City Airport is an Asset to the City of Detroit As A Working Airport

Position Statement

We have over 17,000 empty buildings in the city and, we do not need to build new ones on the grounds of the facility. The article written by Daniel Howes of the Detroit News (DN Article Link) is totally incorrect and if allowed to proceed will create even more blight in the city.  We are looking into busing students from adjoining districts to Benjamin O. Davis HS to learn how to fly instead of closing more schools.

Detroit City Airport  Live Air Traffic Tracking from FlightAware.com

High Priority Customers of Detroit City Airport
Rayethon Python 1 - Twin Engine Jet 

Commercial Air Service can be started within 3 months from the date on this newsletter with a small effort and minimal money. We will make more money when we lease out our City Information Technology services to Delta Airlines to improve their computing services. If you support Detroit youth to attain aviation careers, then support the Council on Re-Vitalizing Detroit City Airport.

CBS News Detroit City Airport

Cush Creates Commerce at City Airport / Woodward

What Does it Take to Make A Great City?
Re-opening Detroit City Airport to Commercial Air Service

Field Report - Sensible Marijuana Policy Practice for Local Units of Government

By Richard Clement - Marijuana Policy Analyst 

At the 46^th Annual Hash Bash in Ann Arbor, industry leaders, students, and politicians met to share the moment and discuss strategies to manage the re-legalization of Marijuana in Michigan.  On December 20^th, 2017 Gov. Snyder signed into law sweeping legislation to allow local units of government to regulate and tax Marijuana businesses in the State.  Under the new law, Cities and Townships can design local ordinances that can limit the number of facilities within their boundaries. County Governments stand to make the most gains with a 35% cut of all revenues going toward their budgets.

Richard "Free The Weed"  Clement
Joe White - MI NORML,
Former St. Rep Jeff Irwin(D) Ann Arbor

As it stands now, the current Marijuana Ordinance in the City of Detroit has been applied in such a manner as to allow unscrupulous activity such as people starting up Day Care Centers to prevent the opening of a facility. Another example in Northwest Detroit is using a mothballed City Parks and Recreation center as a Drug Free Zone instead of a recreation center for seniors and Children to shut down another facility.  The current Detroit Marijuana Ordinance has allowed this type of behavior to flourish. The current City ordinance must be modified by an agreement with all of the people to stop and control this type of conduct.

Yes there needs to be regulation for Marijuana businesses in Cities and Townships.  This August and November, citizens have an opportunity to enact sensible cannabis laws that reflect the will of all of the people by ballot vote.  Petition Initiatives that will have sensible variance requirements that are in line with any other business in a City.  New ordinance language will keep businesses 1000 feet from a school and removes the strict restrictions on Churches.  

Some congregations do not mind having a business next to them and, resent that their place of worship is aiding and abetting unethical behavior between business owners. Customers are upset that certain pastors who are in front of the line wanting to shut down Marijuana businesses, are in front of the line complaining when they are asked by their government to pay for their impervious water bills. Customers are enraged that people who do not live within 300 feet of the business come to Zoning Board Hearings to object to their business location, take precedent over the people who live there by law.

People’s attitudes are changing toward Marijuana because they have finally realized that the War on Drugs is a stupid war based on racism and mis-information. It is getting close to 100 years since Harry Ainslinger and J Edgar Hoover made arresting people of color for Marijuana a ritual of passage.

The time now for the City of Detroit law department to place an immediate moratorium on shutting down businesses in Detroit until, the citizens can vote on an ordinance on licensing and zoning that is acceptable to a majority of the people.  The collection of 5000 signatures for a ballot initiative will signal to the City Law Departments to cease the closure of these businesses until the people decide the issue with their vote. 

Committee Hearing On City Demolition Program April 12, 2017

Press Release

President Pro Tem Cushingberry has called for a hearing before the Budget/Audit and Finance Committee regarding the Hardest, Hit, Funds and Demolition programs policies and procedures on 

Date:   April 12^th, 2017
Time:  1:00pm (EDT)
Place: Coleman Young Municipal Center 13th Floor 2 Woodward Ave Detroit MI 48226





At this meeting representatives from the following City Department and Agencies are required to attend.

