'Bold, new, and more democratic' vision unveiled for East Riverfront

[Lowell]

Planning & Development Department's plans for East Riverfront are released. More public park space added as reported by the Freep's John Gallagher...

"The vision reverses a long-held presumption that the riverfront running east from the Renaissance Center would fill up with pricey residences and shops to boost the city's population and tax base. Instead, this new vision boldly accepts that the value of public access to the riverfront outweighs the value of a few more condos and shops.

“The riverfront belongs to all Detroiters,” Maurice Cox, director of the City of Detroit Planning & Development Department, said of the new vision. “Thanks to the involvement of hundreds of residents, we have principles that frame an international riverfront that can be accessed and enjoyed by all.”

"Three sites south of Atwater Street – which had been slated for private development – will become public park space instead. This will add nearly 8 acres of additional park space to the district.

The planned Jos. Campau Greenway, which runs from Vernor down to the river, will receive new lighting, furnishings, paving and landscaping. The Beltline Greenway, to be located between Belleview and Beaufait, will connect from Kercheval to the Detroit River. Along with the Dequindre Cut, these greenways will connect the riverfront for thousands of residents living throughout several east-side neighborhoods.

The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy also will break ground on an extension of the RiverWalk from Mt. Elliott Park to the Belle Isle Bridge along the former Uniroyal site. The RiverWalk extension will also connect to Gabriel Richard Park.

http://www.freep.com/story/money/bus...46c718fecddbf8