Detroit Residents Divided on Mayor's Land Use Plan

Detroit's population has declined rapidly in the last 50 years, and with the recent uprising of house fires, the city's mayor is forced to make a decision: "reshape Detroit."

Part of a strategic plan by Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, designed to stabilize Detroit neighborhoods, and encourage development, the newly announced 'land use plan' is a 16-month effort called "The Detroit Strategic Framework Plan," and was launched on September 14, 2010. Needless to say, the first forum opened to the residents of Detroit, was no laughing matter, and it was obvious the residents wanted to have their say. Tempers flared, and voices raised as each resident in attendance at the September 14 forum held at Greater Grace Church in Detroit, did just that - voiced their opinions, concerns and fears of what Bing's land use plan would do to their beloved 'Motor City'.

Bing's plan is simple (to him and other supporters): demolish the abandoned homes, fire-destroyed homes, and beyond renovation occupancies, and make the land available for purchase; of course these purchases being "promised" as new developments that will promote businesses and jobs for Detroit residents. But how much of this can be profitable for the city of Detroit? Okay, so you take out all the "empty/desolate" spaces in the neighborhoods of Detroit, what will become of these once "could have been" homes, and leave vacant lots all over the city>? I'm sorry, but I have to disagree. What will happen when 'bad-economy-stricken' families have picked up, and are ready to own their own home again, where will they live? What home can they purchase if there aren't any homes left to be purchased?

But, that is not the plan Mayor Bing has in mind. The land use plan is designed to flush out the neighborhoods where there is only one house occupied on a block (for example ONLY), and 12 others are left abandoned, or destroyed by fire. This can be a positive move for Detroit residents; areas emptied by a bad economy, or due to the decline in population is definitely an eye sore - for one. But, this is where the city is divided: we have some residents who feel the deserted neighborhoods should be demolished, and removed ... and, others who feel the neighborhoods should be revitalized. Some residents that shared their opinions at the first forum were afraid, and angry about the mere thought of having to move out of their home of more than 30 years.

The second forum, asking Detroit Residents, their views on the mayor's plan was scheduled Thursday, September 16, 2010, and even more residents attended voicing their rebuttals against Bing's plan. Next scheduled forums are as follows:

• Whittier Manor, 415 Burns Drive, 10:30 a.m. Saturday
• El Kiosko Banquet Hall, 7271 Dix St., 6:30 p.m. Sept. 21
• Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 6:30 a.m. Sept. 22

Detroit Residents are encouraged to attend.