• Detroit Building Authority (DBA)
• Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA)
• Building Safety Engineering and Environmental Dept. (BSEED)

The goal of this hearing is to determine the status of City's Demolition Program and explore the tactical use of unused weatherization funds. When it comes to Weatherization, the City Of Detroit has one of the best asbestos removal programs that has been recognized on a national level. This hearing will be live-streamed on the City of Detroit Government website on Channel 10.  Public comment is welcome and limited to 2 minutes. 

Cushingberry Lectures HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson on ramifications of budget cuts.

The Budget/Audit Finance Committee is composed of the following council members:
Council President Pro Tempore George Cushingberry, Jr., Chairperson District 2
Council Member Janeé L Ayers, Vice Chairperson  At Large
Council Gabe Leland, Member  District 7
Council President Brenda Jones Ex-Officio  At Large

Detroit City Council Standing Committees 2017

Areas of responsibility:

• Budget
• Finance
• Auditor General

Meeting Starts Promptly on Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m.
If you have any questions on this upcoming hearing, please do not hesitate to contact the office at (313) 224-4535  or CushingberryG@detroitmi.gov 

FREE Refrigerator Replacement Program For Low Or Moderate Income Citizens

Listening to the people

Do you have an old refrigerator that is spiking your energy bill and draining your wallet? You may qualify for FREE replacement with a brand new Energy Star refrigerator through CLEARCorps/Detroit in partnership with DTE Energy! 

To qualify you must:

• Have a refrigerator built in the year 2000 or before.  If unsure go to Appliance 411 at www.appliance411.com/sevice/date-code.php to look up your appliance
• Have a copy of your current DTE Energy bill and be in good standing with your account.
• Have proof of income for all adults living in the home (must be low or moderate income)
• Have the model number, serial number, brand, and measurements of your current refrigerator.

We want to make sure that you can have an affordable energy bill while giving you an upgrade on your appliance. Saving money starts at home – you may be paying more for your energy than you need by keeping an outdated refrigerator! Call for details at (313) 924-4000, go online to CLEARCorps Detroit at www.clearcorpsdetroit.org/our-programs/refrigerator-replacement/ , or stop into our office at 11148 Harper, Detroit MI 48212 to pick up an application.

2017-2018 Hardest Hit Areas Planned Use Of Federal Funds In The City Of Detroit

By Richard C. Clement

The following map shows the Hardest Hit Fund (HHF) zones where the city is planning to spend its federal allocation of fund money. The city is constantly pursuing additional federal funds to allow it to further expand these HHF zones to include more neighborhoods. By law funds can only be spent on federally-designated areas of the City.  Under this program, Detroit can demolish publicly-owned residential buildings (four units or fewer) that are in poor or structurally-deficient condition, and are negatively impacting neighborhoods. The City also conducts emergency demolitions of privately-owned residential buildings if Detroit building officials determine they pose an immediate threat to public safety, as well as the demolition of vacant and dangerous commercial structures.  

2017-2018 District 2 HHF  Area Map

Council President Pro Tem George  Cushingberry Jr. is Unbought, Unbossed and believes in accounting oversight to make sure that the job is done correctly at the best price to the benefit of our employers, the Citizens of Detroit. 

If you have any questions or concerns about the HHF demolition, please do not hesitate to call our office at (313) 224-4535 or by email at CushingberryG@detroitmi.gov with HHFunds in the subject line.

Website:  Detroit Demolition Tracking Map

Detroit West

.   

Detroit East

Municipal Golf Courses And Land Use Agreements in the 21st Century On City Budgets

By Richard C. Clement

In 2016, City of Detroit Golf Courses make $57,000 in profits combined, according to testimony by Charles Beckham of the Mayor’s Office at the full session of The Council.  Members were informed by Mr. Beckham of the financial burden municipal courses are to the City.  He cited a national trend that Golf Course use is on the national decline and, that younger people are not picking up the game like their parents did.  To support his statement, Mr. Beckham cited places like Lansing, and Oakland County that are having the same problem with the maintenance costs.

www.cushforcitycouncil.com

Municipalities are restricted by land use agreements that are part of the deed in trust on the property, preventing them from using the land for something else. Recent experiences with Rev. Charles Ellis and Rackham Golf course highlighted the costly endeavor of maintaining a course. He was awarded the property when the City of Detroit was looking to eliminate debit and, wanted to maintain a golf course at the site. When the property that he owned could not be converted to a cemetery because of land use agreements, Bishop Ellis was forced to dump the property. 

