The Sage of Detroit Speaks! Cush's Corner on WFDF 910AM Detroit MI

By Richard C. Clement

Former Detroit City Council member and Sage of Detroit, George Cushingberry Jr. will be a regular host on WFDF 910AM Detroit Superstation Weeknights from 6 to 7pm Monday through Friday.   He will be there to comment and take questions on issues such as, giving back to our children through education and, letting them dare to dream big.  This is a vision for the start of repairing the damage to public education in the City of Detroit.

On Tuesday, January 23, at 6pm will have Citizens for Sensible Cannabis Reform representatives to talk about the current state of the recently enacted Marijuana facilities ordinance in the City of Detroit.  Additionally, we will discuss some of the uses of the male marijuana plant to manufacture and maintain municipal services like fuel for vehicles. Or making clothes and concrete from the plant.

Website Definition of 'Sage'

During the week of the North American International Auto Show from Monday 1/22 to Friday 1/26 he will be broadcasting live and taking questions from the general public. Otherwise, the show will originate from the studio.  Taking questions online and by phone, the call in numbers are (313) 209-9000 or (313) 778-7600.  

Website 910AM Superstation WFDF Detroit MI

Alongside of George is yours truly, Richard C. Clement a lifelong warrior for marijuana reform, and owner of C-Systems Technology Consultants specializing in technology needs of customers. He is responsible for creating jobs and opportunity for many people by being an active resource for knowledge and interacting with State and local governments. In 2007 Mr. Clement gathered over 4000 signatures, along with many other people to place Medical Marijuana on the ballot.  The measure won by %63 of the vote in 2008.
   

On Fridays from 5-7pm,  Richard will be co-hosting the popular show 5xl Large and In Charge on www.tapdetroit.com with Edward "T-Money" Green the bass master of Detroit on Detroit's Dankest Internet Radio Station.  A Pasteur School alumnus, he has played for the Dramatics and Death Row Records.  His bassline is a signature on many songs for artists like Snoop Dogg, Ron Banks and others

Richard "Free The Weed" Clement

Stay tuned to George weekdays from 6-7pm on 910 AM, your online and on-time radio station.

Cush Creates Commerce on Woodward Ave and Detroit City Airport

By Richard C. Clement

Air Force 3 - US Secretary of State 

On October 21^st, 2014 Councilman Cushingberry implemented a resolution authorizing an application for a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Certificate for Lofts of Merchants Row. This structure is located at 1413 Woodward Avenue.  The structure is to be rehabilitated at an estimated cost of $188,095 per unit, creating 42 units of rental housing.This resolution is another example of giving back to the community and bringing in new residents to our city. 

In other action from City Council, the Councilman has introduced a resolution authorizing a contract (#2896481 / 2014) to provide auditing services for Preparation of the City and Airport 2014 CAFR to Plante & Moran PLLP for $675,000(USD). This action is in line with an overall goal of reopening Detroit City Airport for commercial and private air service in the near future. 

To bring Detroit back from the brink we must invest into the assets of the City like the Airport, instead of selling it off to a private company.  Working with Council member Scott Benson, there is enough room for an additional 2 runways of over 9000 feet long that will enable larger planes to land within the City of Detroit. 

Driving to Flint to fly out of Bishop Airport to save money will be a thing of the past because, Detroit City Airport will be able to provide the same services and fly to more destinations than ever before.

Please stay tuned to City Council for additional good news from Detroit.

Saving Homes in Detroit with help from International, Federal, State and, Local Agencies

by The Friends of George Cushingberry

Public and private stakeholders and, elected officials met on Sept 4th in the Governor's Office to discuss management of the reversion of 20,000 properties by the Wayne County Treasurer, preparation for another 80,000 in 2015 and collaboration on "life quality policy solutions and metrics" in Detroit that align with global goals of the United Nations as part of a collaboration lead by Communities Without Boarders International

One of the primary reasons that people lose their home is that they are not paying the property tax on their primary residence. In this process the property is in the hands of the Wayne County Treasurer. When the taxes become due, if a homeowner does not pay the bill, their home remains property of the Wayne County Treasurer until the bill is paid or, the property gets transferred to the land bank.

A panel of experts composed of:

• United Nations Economics Advisor Dr. Jeffery Sachs
• Director of the Governor’s Office of Urban & Metropolitan Strategies, Harvey Hollins
• Black Caucus Foundation Managing Director; Dr. KB Stallworth,
• Members from the Michigan Housing State Development Authority,
• Legislative Black Caucus,
• City of Detroit
• Wayne County Treasurer (click here for property tax payment info)

The goals of this panel were as follows:

1. Recover and Collect delinquent taxes
2. Prevent Evictions
3. Provide leadership and assistance to help people keep their homes.
4. Allowing property owners to make arrangements to pay taxes in arrears and become current.
5. Helping old homeowners to keep their existing homes or providing opportunities to move in and fix one up.

This group engaged in a lively discussion regarding helping citizens keep their homes. The City of Detroit has been thorough tough times and is currently on the rebound to prosperity. Sadly some citizens are living paycheck to paycheck because of Job Loss and other unforeseen events that can’t be covered by insurance. Therefore you cannot throw them under the bus for something that is beyond their control.

As a part of a global neighborhood stabilization plan, the City of Detroit has been selected by the United Nations to be a catalyst for implementing sustainable life quality strategies. Some of the methods discussed were using holistic solutions before the year of 2020.  This effort encompasses the UN model of humanity where the access to clean water is essential to life. To maintain reliable water supply there must be collaboration of ideas from organizations like Government, Manufacturers, Builders, Universities, and society worldwide. The ability to manufacture products that do not add to the carbon footprint will be our answer to deal with the issues of worldwide climate change. For instance the creation of building materials for homes using agricultural resources like plants will save the environment and create lots of jobs with opportunities for growth.

An interesting law is called the Reversion Claim Clause where a person who purchases a private property will not be charged the back taxes that are owed. This and other programs like Hardest Hit Program from the Michigan Housing State Development Authority(Click here for MHSDA) that will allow a homeowner to apply for funds for the sole purpose of keeping them in their home. Home ownership is essential to a City that is in need of a renaissance and the authority has programs for a low income tax credit that help people to keep their home.

Another piece of information that came out of the meeting is the ability for a Detroit Resident to purchase an empty lot next to their property for $100. If a person goes to the website www.buildingdetroit.org they can go to the Wayne County Treasurer’s office and purchase the lot next to them and maintain it.

Councilman Cushingberry overwhelmingly supports the effort to keep people in their homes. Coleman Young always said that there is nothing better to keeping people in their homes like a good paying job. After leaving work, a person needs a place to lay their head and, there is nothing better than a home.

If we can be of any assistance please feel free to contact the office..

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.

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 13^th 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!

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