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Monday, June 30, 2014

Councilman Cushingberry Supports The Affordable Care Act Tax Credit that lowers monthly rates by as much as %800

Health Care in Detroit 
By Richard C. Clement

Did you know the tax credit is still available under the Affordable Care Act?  If your income falls below the limit based on family size, you may qualify for a significant tax credit for health insurance. This credit may have the ability to lower your monthly payment to under $1.00 per month. 



You still have time to sign up for the plan because having health insurance is now the law.  A lot of insurance companies are offering their own version of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to compete with other insurance companies.  Organizations like Blue Cross, Humana and others offer similar plans because they all will have to comply with the law and, competition is a part of  being in business. 

The Following table is from Health Care Marketplace literature.

Household Size
Income Limit
Alaska
1
$45,960
$57,400
2
$62,040
$77,520
3
$78,120
$97,640
4
$94,200
$117,760
5
$110,000
$137,880
6
$126,360
$158,000

Unfortunately, Michigan Attorney General, Bill Schuette has decided to fight this benefit by joining in on a law suit to eliminate it altogether (Detroit Free Press Article – Click Here). If they are successful, your ACA monthly insurance rate will increase over %800 percent.  For a household of one person, your Bronze Insurance plan will go from $0.38 cents to $312 per month. You can still register for ACA coverage by logging onto www.healthcare.gov and sign up.

Finally, if you support this benefit, you must Vote in August and November for a change in U.S. Congress, State Legislature and, the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.


Friday, June 27, 2014

Councilman Cushingberry Supports The Re-Development of the Old Michigan State Fairgrounds.

By Richard C. Clement


Conceptual Design from the Magic Plus Group
Councilman Cushingberry supports the efforts of Mr. Beatty, Mr. Ferguson and, Mr. Johnson to create jobs and revitalize Detroit through the development of the State Fair Property.  Community Input Regarding the State Fair Project by the Magic Plus Group was taken on June 26th, 2014 at the Northwest Activities Center.  Suggestions from the community were collected on cards for review by everyone involved to be incorporated into the final plan.  The Magic plus group has an Amtrak station in the plans that will be a vast improvement over the current AMTRAK station in Midtown Detroit. Currently, the AMTRAK station in Midtown has NO parking available and is a total embarrassment to the City of Detroit.


Preliminary Design Plan

The meeting gave everyone time to present their ideas, like preserving something that was the old State Fair like the Band Shell.  The meeting allowed the leadership to decide what type of housing will be placed there.  The City of Detroit has lots of land and empty homes right now that need to be redeveloped and rehabilitated.  The REDICO/Magic Plus Group is responsible for only 157 acres of the City.




There is no monetary commitment from Michigan Department of Transportation and, the Regional Transportation Authority to enhance the current Transportation situation. This attitude will change when the AMTRAK part of the property is re-designed. This will force the enhancement and upgrade of the current bus and rail situation at the Fairgrounds.

A monetary commitment from the US Department of Transportation will foster the development of a regional transportation hub.  A rail system similar to the City of Miami Florida would tie in Amtrak, DDOT, SMART,  M1, M2, M8, M102, M3, and M5 on a regional rail system funded with Transportation revenue from creating and growing alternative fuel energy.  Solar Panels, Wind Turbines and, growing fuel like Industrial Hemp and other plants will redefine the energy needs for a region and a nation. 


The Obama Administration has two years left to serve and can leave a lasting legacy at the old State Fair property with a construction project to assist in the re-development.  This is possible if the people vote at the ballot box to re-direct the leadership this August and November 2014 in Lansing, Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties. The RTA is an organization with NO funding or public financial support.  The alternate proposal by the META Tech Expo Group is based on the area being bigger than the size of Downtown Royal Oak Michigan.  Detroit is much larger than Royal Oak and, the size issue is a totally insignificant fact. The need for regional rail is clearly demonstrated when you drive the Lodge Northbound at 5:30pm Monday through Friday.  This is an issue that has to be addressed at a State and Federal level.



The next meeting regarding the State Fair Project will be posted in the near future. 


