Benjamin O Davis Academy for Aerospace and Fire Training at City Airport

by Richard C. Clement

Today Detroit City Council President Pro Tempore George Cushingberry Jr. proposed that the city add $200,000 to the Fire department’s budget  for the purpose of completing a plan to build a new Benjamin O. Davis Academy of aeronautics, fire prevention, and, emergency medical service(EMT) on the grounds of Detroit City Airport.

This unique facility would maintain the FAA approval for the aeronautic and fire aeronautical programs. Mr. Cushingberry expects that a Request For Proposal (RFP) could be let for an estimated $10 million dollar school which will be paid for from rents from the City and Detroit School District. This effort to bring aviation careers to Detroit students is similar to the development in Grand Rapids Michigan at the Gerald R. Ford Airport in Grand Rapids Michigan. The State of Michigan has made a significant investment in the development of this project and the same thing will be done here in Detroit.

(MLive Article - Detroit City Airport)

This proposal if approved will save the taxpayers dollars because the Detroit Fire Department will have a dedicated fire training facility in the City of Detroit. This investment will give us a unique opportunity to continue the legacy of aeronautics like the Tuskegee Airmen of which Mayor Coleman Young was a proud member of.   Most important, the Aeronautics program will be moved back to Coleman Young International Airport where it belonged in the first place.

Councilmember Pro Tem Cushingberry Jr. is more than happy to discuss this project with the public.

Detroit Business Owners Unite to Re-Write the Detroit Marijuana Ordinances passed by City Council

by Richard  C. Clement
     Marijuana Policy Analyst

        Canna-Business owners feel slighted by the new and proposed ordinances to “regulate” all the Marijuana shops in the City because, they were left out of the planning phase. To correct that issue and others, the Citizens for Sensible Cannabis Reform is sponsoring a petition drive to place the issue on the August 2^nd, 2016 ballot as a referendum. 

         Business owners feel that this ordinance was designed to eliminate ALL Marijuana businesses in the City of Detroit. The remaining few spots that are eligible are already owned by people that are waiting for the ordinance to take effect and eliminate the competition.  The focus on shutting down 211 Marijuana Care Centers through zoning laws is creating an adverse effect on owners who want to get fair and equal opportunity to be a part of the 100+ Billion dollar pie of Marijuana.

         Currently, the City of Detroit has over 11,000 empty buildings within its limits. As always businesses that are owned by African Americans will be the first ones to be shut down. Places like G3 on 8 mile and Hubbell will be closed down and, the buildings will become vacant again.  What the business owners want is fair treatment as a legitimate business and Sensible Cannabis laws in the City of Detroit. The business owners are proposing that there only be one regulation cana-businesses with a 1000ft buffer regulation that only includes Schools and, Libraries.

The current regulations like 1000 feet from a church is un-constitutional and may face a court on the issue of separation of church and state.  The ordinance gives the appearance of collusion with specific owners to eliminate the completion to drive up prices for everyone.  We want transparency in our operations as a Government, and as a service organization to the citizens of Detroit. Therefore starting on Feb 24^th, through February 29^th, the Woodward Avenue Business Owners Association is sponsoring a petition drive at 3 of the four locations on the strip. 

• Miles Green Acers  19010 Woodward Ave Detroit MI 48203
• Tribute Detroit 18830 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48203
• Green Cure 18002 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48203 

Other Locations in The City of Detroit:

• Green Zone Wellness 13707 W McNichols Detroit MI 48235
• Peace of Amsterdam 18665 W 8 Mile Detroit MI 48219

At these locations, you can find petitions to address the Zoning and Licensing issue so that they can be placed on the ballot as a referendum question in the August 2^nd, 2016 Primary Election. Register to vote forms may be available at these locations also to let your voice be your vote. 

The Presidential primary on March 8^th, 2016 is ready to take on people that are interested in voting early at the Detroit Elections Bureau at 2978 Grand Boulevard Detroit, MI 48203 or the 2^nd floor of the Coleman Young Municipal Center at 2 Woodward Avenue Detroit MI 48226. You must declare your party preference before you cast your vote for as a Democrat or, a Republican so vote early and don’t be late.

Council Member James Tate Supports Historically Black Colleges on Sat. Feb 20th

By  Richard C. Clement

The Detroit Alumni Chapter of Alabama State University is pleased to have Detroit City Council member James Tate of District 1 as our guest speaker at the 66^th Annual Founders Day Luncheon on Saturday February 20^th at 11:30am.  Council member Pro Tem Cushingberry is an ardent supporter of Dr. Gwendolyn E. Boyd and her leadership as the President of Alabama State University. Council member Cushingberry supports the existence and importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.  

The Chapter will take care of your breakfast/lunch with a hearty menu so don’t cook, come hungry and prepared to eat good meal.  Council member Tate was chosen by the membership because of his leadership on issues concerning the City of Detroit. A direct quote from his City of Detroit webpage explains his leadership style.

“He is known for making the tough decisions when they have to be made and believes in accessible government. Councilman Tate consistently seeks ways to forge and cultivate neighborhood partnerships within the district. Hosting monthly meetings in District 1, Tate ensures that residents are up to speed on the latest issues that affect their lives. His bi-weekly Satellite Hours at the Motor City Java and Tea House further extends Councilman Tate into the community. He’s on the ground and on the run in District 1. “

Council member Tate is primarily responsible for creating a task force on Black Male Engagement along with fellow Council member Andre Spivey to address the growing pressures put on Black Males growing up in this ever changing complex world. Council member Tate has been instrumental in shaping the future of the growing Marijuana Industry in the City of Detroit by introducing legislation to place the entire process of licensing online instead of mailing in paperwork. 

Council member Tate is an esteemed member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity that has committed to help shape the future of our children who choose to attend HBCU for a solid education.  

The donation of $40 for this event will go toward scholarships, and expenses for current and prospective students attending Alabama State University.

To purchase a ticket please call the office (313) 224-4535 and ask for Richard C. Clement or contact Mrs. Lorinette B. Clark at (313) 418-8489