A new Detroit: CDAD Neighborhood Revitalization Framework

[Gsgeorge]

This CDAD presents an amazing document that finally offers some concrete ideas on how to right-size Detroit fairly & find positive uses for all of Detroit's neighborhoods. It is believed these will be used in conjunction with the recent parcel study to formulate Mayor Bing's plan for 'right sizing' the city, to be formally announced during the State of the City address in late March.

http://detroitcommunitydevelopment.o...ework_2010.pdf

The CDAC recommends the city's neighborhoods -- and even pockets of neighborhoods -- be classified as one of eleven different 'zones', ranging from naturscape, to urban homestead, to green venture zones & industrial areas, to stripmall shopping & urban villages, and dense city neighborhoods and an active riverfront, all connected by a series of 'greenways'. A seemingly ambitious plan, the short-term plan would radically change how Detroit operates and how it's land is put to use.

Most astonishingly, it would require very little relocation, eminent domain, or eviction. Those who would want to stay could, and those who would rather relocate are offered assistance. In some cases, zones are designated as "transition" zones; these areas are improved in the short term, but their future is up to those who live in the neighborhood. After five years, these areas are reevaluated to determine whether they should continue as their current use, reverted nature,
or developed further.

I was most impressed that the study offered solutions for all of Detroit's different types of neighborhoods. We have a very large diversity of neighborhood types in this city, with different densities, conditions, and uses. The study does not consider right-sizing to be all about reverting neighborhoods to nature. There are degrees of use for heavily abandoned zones. It doesn't buy into the media hype about all of Detroit turning into a farm.

If you read nothing from it, this part is great:

A NEW DETROIT: SPACIOUS, GRACIOUS, GREEN AND INDUSTRIOUS'

CDAD imagines a new Detroit that is the first City in the United States to respond to its abundance of vacant land in such a comprehensive and positive way, by offering a unique array of choices in residential living – from rural to main street, from traditional to suburban, from single family to high rise, with energy efficient homes and apartments both old and new.

We are committed to a Detroit where residents are employed within the city, where local entrepreneurial residents own local businesses. We see a Detroit that is a hub for sustainable green industry from farms to fisheries, but also boasts an abundance of natural green space – especially along our riverfront which is preserved for public use. We envision a city whose streets accommodate cars, but also light rail, bikes and walkers. We want a city that welcomes and recruits immigrants, whose people remain the friendliest and most resilient in the United States.