Friday, June 20, 2014

300 Jobs Available at UAW/Ford. Apply by June 26th 2014. Ex-Felons are strongly encouraged to apply.

By Richard Clement


The United Auto Workers and Ford Motor Company has 300 jobs available and, being an ex-felon will not be a factor to be used against you.

Please send in your application by June 26th,2014 to uawjobs@ford.com.

Tests will be given on July 22,23,24.  If you have a conviction, please state on the application as it will not count toward disqualification for employment.





U, All, are Working = UAW = Jobs and Worker Respect

UAW Website www.uaw.com

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Solar Detroit: Student Design Contest

Do you believe in clean renewable solar energy?
Do you believe in the revitalization of Detroit?

If you answered "Yes" to these questions this is the contest for you! Use your creativity to design and present your solution for solar in the D- and be eligible for college scholarship and other prizes!


Rules:
The Solar Detroit Student Design Contest is a partnership between The City of Detroit and the Detroit Public Schools Go Green Challenge. It is open to all students who attend Detroit Public Schools.

The Contest challenges you to imagine how solar energy can be a part of the revitalization of Detroit. All ideas will be considered, from solar backpacks for charging computers and cell phones to solar LED street lights and even large-scale projects like turning an open field into a solar power plant for the neighborhood, or urban farming applications.

Submissions:
To enter, you must complete and Entry Form.
Your final submission should include the following:
1 page written summary that tells the judges about your project and how it helps in revitalizing the city.
A picture of how your project will look - this could be a drawing, collage, or other graphic representation.
Other information you think is important to share - maximum 3 additional pages.

Deadline:
Submissions must be received by 3pm July 11, 2014 at:
DPS.GoGreen@DetroitK12.org
1601 Farnsworth, Building C
Detroit, MI 48211
313.578.7135

Judges:
Mike Duggan, Mayor City of Detroit (or designee)
George Cushingberry, Council President Pro Tempe
Jack Martin, Emergency Manager, Detroit Public Schools (or designee)


Solar PV Energy Lab: Hands-On Design Build:
Put your brain and hands to work while working with solar panels.
Saturday, June 28th- Ben Carson High School, 571 Mack Ave.
**RSVP to: DPS.GoGreen@DetroitK12.org

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

JPMorgan Chase Bank Invests in the City

JPMorgan Chase & Co recently unveiled a $100 million, five year commitment to support and accelerate Detroit's economic recovery and strengthen its communities. This investment is the JPMorgan's largest commitment to a city, as well as being one of the largest corporate commitments to Detroit.
Jamie Dimon, Chase Chairman and CEO, said, "We believe in Detroit's future, and we want to see the city recover its economic strength." Their commitment includes: Investing in Detroit's community development tackling blight, strengthening workforce readiness, growing small businesses, and seeding future economic growth.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Detroit Recreation Facilities Map

Senior Citizens Can Apply for Solid Waste Discount

City of Detroit homeowners who are at least 65 years old and have a household gross income below $40,000 may be eligible for a sold waste discount of $120.

The application period is July 1st through September 15th. Interested individuals can get applications in person at the Coleman Young Municipal Center, Suite 136, or online at Solid Waste Fee Information.

Eligible seniors must submit a new application every year during the filing period.

Detroit Senior Olympics

Senior citizens ages 50 and older are invited to participate in the 2014 Detroit Senior Olympics. The City of Detroit Recreation Department has scheduled the event to take place June 17th and 18th. This year's Olympis will feature arts & crafts, baking, billiards, horseshoes, bowling, swimming, basketball, tennis, track, table tennis, Frisbee toss and softball hit & throw.

For more information, please call (313) 224-1129

Eat Healthy This Summer

The Detroit Community Markets Program, DCM, is a coalition of of seventeen Detroit based farmers markets, farm stands, and mobile trucks that provide fresh, affordable, and healthy produce to the Detroit area. The majority of the markets accept Bridge Card and also participate in the Double Up Food Bucks program.

Call (313)833-9300 or you can visit Detroit Community Markets or Community Markets Facebook page

Monday, May 19, 2014

New Service Available for Detroit Residents

Optional Curbside Recycling Program

Curbside recycling will be available this fall for those without recycling now. To take part, residents will need to opt-in and request a 64-gal recycling container. There is a one-time fee of $25 for the container. Residents will receive additional recycling information in the mail. For those households that currently have curbside recycling, collection will continue.