A series of one year contracts were approved by the council to maintain the grounds so that 2017 is a great year on the links.. 

To save some of these courses, a public private partnership with the City and Golf Club Contractors was signed The solution is a combination of a few events that include educational institutions and potential land developers. Golf is a great game for students to learn how to play. Therefore there has to be an concerted effort to highlight the benefit of golf while inspiring the young.  For senior citizens who want to chill out on their remaining years, Golf is a game for exercise. For youth and young adults under 40, Golf is a game for scholarships and social meetings mixed with competition.  Golf is a game that is played from the head up. 

To bring back the game, Golfers at all levels must support youth programs and, encourage schools to keep the game alive through inter-school competition.  Maintenance costs have to be contained and controlled through asset management. Like baseball and bowling, a serious awareness movement in our schools are essential to it's survival.

Informational Meeting on Johnson Rec Center and Higginbotham School Complex

Council President Pro Tem George Cushingberry Jr. is strongly urging you to attend the following meeting on 

Thursday March 23rd, at 6:30pm

New Prospect Baptist Church 

6330 Pembroke 

Detroit, MI 48221 

Hosted by District 2 Manager Kim Tandy tandyk@detroitmi.gov

This meeting is regarding the status of the Johnson Recreation Center and Higginbotham School in Northwest Detroit. Currently there is an offer from UofD Jesuit High School to invest capital into redeveloping the property.  

When Joe Louis Arena is demolished, there will be one less tribute to the great Brown Bomber in Detroit. Joe Louis Field shall get some dignity by redevelopment with a purpose to the community. Public and Private partnerships are becoming a normal way of business in the revitalization of a city.  ProTem Cushingberry is adamant about the development of the land, the rich history of this property, and keeping it for public use.  Mr. Cushingberry was successful in getting an appropriation inserted the 5 year plan for a new Olympic Size Pool in a new facility on Joe Louis Barrow Field.

Currently, the former Johnson Center and Higginbotham School Complex is for sale at $1.5 million dollars. Therefore, your input is needed on the future of the neighborhood when it comes to quality of life issues of youth engagement and leaving a legacy to our babies who will be here after we are gone. When all of the neighborhood input is received, an ordinance to reflect the will of the people will be developed, agreed upon and, enacted into law.

Johnson Recreation Center 

Click here for the details of the sale 

City of Detroit District Managers Website Link

Press Release - Detroit City Airport Expansion 2017-2020 (KDET)

Legislation introduced to Restore Commercial Air Service and Benjamin O. Davis High School Back to Detroit City Airport Grounds.

At the Budget/Audit/Finance Committee meeting on March 6th, 2017, a major step forward was made by the Council to restore commercial air and, help our children to achieve successful aviation careers.  A motion was introduced by ProTem Cushingberry to move Benjamin O Davis airport back to airport grounds from the Jefferson Street location.  According to aviation experts and, Airport Director Jason Watt, “with an additional 1000 of runway we could land the space shuttle in the middle of the neighborhood”.  This airport currently serves as a major hub for freight, entertainers, executives, and government officials. Notables like Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, and others often “sneak into” the City because of the close proximity to neighborhoods and downtown. Everyone that remembered using Southwest Airlines at KDET always reported a good experience.

Website: Detroit City Airport  (Arrivals and Departures) Flight Tracker 

Council President ProTem Cushingberry
discussing business with Airport Director Jason Watt

The motion was approved 9 to 0 to look at using available funds to construct a new runway that would add 1000 feet so that larger aircraft could land there. This would include a runway for exclusive use by the High School and smaller aircraft.  Currently, City Airport is handling commercial air service on a regular basis.  Arriving nonstop flights from places as far France and, other locations around the world are not uncommon because of new aviation technology.  Additional traffic generating landing fee funds would assist in the construction of the new runway and high school.  We want the community to continue to demand that this City Asset not be removed or destroyed. 

