I wonder how many of these buildings, how much of this land, will be renovated and have some kind of community educational/recreational component? What, if any kind of other uses would be entertained? http://www.detroitnews.com/story/new...ment/18058887/ Excerpt:
Detroit — Mayor Mike Duggan and Detroit Public Schools Emergency Manager Jack Martin announced a deal Tuesday to erase $11.6 million in debt DPS owes the city in return for the transfer of 77 vacant school buildings and lots.
Under the agreement, the city will forgive the debt, primarily electric bills DPS owes, according to a statement posted on the city's website.
In exchange, DPS will turn over control of 57 vacant schools [[31 secured and 26 unsecured) and 20 vacant lots where schools once stood. According to the district, the value of the properties equals what the district owes the city.
"We will take between 10 and 12 buildings and move in a timely manner to demolish them," Duggan said.
The city has identified $4.3 million in Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds that can be used to raze those structures by mid-July, the mayor said.
"Each property that has a good playground will be assessed by Parks and Recreation," he said. "If they are well maintained, the rec department will make them available to the neighborhood."
Duggan said all of the buildings will not be demolished.
"There may come a day when more people move back into the city," he said