Recycling Rewards:

Recycling service is only provided to customers who have registered for the recycling program. In addition, all recycling participants have the option to register online for the Reward$ for Recycling. The program offers discounts and coupons from local businesses.

How to Sign-up:

If you live east of Woodward Ave call Rizzo Environmental Services at 866-772-8900 and get details on signing up for Reward$ for Recycling.
Rizzo Environmental PDF

If you live west of Woodward Ave call Advanced Disposal at 844-233-8764 to request a 64-gal recycling container.
Advanced Disposal PDF

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

District 2 Job Fair

Community Help and Job Fair
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Northwest Activities Center
18100 Meyers Detroit, MI 48235
2-7 p.m.
Bring a résumé and a friend.

Follow the link below for more information.
District 2 Job Fair

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

District 2 Clean Up

Local business man and District 2 resident Greg Pawlowski has organized a city cleanup in the Ralston-Woodward-State Fair. As the head of 501c 3, Earth Community, Greg along with community supporters cleaned up a neighborhood lot.

Another cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, May 31st with a rain make up day for Sunday June 1st. This will help clean up the area for the neighborhood Family Fun Day on Saturday, June 14th.
The clean up starts at 2 p.m. on the corner of Woodward and Ralson to Lantz Street and will continue down Woodward to State Fair from Ralston Street.

Contact Greg at palowski.gregory@gmail.com for more information.

Reopening Riverside Park in Detroit for the People in 2014

by  Richard Clement



During a recent inspection of City assets, we went to Riverside Park in Detroit Michigan located next to the Ambassador Bridge(click here).  This park was shut down on the allegation of contaminated land.  After further review, the park has been shut down long enough.  Our plan to reopen the park is to remove layers of dirt and restore the land with natural compost and mulch.  Neighborhood experts in growing (mostly Senior Citizens) and consultants in the form of students majoring in agriculture will be tapped to lead the way in restoring this park.  Detroit residents attending schools with agriculture programs (example: Michigan State, Tuskegee, Tenn. St, Florida A&M, et al) will get preferences to work on this program for College Credit. In other words, this will be on of the greatest Brownfield Projects ever undertaken by the City of Detroit.


For too long this park has been a victim of politics, neglect and, used like a Knight on a Chess Board.  Benches are in disrepair, the garbage is not picked up at all and, the Boat Launch was shut down also.  Community participation and financial investment from grants will be considered to help restore this park into a place for the people to relax, fish and, play baseball on.    Meanwhile, the area that the mail boat occupies is very clean and properly maintained.  This park needs some help from the Federal Government along with City of Detroit citizens working as one to make this park viable again.



If we are going to come back as a City, Parks and Recreation must be fully funded to sponsor programs and activities like a fishing derby or, something similar to it for Senior Citizens and youth.   We are encouraging you all to show up in person every Thursday at 1pm on the 13th floor of City Council and address your concerns to Councilwoman Mary Sheffield (click here), chair of the Neighborhoods and Community Services Committee (click here).   Emails and phone calls work well too and, your voice will be respected, evaluated and, heard.  Citizens are allowed to speak during public comment for 2 minutes.     The famed two minute drill is a standard procedure for public speakers, unless you write a request to Council President Brenda Jones(Click Here) to speak.  If approved you will be granted 4 minutes to speak.



Otherwise it’s time to re-store and repair one of Detroit’s hidden assets for the good of the Citizens of Detroit. Especially the ones on the riverfront who live there.




Otherwise, please show up to Vote in 2014 to keep Detroit moving!

Monday, May 12, 2014

Resolution

Resolved: The Detroit City Council supports the renewal of the operational millage to fund the Detroit Public Library. They also approved the proposed ballot language submitted by the Detroit Library Commission for forwarding to the Detroit Election Commission for placement on the August 5,2014 primary ballot.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

PNC Branch Scheduled to Close

The PNC bank branch office located at Livernois and Margareta is scheduled to close on Friday, June 6, 2014. A new branch will open in the Gateway shopping area. In the 48221 zip code, there are no PNC locations within a five mile radius in the city of Detroit. At this time, PNC has no plans to have a freestanding ATM in or near the area.

