Response from the city (unofficial)
Although the news I got was unofficial, here's the news that I received via e-mail:
I did receive your message this meek after the furlough day on the 15th. I should inform you that Rick Bowers is no longer on the staff of Councilman Cockrel. He has successfully transitioned to a new position in the private sector where he will involved in a major sustainable, green rehabilitation of one of Detroit's Landmarks structures, the Historic Book Tower. We will miss him and wish him luck in all of his endeavors.
In absence of Mr. Bowers, Emery Northington will be taking over the administrative responsibilities with respect to the Green Task Force. I will be handling certain ordinance related issues. I have checked to see if a response has been garnered to Mr. Cockrel's memo, and too my knowledge, there has not been one as of yet. I have requested an updated from the department. Until that time, please allow me to inform you of what I know unofficially.
The Detroit Department of Transportation intends to complete the installation of bike racks on all D-DOT buses by the end of the year. Your assertion that it is Federal money is indeed correct, and I can confirm that it has been received. I do not know if a route specific work schedule of installing racks has been compiled, but I will investigate that possibility. As I receive information, I will forward it to you.
I do recognize that the progress of installing the Bike Racks on D-DOT buses does not match either your or Councilman's sense of urgency. Nevertheless, we intend to continue pressuring and monitoring progress in this area until such time as all is complete. I thank you for your continued interest, and look forward to working with you in the future.
Coit Cook Ford III, Sr. Policy Advisor
Office of City Councilman
Kenneth V. Cockrel Jr.
2 Woodward Avenue,
Suite 1340 CAYMC
Detroit, Michigan 48226
[[313) 224-1249 [[direct)
[[313) 605-7005 [[mobile)
[[313) 224-0367 [[facsimile)
A copy of the memo sent by Kenneth Cockrel is under attachments.