detroit, so for those of us that don't want to train for 13.1 or 26.2 miles can always run, or even walk, the 5K.
The new Doubletree Hotel on Lafayette and First was pretty busy, and runners were in evidence throughout Greektown on Saturday evening. My guess is they were not carbo loading on baklava.
It was a great weekend in the 'D' and it was great to see so many people there.
Monday, April 20, 2009
The Beard is Back!
Well, in my case it will be 'The Beard is New'. My wife and I went to Saturday's Round 1 Game 2 of the Red Wings vs. Columbus Blue Jackets. What a great game! The Wings look hungry and after a slow start they turned on the afterburners and are now 2-0 going into Columbus for games 3 & 4.
Sweep? I hope so! Goalie Chris Osgood has a NHL-leading GAA of 0.50 and save % of 0.978 as of this writing.
Other than the traditional hunting/camping bout with no shaving, I've never had a beard. Since I hadn't shaved since Thursday morning (the day of the first victory over Columbus), I decided not to jinx the boys and save a few bucks on razor blades, too. (Hey, you've got to pay for those tickets somehow!)
And speaking of tickets - wow. I called mid-week to get the Saturday seats. The only two that were next to each other were $40 each. I figured they'd be decent since prices were $30, $40, or $50. Guess what? WRONG.
We were in Sec 226, row 26 - about as high as you can go. The only saving grace was that we could sit on the seat backs and not block anybody's vision and that there was a little empty space next to us where we could stand up and stretch. We were so high up that the beer guy only made one appearance the whole game. (and it got pretty warm up there, too)
Even the lo-o-o-ong post-game line for the People Mover didn't daunt us after that game. Bob's tip for pre-game food: visit the Greenwich Time pub on Cadillac near Randolph for the best corned beef sandwich and potato salad you'll ever find in a restaurant. Then, go to another bar with shuttle service to the Joe and forget about the People Mover. Getting there is easy, getting back requires the patience of a saint. We were fortunate that it was a balmy evening and didn't have to deal with adverse weather.
Go Wings! And guys, grow a beard!
P.S. - I have 6 extra People Mover tokens that I'll mail to you on a first-come, first-serve basis (limit 2/person). Drop me an email and be sure to include your mailing address.
Sweep? I hope so! Goalie Chris Osgood has a NHL-leading GAA of 0.50 and save % of 0.978 as of this writing.
Other than the traditional hunting/camping bout with no shaving, I've never had a beard. Since I hadn't shaved since Thursday morning (the day of the first victory over Columbus), I decided not to jinx the boys and save a few bucks on razor blades, too. (Hey, you've got to pay for those tickets somehow!)
And speaking of tickets - wow. I called mid-week to get the Saturday seats. The only two that were next to each other were $40 each. I figured they'd be decent since prices were $30, $40, or $50. Guess what? WRONG.
We were in Sec 226, row 26 - about as high as you can go. The only saving grace was that we could sit on the seat backs and not block anybody's vision and that there was a little empty space next to us where we could stand up and stretch. We were so high up that the beer guy only made one appearance the whole game. (and it got pretty warm up there, too)
Even the lo-o-o-ong post-game line for the People Mover didn't daunt us after that game. Bob's tip for pre-game food: visit the Greenwich Time pub on Cadillac near Randolph for the best corned beef sandwich and potato salad you'll ever find in a restaurant. Then, go to another bar with shuttle service to the Joe and forget about the People Mover. Getting there is easy, getting back requires the patience of a saint. We were fortunate that it was a balmy evening and didn't have to deal with adverse weather.
Go Wings! And guys, grow a beard!
P.S. - I have 6 extra People Mover tokens that I'll mail to you on a first-come, first-serve basis (limit 2/person). Drop me an email and be sure to include your mailing address.
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