Why is Detroit shrinking?

[iheartthed]

I hate to rain on your parade, but there is a racial component to expansion. Ever since the early 70s, judges have ruled down annexations if it would dilute the political power of a protected minority. Somewhere along the line Coleman Young, as a "community organizer" would have objected to annexation of more white voters which would impede his march to the mayor's office. He would have gone to court and the judge would reject the annexation effort.

Who cares? That has nothing to do with my point.

[Hermod]

Who cares? That has nothing to do with my point.

It has everything to do with your point that Detroit could have annexed its way out of difficulty and prevented development north of 14 Mile. Even without home rule, Detroit's annexation days would be done by 1971.

[iheartthed]

It has everything to do with your point that Detroit could have annexed its way out of difficulty and prevented development north of 14 Mile. Even without home rule, Detroit's annexation days would be done by 1971.

If Detroit had strong annexation powers then what difference would it have made for them to build past 14 Mile even if they were trying to escape court mandated integration? Detroit would've still eventually annexed them and it would've been a big waste of money.