Closure of Abbott Street

[gazhekwe]

This particular block goes directly under part of the building and had direct access onto the northbound JC Lodge. The same on ramp is accessed from Howard Street just one block south. I do see a reason for closing the street, and an easy alternate route.

[EastsideAl]

This particular block goes directly under part of the building and had direct access onto the northbound JC Lodge. The same on ramp is accessed from Howard Street just one block south. I do see a reason for closing the street, and an easy alternate route.

But that entrance ramp was built for the purpose of being directly accessed by Abbott St. Thereby keeping the other nearby streets that cross the freeway from backing up. Access to the Lodge via Abbott was the very reason why they built a bridge over that street years ago, rather than just shut it off then.

It seems pretty dumb to go to all the trouble to build a new police headquarters in a central location, only to screw up the designed traffic pattern by closing off a major traffic artery that runs near it - with no public review. If that was going to be the case, like Mark Smiles says above, why not build it on some of the great abundance of empty land this city has that is well away from any major traffic?

[Honky Tonk]

But that entrance ramp was built for the purpose of being directly accessed by Abbott St. Thereby keeping the other nearby streets that cross the freeway from backing up. Access to the Lodge via Abbott was the very reason why they built a bridge over that street years ago, rather than just shut it off then.

It seems pretty dumb to go to all the trouble to build a new police headquarters in a central location, only to screw up the designed traffic pattern by closing off a major traffic artery that runs near it - with no public review. If that was going to be the case, like Mark Smiles says above, why not build it on some of the great abundance of empty land this city has that is well away from any major traffic?

For that matter, why not just stay put, spend the $60 mil on more cops and cop cars, make a dent in the crime, then people might consider staying put, or moving back to the City, increasing the tax base..... Oh wait, there I go hating Detroit again and wanting it to fail.....

[1953]

Here are my thoughts on the closure:

1. Its generally bad for the street grid.

2. It cuts off the pedestrian bridge to Corktown.

3. It may increase perceptions of safety, but it doesn't actually increase safety.

The building is no safer than if Abbott were open because all that separates the building from traffic is a measly control arm, and maybe a sleepy security guard.

Plus, you can still access the back of the building on the Lodge Service Drive, unless the city decides to close that street at Howard, effectively cutting off the Lodge from most of downtown.

And, with modern weapons, anyone who is serious can do harm to the building from Third Avenue anyway.

Furthermore, the existing police and fire headquarters have stood without any setback from the street a very long time, demonstrating that the threat to them is more perceived than real.

What I still want to know is who has the legal authority to shut this street, and how does the public comment or influence this process?

1953

[EastsideAl]

For that matter, why not just stay put, spend the $60 mil on more cops and cop cars, make a dent in the crime

Yes, but that wouldn't have given the "leadership" much more comfortable new offices, a parking garage with a bridge to keep them out of the cold, and no cool green panels!

I've long thought that this was a particularly dumb move for a department that claims to be too cash-strapped and under-manned to do its actual job. Since they were going to move several of the departments out temporarily anyway, why not renovate the historic 1300 and stay there on Beaubien? Why does a largely ineffective police dept. in a broke and shrinking city need a huge and expensive hq building?

[Honky Tonk]

Yes, but that wouldn't have given the "leadership" much more comfortable new offices, a parking garage with a bridge to keep them out of the cold, and no cool green panels!

I've long thought that this was a particularly dumb move for a department that claims to be too cash-strapped and under-manned to do its actual job. Since they were going to move several of the departments out temporarily anyway, why not renovate the historic 1300 and stay there on Beaubien? Why does a largely ineffective police dept. in a broke and shrinking city need a huge and expensive hq building?

Thank You. The $1.49, 2 Piece Dark, Tuesday Deal, is on me......