Residents who are unhappy about this decision and wish to lend their voice can contact:
Josephine Henyard, PNC Regioanl Manager, josephine.henyard@pnc.com
Jason Paulateer, PNC Community Banker, jason.paulateer@pnc.com

Delinquent Water Bills

The Detroit Water & Sewerage Department has a policy of shutting off water service when bills are 45 days past due, but the majority of residential balances are over six months old.

Roughly $1 million of the biggest delinquent water bills belong to:

City of Detroit Public Fold Course at Palmer Park (owes $422,295)
VA Hospital (owes $131,096.28)
Joe Louis Arena(owes $80,255.25)
Apartment Building on W.Chicago (owes $71,621.87)
Eastern Market (owes $60,911)
Ford Field (owes $55,803)
Abandoned Homes (owes $47,075.09)
Properties on Coyle (owes $41,200.10)

In addition to these delinquencies, more than $20 million is past due on commercial and industrial accounts. Detroit Public Schools is responsible for about 20% of that figure; they owe $3.8 million.
According to the emergency manger, Kevyn Orr, Detroit was losing an average of 24,000 residents a year between 2000 and 2010. Consequently, many of these previously lived in homes are now vacant. Abandoned properties account for nearly 20% of houses in the city of Detroit, so it is very possible that thousands of accounts represent tenant free homes.

As a resident of the City of Detroit if you cannot afford to pay your water and sewer bill, the Detroit Residential Water Assistance Program (DRWAP)may be of service. To qualify for financial assistance, customers need to:
be a Detroit resident
be faced with shut off or pending shut off of their water or sewer service
be at or below 200-percent of current Federal Government Poverty Levels
need to be living in a single-family dwelling and responsible for paying their water bill on a monthly basis

Please contact the DHS Community Service Center in your area for more information on this program.

Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.: Economic Development Contracts Up for Bid

Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.: Economic Development Contracts Up for Bid

Monday, May 5, 2014

Economic Development Contracts Up for Bid

The purpose of the Economic Development Corporation is to maintain landscape services at various vacant lots located on the east side of the City of Detroit.
The Site Areas are as follows:

1) Vacant lots in the East Riverfront (Riopelle Park & Atwater Sites) area, generally bounded by Woodbridge on the north, Jos Campu on the east, Atwater on the south, Riopelle on the west.

2) Several lots in the Jefferson Village Subdivision, generally bounded by Marquette Drive on the west, St. Jean on the east, Freud on the south, East Jefferson on the north.

3) St. Jean Berm, which is located on St. Jean (west side of St. Jean only) from East Jefferson (south) to Mack Avenue (north).

The scope of services for this bid package includes, but is not limited to, all necessary and incidental labor, equipment, tools, material, supplies, and supervision to properly perform and complete all work required for keeping the landscape features in a well maintained and groomed condition.

There will be a Pre-Proposal Meeting planned for Monday, May 5, 2014 at 10:00 AM at the corner Riopelle & Atwater Streets. The next meeting for the Jefferson Village Project, located at Harding and Lysette Streets at 10:30 AM.

Complete Proposals shall be received by the EDC no later than 4:00 PM, Monday, May 12, 2014.

All Bidders shall comply with the prevailing Equal Opportunity and Labor Standard Provisions of the City of Detroit. Each Bidder must demonstrate its ability to obtain Human Rights, Tax Clearances from the City of Detroit, W-9 and a Certificate of Liability Insurance as a condition of award ability.
If additional information is needed regarding this Request for Proposal, please contact Ms. Colona, Project Manager at (313) 237-4624, Cell: (313) 850-7338 or e-mail @ dlcolona@degc.org

Thursday, May 1, 2014

District 2 May Happenings

Stay informed on important city news and events with our monthly newsletter.

May 2014 Newsletter

"Prospector Reveals" has been moved to a different time. It is now every Saturday 2-3 p.m. on 1440 AM WDRJ Detroit.

Friday, April 11, 2014

What Does it Take to Make a Great City: Olympia Entertainment and the City Of Detroit Rebuilding the Neighborhoods

By Richard Clement

"The Red Wings Paying it Forward to the City of Detroit - Go Wings"



The Red Wings are giving back to Detroit citizens in the form of General Contractors supporting On The Job apprentice trade program opportunities for people who want professional credentials. Opportunities for certifications and licenses in areas such as plumbing,  carpentry, electricians, are being discussed by project leaders and City officials.