Article: Restoring Commercial Air Service to City Airport (KDET)

Schematic for a 6900ft New Runway

To allow outside interests to turn the last piece of city owned property into an industrial park is unbelievably racist and completely un-acceptable.  While students studying aviation on the west side of the state have a runway and high school on airport grounds, students in Detroit are on Jefferson Avenue miles away. No one had the decency to include a helicopter pilot program to the airport for the students either! This must change for the sake of our future.

 (Website: West Michigan High School Aviation Academy Grand Rapids MI w/School Runway  )

We strongly encourage parents and children and supporters of Detroit Public schools to show their support. The plans and the funding are there now.  Now is the time to move forward to get the job done.

Comparable Size Airport:
Billy Bishop Airport Toronto CA (CYTZ) (Website  Billy Bishop Airport Toronto CA). 
Commercial Airservice provded by Porter Airlines (Website: www.flyporter.com - Commercial Air Service in Toronto CA)

Michigan Freeway Lighting Partners(MFLP) team up with MDOT To Install Lights On Freeways in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.

By Richard C. Clement

Entrance to the Ambassador Brige

Michigan Freeway Lighting Partners (MFLP) has maintained their contractual commitment to install new lighting on the freeways in the Tri-County area.  Milestone 1 required that %90 of new luminaries be installed and functioning as design within the first year starting on November 24, 2015.  We are pleased to report that this milestone was finished one month earlier on October 18, 2016 resulting in 11,841 new lights being installed on our freeways. As of January 1, 2017, this number has increased to 12,572. Milestone number 2 is to substantially work towards the completion date of August 2017.  This is a 13 year contract between MFLP and MDOT to maintain the integrity of the lights.  The savings resulted in DTE presenting MDOT a $1 million dollar rebate check as part of their business incentive program for efficient energy usage.

For more information please contact:

Frank Wichtner, PMP

Senior Projects Manager

Michigan Freeway Lighting Partners

313.974.7316 x200

fwichtner@michiganfreeewaylighting.com
Website www.michiganfreewaylighting.com

M1-Rail QLINE Community Project Update Meeting Dates March and April 2017

By Richard C. Clement

QLine Rail Car

Find out what the plan is for Woodward Avenue regarding driving and walking. With the new QLINE rail cars, there will be changes on how to navigate Woodward. Doors open at 5:30 with the presentation and community conversations starting at 6pm.

Date	Time	Place
Thursday, 3/2/2017	5:30 to 7:30pm	Villages of Brush Park Manor 2900 Brush Street Detroit MI 48201
Thursday, 3/9/2017	5:30 to 7:30pm	Triumph Church East Campus 2760 E. Grand Boulevard Detroit, MI 48211
Thursday 4/11/2017	5:30 to 7:30pm	Detroit Public Library 5201 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48201
Thursday 4/20/2017	5:30 to 7:30pm	Michigan State University 3408 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48201

For more information please contact 
M1 Rail Community Relations Department at info@m1rail.org or 313.483.8077
Website www.m-1rail.com

Repealing and Replacing the Detroit Marijuana Zoning Ordinance in 2017

Richard C. Clement – Marijuana Policy Analyst
ClementR@detroitmi.gov

Winfred Blackmon  MCDA
Weed Jihadist

After further review of public hearings at Board of Zoning Appeals the Detroit Marijuana Zoning ordinance needs to be drastically overhauled. All during the process of drafting the ordinance, public input was ignored. The Board of Zoning Appeals members have no flexibility to grant waivers based on common sense situations.  In some cases denials have been granted even though the religious institution does not exist or, an old liquor license has not been used in years.  For instance on 8 mile Road, the mothballed Johnson Recreation Center was used to shut down a compassion center because it was “too close to a drug free zone”. The back story is that the city is putting the property up for sale even though the neighborhood has been demanding that the center be reopened or reconstructed.

