Quote:
Originally Posted by Suzi
Coleman Young many, many years ago was the beginning and Kwame is the most recent very corrupt elected official who filled their pockets (and the pockets of their family and friends). In addition, the unions played a huge role in Detroits' fall. The expectations of the unions regarding wages and benefits were in distinct contrast to what the city could afford. Additionally, Coleman Young allowed terrible crime in his city - driving the tax-paying citizens out to the suburbs or out of Michigan.
Seriously, I was born and raised in Detroit. The riots in 1967 were a warning shot that this city was losing control. No one in charge was willing to DO ANYTHING because they were too busy lining their pockets. 3 months ago i took a drive through the city. It is absolutely dreadful. I feared that if I had a flat tire, I'd not be seen again. Abandoned/burned-out homes and businesses all the way to the city limits. Garbage and graffiti everywhere. My former home on the edge of the city in what was a beautiful, vibrant community while growing-up, is the only occupied home on the street. All the rest are burned-out or boarded-up. My church has had all of the beautiful stained-glassed windows and fixtures of any value removed to protect them.
Its enough to make you sick.
No one in their right mind would want to visit Detroit. I used to frequent Greek town (the food was so-o good) but now I wouldn't even try. I hear some people go to the casino downtown......big deal....not worth the risk. Thats it. Nothing else is left. They are selling off items in the art museum for heavens sakes. Many, many years ago, Chicago was faced with the same problems of crime etc, but they chose to protect their downtown area (cops walking the beat - the ones with the checkered hats) and today that area attracts many tourists to the Magnificant Mile.
I fear that there is NO hope for Detroit. I'd say "drop a bomb" but it already looks like they did. I don't know what the governor has in mind for Detroit but I wish him luck. There are other areas of blight in Michigan, just like other older manufacturing cities everywhere, but the remainder of Michigan is beautiful. The Great Lakes State is green and lush and a water wonderland. But the drain of taxes to feed Detroit drags all of its citizens down and we loose population because of those high taxes. Maybe better minds than mine can figure out a solution.
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SuzieQ you are correct about the corruption in Detroit, it has been that way for so many years. The state of Michigan wanted to take over Belle Isle and turn it into a State Park and the city council voted it down. It is a shame that this jewel is not put to better use.
However the downtown area around Greektown is very vibrant, especially if there is a Tiger game that night. I had some friends in from out of town that used to live in the area and we went to Mexican village (although it looks very run down, it is quite a popular eating area near the bridge to Canada) and then we went to Greektown for some pastries and drove around the stadiums. Of course this is only a small little area of Detroit that is in pretty good shape. I know that Dan Gilbert and Mike Ilitch have put their hearts and soles into Detroit as well as some other business men. Hopefully something can be done to help the city but the footprint of Detroit needs to be downsized and hopefully someday there can be some honest politicians (do they exist?) in charge