Nine reasons why Detroit failed

[Smirnoff]

.....Coleman Young.....

[PeachLaser]

I have wondered for years why our family left the New Center area in 1952 and returned to the South? When looking at maps and knowing our family's history, I think that the construction of the John C Lodge Freeway had a lot to do with it. Our family lived on Lincoln St. just down the street from the Ford Hospital. My older brother sold newspapers and his primary location was in front of the GM Building several blocks away. An older sister worked at the corner of W Grand Blvd and Woodward Ave. So, the construction of the freeway really divided the neighborhood and separated my family from their home and their jobs.

My brother also spoke of gangs that were moving into the area from Hamtramck and how he had been mugged.

My brothers and sisters said they loved Detroit up until that time.

I know this is only one example of 'why' but one that I have wondered about for many years.