Other examples are some owners purchasing property close enough to a proposed facility so that it does not open.  The opposition from the community groups are sponsored by some marijuana business owners who are using the evangelical community to promote fake outrage even though their numbers are small.  Some of the people who attend the churches are customers of the compassion centers and, if a pastor can sell water at $5.00 a bottle, then Marijuana at $10.00 a gram is good too. After all the Water and Weed come from the same manufacturer. 

A new ordinance drafted and voted on by the people would address working hours and, other issues like drive through service. Another option is that City Attorney Butch Hollowell would choose to opt into the State Law and save the taxpayers major money in legal fees.  Either way, the people have the final say with their vote and that is the way it should go.  The proposed language below would go into effect when a referendum petition is signed by the electors who are registered voters in the City of Detroit.

Example Repeal Ordinance Language:

Initiative to Repeal Detroit Zoning Ordinance Section(s) 24-13-1 through 24-13-30, 61, Articles XIII, 61-3-353 and 61-3-354 Definitions; Licensing, Conditional Uses; Procedures; Waivers and Public Nuisance. We the undersigned electors want these sections of the Detroit Marijuana Zoning Ordinance repealed and redesigned in the Detroit City Charter.  This ordinance gives too much weight to empty churches, non-existent liquor stores and, discriminates on the basis of religion by violating the 1^st Amendment rights regarding the freedom to worship or not to worship. This ordinance encourages shady business practices by competitors to purchase and squat on property for the purpose of preventing a business from opening.  The undersigned electors demand the immediate suspension of this ordinance and, the right to vote YES or NO in the next general election on August 8^th, 2017.

Area 51 - Compassion Center

5000 valid voter signatures are needed by March 21^st, 2017 to place this issue on the ballot. Therefore if you are legal professional interested in pursuing this option, please contact me at the office with a valid petition.  Then ask your elected officials to allow you to vote on a new ordinance that will be reflective of the will of the people, instead of the wishes of a few.

Appealing The Board of Zoning Appeals - Medical Marijuana Caregiver Centers in Detroit

By Richard C. Clement - Marijuana Policy Analyst

      Medical Marijuana Business owners who have been denied by the City of Detroit Board of Zoning Appeals are strongly encouraged to go to the next step in the process at the Wayne County Circuit Court. The BZA process has exposed faulty data and overly strict guidelines regarding Caregiver Centers in the City.  Variances have been denied owners who have businesses next to buildings that are abandoned and/or owe taxes to the City because, the land use is defined as a church or religious institution. Additionally, the Drug Free Zone zoning regulations are in conflict of federal law at 500 feet. Currently, only one out of 240 business that have gone through the process of becoming a Caregiver Center has been approved.

Website: Active Count Detroit Medical Marijuana Website

Website:  State of Michigan House of Representatives

Most of the people in opposition to the Marijuana business do not live in the neighborhood where the facilities are located. Some of them live as far at 10 miles away and have the nerve to complain about the traffic. The rigidness of the ordinance allows BZA board members to apply criteria that is well outside the bounds of common sense and reality.

The majority of them are in the approval process or, shut down by court order. To rectify this situation an resolution to opt into the current State law is required. Council President Pro Tempore George Cushingberry Jr. is aware of the situation and working on a new ordinance with Corporation Counsel Butch Hollowell to opt into the current state law to easing the situation and saving the taxpayers in legal fees.  The next option is that the owners and citizens draft a new ordinance for a vote in the next election which is August 8^th, 2017. 

A people driven ordinance is the best way to go because the voters will have an actual voice in the process instead of special interests who devised the first ordinance. Things like business hours, drive through service and other things can be put into the local ordinance.  %25 of all revenue from Marijuana sales comes back to the community for investment into projects like Recreation Centers, Schools, and parks. 

Firefighters in Michigan will have their First Responder fund financed from the revenue of marijuana sales to fight Cancer caused by the hazardous working conditions of the job.

If you support this cause then we urge you to call your Detroit City Council members and ask them to support the change to the current Detroit Marijuana Zoning Ordinance or risk losing the revenue that comes from sales to other counties and cities in Michigan.

Reasons to Re-Elect George Cushingberry Jr. In 2017

By The Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.