A vital part of rebuilding the city is to train people to do the job. The Olympia Project and Motown Museum project is a long-term investment into Detroit. The goal is to hire %51 Detroit based contractors. This project is anticipated to have many Sub Contractors working on the project under the General Contractor.  Being a bonded sub-contractor is a plus however, if you company is not bonded, a participating General Contractor will purchase insurance for a non-bonded sub contractor.

The main benefit of this arrangement is that once the project is finished, these people can be hired to do other construction jobs in the neighborhoods. Fixing savable property and building new property will be a re-investment into the neighborhoods by the Olympia Group. This arrangement with Olympia Entertainment and the City of Detroit will help to eradicate the blight that is in our City now.


In other job news, there will be an immediate need for Landscapers for the I-94 project.  The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) is committed to hiring %51 Detroit based businesses. If you interested and a licensed landscaper, please do not hesitate to apply. The Project is $35,585 per year for two years and, you will need to put %10 down if you’re interested in doing the job.  If your company is not bonded, opportunities will be made for you to get one.


If you need assistance, please contact Christopher T. Jackson at 313 625 7225 (cjackson@jacksoncgrp.com) or call Councilman Cushingberry's office at 313 224-4535

"No Detroiter left behind without a job!"




Friday, April 4, 2014

A Detroit City Council 90 Day Progress Report, On a Mission of Positive Transition.

By  Richard Clement

 "At the end of the First Quarter 
    City Leadership  10 votes
    Nolan Finley           0 votes"
       - Quote from a Lions Fan -



Mayor Duggan and Council
Detroit City Airport hosting a regional Air Carrier and upgrade of the facility within 2 years is on the agenda of the Detroit City Council.  With Federal Aviation Administration support, City Airport will be upgraded with longer runways and a people friendly terminal. Airport property is located in the 3rd District and Councilman Scott Benson's Office will be the point office for project.  With the airport’s strategic location near Downtown Detroit and neighboring suburbs, people who live in Gross Pointe will not have to drive so far to Metropolitan Airport.  City airport will serve the people similar to Midway Airport in Downtown Chicago.


Our Friend George
The Council and the Mayor are making plans with the Obama Administration to make this a reality before he leaves office in 2016.  The recent interest in the Tuskegee Airmen and their heroic efforts in the service to their country will honor their memory so that our children never forget their sacrifice.  This is a project that will more that prove the cohesive working relationship by the council-members. When the elected leadership of the City of Detroit gets their full opportunity to govern as voted upon, you will witness a sea change in policy. On October 1st, the Detroit Police Department will be under control of the Mayor and the Council by law.  Kevin Orr will be flying back to Washington DC and, will only come to visit when the Washington Redskins football team comes to Detroit to play the Lions.

Within 90 days of taking office, the City Council and Mayor have:
1.       Agreed to reopen closed Recreation Centers in Northwest Detroit.
2.       Appointed board members in areas like the Board of Review
3.       Turned on over 500 lights a week
4.       Improved the communication through the use of technology
a.       emailmike@detroitmi.gov  E-Mail Mayor Duggan
5.       An ongoing upgrade of abysmal computer technology.
a.     Within 12 months the City Mainframe will be decommissioned and system units upgraded.
6.       Made plans for upcoming funding for festivals and activities in 2014
7.       Partnered with international film makers to support the Detroit Voices segment of the Cinetopiea Film Festival in Ann Arbor and Detroit on June 4 through 8th 2014
a.     Contest for young filmmakers in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties.    
b.      Film cannot be longer than 30 minutes
c.       Adult prize $5,000  High School Prize $1000
d.      Winners will get their film shown on the big screen at the June 4-8 film festival
                                                              i.      Topics can include Homes for $1, bankruptcy, empty homes, politics, etc.
e.     Submission Deadline is May 1st and if you want more information, please click on this link www.cinetopiafestival.org/detroit-voices/  High schoolers and young adult filmmakers are encouraged to apply.
                                    i.    Detroit filmmaker Sultan Sharrief who directed 2010 Bilal’s Stand is based in Los Angles, is encouraged by the enthusiasm for filmmaking that Michigan’s film incentives have spurred in local young people. Detroit Voices will be reaching out to local high schools and film collectives to spread the word on the contest.
8.   Lanquage was submitted by Council President Pro Tempore George Cushingberry Jr.  for a City Ordinance requiring municipal regulation of Medical Marijuana Provisioning Centers and Safe Testing Facilities. This City ordinance is a sister law to the State of Michigan House Bills 4271 and 5103 which are awaiting the Governor’s signature.


