Donations Keep Detroit Parks Scheduled for Closure Open

When a deal fell through for the state to take over Belle Isle in February, Detroit Mayor Dave Bing said 51 parks would not open in spring. Mayor Bing announced Wednesday, amid cheers, that thanks to donations from foundations and businesses, parks scheduled to close will remain open, reports Local 4 Click on Detroit.  Read more

Detroit's David Whitney Building to Finally See Promised Resurrection

After more than a decade, Detroit's famed David Whitney Building is finally getting her long-awaited face lift. The Detroit Free Press says a team, Whitney Partners LLC, will be the developer of the $82-million conversion of the Whitney into retail, apartments, and a boutique hotel. The long-vacant Whitney is an iconic structure downtown at Woodward and Grand Circus Park.  Unfortunately, renovations in the 50s and 60s removed much of the neo-classic and Beaux Arts exterior design elements, but most interior decor--corbels, mosaic, decorative plaster--Read more
remains.

Detroit's David Whitney Building to Finally See Resurrection

After more than a decade, Detroit's famed David Whitney Building is finally getting her long-awaited face lift. The Detroit Free Press says a team, Whitney Partners LLC, will be the developer of the $82-million conversion of the Whitney into retail, apartments, and a boutique hotel. The long-vacant Whitney is an iconic structure downtown at Woodward and Grand Circus Park.  Detroit's David Whitney Building to Finally See Resurrection

Off-the-Beaten-Path Parks in Metro Detroit

Looking for spring frolics in metro Detroit? Why not check out an area park? Mayor Dave Bing announced the closing of 51 parks in February, reports the Detroit Free Press, but there are still plenty of outdoor venues to enjoy. Here are local parks with the most diverse activities, unique accommodations, and off-the-beaten-path amenities. Just right for spring and summer recreation and adventure!Off-the-Beaten-Path Parks in Metro Detroit - Yahoo! News
 

Detroit Family Homeless Shelters, Rescue Missions, Transitional Housing

Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries says each night, 18,000 Detroiters have no place to sleep. Families account for 49 percent. Over 10,000 Wayne County families will experience at least one period of homelessness during the year. 30 percent are chronically homeless. 4,000-plus households will be sheltered in funded programs. Over 13,000 sleep on the street, in abandoned buildings or with others. 25 percent of homeless people are children. With cold weather looming, here are family rescue missions, homeless shelters, warming centers and transitional programs for women with children.  Detroit Family Homeless Shelters, Rescue Missions, Transitional Housing

Concerns About Detroit's Plans for Emergency Manager

Detroit is $327 million in deficit and owes $14.9 billion. For months, Michigan officials have haggled with city leaders over placement of an emergency manager. In 2012, Detroit entered into consent agreement with the state, but a recent financial report card said it wasn't enough. The review team called for an emergency manager, and on March 1, Gov. Rick Snyder agreed. City officials have till March 11 to appeal, but emergency management is probably a done deal. Gov. Snyder outlined his expectations for the EM with The Detroit News. There are several concerns with emergency management that have been lost in the Detroit shuffle.  Concerns About Detroit's Plans for Emergency Manager

State Financial Review Finds Cash Emergency in Detroit

Michigan State Treasurer Andy Dillon and his financial review team released a report on Detroit's fiscal situation at a press conference in Cadillac Square on Tuesday. The team considered whether a state-appointed emergency manager was needed for the struggling city. Here are updates on that report from the Detroit Free Press. Dillon opened by saying, "We believe there's a financial emergency in place in the city [of Detroit] and there's no plan in place to correct it." The treasurer says financial review findings were unanimous.  State Financial Review Finds Cash Emergency in Detroit