Re-energizing a new Detroit on the land that was known as the Michigan State Fair.

By Hardcore Detroit,

               A coalition of community groups and developers have different visions on what should be put on the land that once occupied the Michigan State Fair.  At the time of this writing, there are two groups that are vying for the rights to redevelop the land. The first group Magic Plus LLC, led by Magic Johnson and Marvin Beatty would include a shopping mall and a new Amtrak station among other things. The second group Michigan Energy Technology Agriculture (META) Group wants to place more homes and office buildings on the same land.

               These are the issues being discussed with the Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority and developers to revitalize the land between 7 and 8 Mile road, between Woodward and John R. Currently, this area is a tragic outgrowth of what happened during the foreclosure crisis with streets full of abandoned homes. Some of the homes were absolutely gorgeous and structurally sound, only to be turned into slums by the banks that let them get looted for pipes, water tanks, and other home fixtures.

               Omni-directional transportation is a must in the city.  While focusing on north and south issues in Detroit, there is an east and west issue too.  The mile roads in Detroit deserve the same respect as Woodward Avenue in regards to transportation.  If there is going to be a light rail system, let it run up and down Gratiot and Grand River.  This would also include east and west rail from places like Fairlane all the way east to the Eastland Mall property for instance.  Everyone does not live close to 8 mile and this would be a solution for getting to destinations from the east and west. 

Both plans include a new AMTRAK Train station. The current AMTRAK station on Woodward and Milwaukee is too small and lacks the parking needed to serve customers. People are currently going to Dearborn to get on the train because of the condition of the station, parking, and not having to climb the stairs to get to a train.  By putting an AMTRAK Station at the fairgrounds, this would be a complete transportation hub for busses and, a people mover type of light rail system in the City of Detroit and surrounding areas. AMTRAK connections to  Chicago, Flint, Pontiac and beyond will be greatly enhanced with the new Amtrak station.

META Technology Group has a YouTube video presentation regarding their plan to re-develop the area(click here to view video). As of this writing, Magic Plus LLC does not have a video presentation available to view to show their plan.  Otherwise the Michigan Land Bank Fast Track authority is taking public and written comment on the State Fair property. You can contact them at landbank@michigan.gov or by calling (517) 335-8212. Either way you choose, the future of Detroit is looking very promising.

Elect George Cushingberry Jr. to Detroit City Council in 2013? - A question to my friends..

Dear Friends,

An exploratory committee has been formed by concerned citizens of Northwest Detroit regarding the election of our friend George Cushingberry Jr as a member of the Detroit City Council, representing District #2 in 2013.  Our friend George has been a longtime supporter of the City and it's people.  If elected to City Council he promises to restore the roar of the City by investing in it's assets. 

Air Force 3 parked at Coleman Young International 

The Coleman Young International Airport (formerly known as City Airport) will be enhanced and upgraded  with enhanced runways to handle commercial, private and, corporate aircraft for quick access to downtown locations and events.  A new international passenger terminal with the Red Tail lounge named in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen and Mayor Young, will welcome passengers and guests to the city as they wait for their bags, transportation, or flights.



Mr Cushingberry is totally disgusted with the home situation in the city also.  Revitalizing neighborhoods with lighting and materials to restore or build new property is a must. Consumer friendly bankers who really want to re-invest into the community are essential for the financial protection of  residents.  Programs to train interested youth and adults how to become home construction builders and inspectors will create opportunities for all.

Given the overwhelming support of marijuana decriminalization in the City of Detroit, Mr. Cushingberry is willing to look into urban farming and manufacturing opportunities with the cannabis plant.  This is an old idea that was once created by Mayor Coleman S. Young. Mayor Young used recreation centers as neighborhood hubs of activity. There are over 25,000 products that can be made from the male cannabis plant. Manufacturing jobs are the ticket to economic stability. By creating manufacturing jobs with cannabis products, the City of Detroit unemployment numbers would drop from 2 to 5 full percentage points. As a side note to legalization, the annual firing of guns on New Years Day activity subsided noticeably in 2013.

Belle-Isle will remain an asset of the City of Detroit with Detroit residents given preference points of up to %100 to be hired for any State of Michigan job contracted to island services.   Bell Isle must be upgraded and treated with respect from the people who faithfully use the island's beauty to relax and rewind from the stress of the daily grind. Therefore Mr. Cushingberry believes that funding for maintenance and development can be created from agriculture research and bio product manufacturing..

If you are concerned about the direction and the future of the City of Detroit, we encourage you to let George know by casting your vote in our online poll.



Sincerely,
The Exploratory Committee to Elect George Cushingberry Jr. to Detroit City Council