Sean Davis and Rev. Oscar King
Citizens who live in the districts now have a district manager who is responsible for their needs. These positions are created by law via City Ordinance. Mayor Duggan and Council President Jones have provided the new leadership and dynamic change that residents demanded.   Jobs are coming back to the City because we are looking for a few good men and women to replace the aging workforce. 




Councilmember Sheffield
Municipal monitoring of provisioning centers and testing facilities for Medical Marijuana patients will put a quick and fast end to the smash and grab raids being performed by law enforcement resources of the City, County and State.  With an election coming up in August and November, the citizens of Detroit will be able to have a legitimate say in the future of our City.  You must show up with your ballot in 2014 or, let others continue enforce the current climate of operation. City Council is always open to listen to their constituents and, do not hesitate to contact your City Government if you need to because there is and, never will be an attempt to hide City Business from the residents. 

Please do not hesitate to call or communicate with us with your concerns

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Notice of Public Meetings & Hearings in the State of Michigan and City of Detroit

by Richard Clement



Two public meetings that will have an impact on City of Detroit residents will be held in the next few days.  Starting Tuesday, March 11, 2014 in Lansing Michigan written testimony will be taken by the Michigan Senate Government Operations Committee regarding two House Bills  that would:
 

1.     Allow holders of valid Michigan Medical Marijuana cards to purchase Medical Marijuana products from without penalty of law, as approved by the local municipality

2.      Establish fees for municipalities to license, grade and, regulate Medical Marijuana use through the establishment of Licensed Safe Test Facilities to test for quality of product.

3.      Effectively end all raids by law enforcement on Marijuana Businesses in the State of Michigan.  This would have a dramatic effect on the use of local law enforcement resources to fight a drug war on Pot that has been demonstrated to be an expense that is not worth the cause.
a.     This will assist agencies like the Detroit Police, Wayne County Sheriff and, State Police in the management and redirection of resources.

House Bill HB 4271 (click here for full reading of 4271) will allow Cities, Townships and, Villages to regulate provisioning centers and testing facilities within their jurisdiction.  With the payment of a registration fee to the local government, Medical Marijuana patients can safely purchase their medicine without fear of prosecution under penalty of law.  House Bill 5104 (click here for full reading of 5104) will allow the use of marijuana that is not smoked by eating it in brownies, canabutter grits, cookies, tea.
 

These bills will allow the City of Detroit to establish a department dedicated to operation and management of Certified Municipal Safe Testing Facilities. These facilities will grade the products that are being sold by provisioning centers for quality and other factors. These bills are one step from a vote by the entire Michigan Senate from a becoming law.  There are some Senators like Republican Rick Jones who have introduced bills to weaken and sabotage the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act of 2008.  One of the most outrageous examples is the requirement that you transport your medicine in the trunk of your car.  This law (PA 460 of 2012) has generated thousands of dollars off the backs of Michigan Medical Marijuana patients under the guise of public safety.  With the help of Democrats, these harmful bills are becoming law leading to a rebirth of a new Jim Crow in Detroit.
Your communication with the Michigan Senate is crucial in protecting citizens from being sent to a prison for profit system that is befitting stock holders instead of the citizens.  Your written testimony will be taken for the official record so let your voice be heard by contacting your State Senator and telling them to vote Yes on HB4271 & HB5104.  This is an election year for the Michigan Senate and House in 2014. 
 