RE-ELECT GEORGE CUSHINGBERRY JR. 2017

When the people elected George Cushingberry Jr. to City Council, they were looking for the change and leadership needed for the neighborhoods and the entire city. The new district concept has been a huge success because it gets people closer together and, residents have a distinct voice in city policy to make direct change. Mr. Cushingberry has stuck to the plan outlined in 2013 when he was elected to the council. Mr. Cushingberry was recognized by his peers on the council and elected Council President Pro Tempore.  On August 8th, 2017 Mr. Cushingberry is asking for your vote to continue the push for progress and protecting the Citizens of Detroit from harm by fake news from biased tv networks,  adverse groups and individuals who do not have the City of Detroit’s best interest at heart.

Some of his accomplishments are as follows:

As chairman of the Budget/Finance and Audit committee, he is responsible for the increased accountability and transparency of City of Detroit Finances.

a.    Removing State of Michigan Control from City Finances with consistent balanced budgets.

b.    Collection of up to $1 million dollars in new revenue by integrating the City of Detroit Income Tax software code with the State of Michigan Treasury Department. This software change will lead to the elimination of having to file a local tax return, especially if you work one city and live in another city.  Your City of Detroit refund cannot be seized by the State of Michigan regardless if you owe taxes to the state by law.

c.    Upgraded the City’s financial software toward the goal of real time display of the City’s balance sheet on the website.

d.    Driving force for development of an IPhone application that will inform residents on the exact location of your Garbage Truck on collection days.

e.    Continuing to be an advocate for alternative ways to finance the City’s debts using sound fiscal management theory and methods. While working as a State Representative in Lansing, Mr. Cushingberry was the Chairman for the State of Michigan appropriations committee in the House of Representatives from 2008 to 2010. In those years he was responsible for the budgets of 23 state departments and agencies.

f.     Advocate for public transportation by taking the lead in reinvestment into DDOT Busses and personnel.  24 hour bus service that would help City residents get back and forth to needed jobs.  Building a regional rail system is much cheaper and more practical than building a wall in Mexico. Instead of using the cement and materials for wall we could run an enhanced People Mover System to Lansing, Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and anywhere else in Michigan. Especially the Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Kent, and Livingston Area.  Sensible use of resources creates more jobs and improves the quality of life.

g.    Blight Removal with Oversight!  Mr. Cushingberry has insisted upon transparency in home demolitions. We welcome oversight to keep things right.  Proper accounting is a priority and under his watch, all dollars are scrutinized.  New home construction can only succeed when people have jobs that can maintain and sustain an improved quality of life. 

h.    No Detroiter without a job!  Reaching out to low to moderate income individuals to help correct their low to moderate income status. Detroit Employment Solutions has been a mainstay for our residents to continue the fight in the War on Poverty. Education is essential in the areas of carpentry, electricians, electronics, truck driving and, auto repair will give our youth something to do and look up to for a future.

i.      Introducing an Ordinance directing that all City of Detroit vehicles be required to run on alternative fuel grown in Michigan albeit Industrial Hemp, Corn and, other organic plants to help our environment and create agriculture jobs opportunities for Detroit Residents.

j.      Continue the work to move Benjamin O. Davis High School back to Airport grounds.

k.    Continue to and work with fellow council members, Marvin Beatty, Dan Gilbert, Mayor Duggan, State and Federal Officials to re-invest into the expansion of Coleman Young International Airport with a new runway and restored commercial Air Service to Toronto Canada, Florida, New York, Cleveland,  Chicago and, any other City as needed.

l.      The land formally known as the Michigan State Fairgrounds will undergo a “magical” transition with the help and philanthropy of Earvin “Magic” Johnson and is development group. This area will become a transportation hub for Inter-modal Bus, Train and, People Mover traffic.  Under the leadership of Mr. Cushingberry, local developers like Marvin Beatty will have a definite voice in the development of the property.  A new community and transportation hub with a revitalized Amtrak rail station so that people do not have to drive to Dearborn to catch a train because of the parking situation.

If you support this effort, Mr. Cushingberry is requesting your vote for Detroit City Council August 8th, 2017 because, we will continue to work hard for you in District 2.