Contact Information for Michigan Senate: www.senate.michigan.gov
Committee Clerk  tambs@senate.mi.gov
Sen. Randy Richardsville  SenRRichardsville@senate.mi.gov
Sen. Bert Johnson  SenBJohnson@senate.mi.gov
Sen. Virgil Smith  SenVSmith@senate.michigan.gov




On Tuesday March 18, 2014 @ 7:00pm at the Northwest Activity Center (18100 Meyers Road, Detroit MI 48235) the Detroit City Council will have a Committee of the Whole Meeting in the Ballroom. The activity starts at 6:00pm with City Departments having information and questions about City Business. Your concerns on issues like Belle Isle under State Rule, Lights and, infrastructure can be brought up during the public comment section of the meeting.  You will have 2 minutes to speak to the council of the whole so come prepared to speak by filling out a comment card.We hope that you attend and be a part of Detroit history at the FIRST meeting of your City Council in  District 2.

 

Friday, March 7, 2014

Meet the NEW City of Detroit City Council in District #2 - March 18th, 2014


Where:
 Northwest Activities Center     
 18100 Meyers Rd # 1,
 Detroit, MI 48235
 (313) 578-7500
 Tuesday, March 18th, 2014 - @ 7pm EDT
www.nwac-detroit.org
 
 
 
Agenda:
 
6pm: Meet City Department Officials
 Detroit Water & Sewer, Police, Fire, et al..

7pm: Start of Official City Council Meeting.
  Hosted by Council President Brenda Jones
 
Review of City Business


 
Public Comment  (Limits of 3 minutes are strictly enforced by our fine Detroit Police Dept.)
 
Meeting Adjourned.

 
 
Issues:
City ordinances and Belle Isle as it relates to citizens?
After the Blight, then what happens?
After Orr hits the door in October, then what?
 
 
 

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Using Belle Isle for Business, Fun and, Pleasure under State Of Michigan Rules.

By Richard Clement

  

If you plan to use Belle Isle this year, there are new rules in effect regarding shelter rental and using the park.  If you want to provide commercial service or use that includes the following: money changing hands, exchange of goods or services, creation of good will, growing of a business, or promotion of a good or service, you will have to fill out an Application/Permit to Use State Land (FormPR1138-1).
Providing Commercial Service falls into 4 categories:
1.       Lease
2.       Concession
3.       Commercial Operating Agreement
4.       Use Permit

Under a lease you can have up to a 25 year period of use and grants exclusive use of the parcel of land for a specific purpose. The business must fit the mission of the DNR and the public interest and the Business owner must carry liability insurance.
Example of a Lease:
1.       Marina/Harbor
2.       Boat Access Site
3.       Restaurant
4.       Boat Wash
5.       Ski Hill
 
A Concession is a business that is requested by the Department of Natural Resources through a bid specification list.  Bids can be sole sourced or put out for competition at the discretion of the department. These business can generate up to $650,000 per year with Firewood, Ice and, Vending operating concessions generating up to $300,000 per year.

Examples of a Concession
1.       Park Store
2.       Mobile Food Service
3.       Bike / Boat Rental
4.       Water Slide
5.       Riding Stable
6.       Farming


Commercial Operating Agreement:
A commercial operating agreement is a document that allows for a business to perform a service on State Land. These businesses can generate at least $200,000 a year and, the fee is based on the impact to the resources like the: Land, staff and, other users.

Examples of COA’s are:

1.       Livery
2.       Marine Boat Repair
3.       Model Airplane Flying
4.       Gilding Service
5.       Whitewater Rafting
6.       Recreational Vehicle Rental

Use Permits are for one-time or re-occurring events. These events can generate between $100,000 & $120,000 per year. Fee is also determined on an Impact Basis to the land, staff and other users.

Use Permit Examples are:
1.       Pedestrian / Bike Race
2.       Triathlon Event
3.       Boat Race
4.       Firs time business ventures or unique options that are limited.

A Special Use Permit is used if you want a shelter for a family reunion for alcohol in a State Park. However, the State has decided to keep the City of Detroit’s reservation system until the end of 2014.  Open alcohol containers are only allowed in the area of your shelter rental through the acquisition of a Special Use Permit.
Violations will be prosecuted in 36th Court by the Wayne County Prosecutors office per Sgt. Arthur Green DNR Area Supervisor of the Law Enforcement Division.
For more information please visit the City of Detroit Recreation Department (click here) Website.