Happy Birthday, Detroit! Here are some of the stories we've been reading lately.
More demoes incoming
Same story, different week. News came out last week of two different demoes of older buildings in the city. The first is the old YMCA on East Jefferson, a few blocks away from Pewabic Pottery. The building has been vacant for decades. It's owned by the Women's Justice Center and the city has requested that it be torn down. And back in the District Detroit, the city issued a permit to demo a two-story building at Cass and Peterboro (seen above) owned by the Ilitch's Olympia Development. Olympia gave outlets a vague statement about working with the city on a "broader plan for all our real estate holdings." Preservationists are rightfully upset, since the Ilitches have a terrible track record restoring the historic buildings they own. The building is next door to the former Chung's restaurant, which recently sold to a developer. Axios Detroit Crain's Detroit
*Monday afternoon, Crain's reports that City Council member Gabriela Santiago-Romero has submitted a letter asking the city to hold off on the demo, and to possibly create an interim historic designation of the Cass Corridor building.
Parking zones for Midtown residents
Considering the amount of events, new businesses, and restaurants in Midtown and Brush Park, you can imagine the trouble that residents can have parking in those areas. The city recently approved a resolution for parking zones in certain parts of Midtown (close to Little Caesars Arena), and a few areas in Brush Park are up for consideration. Residents can apply for a permit, which will run $60 per year (plus a $35 admin fee), with a discount for seniors and low-income residents. Bridge Detroit
Crushed concrete denied in Core City
Community members in Core City actively opposed plans for a concrete crushing facility in their neighborhood, citing environmental and health concerns. The developer appealed an earlier denial from BSEED, but city officials last week denied the appeal for the new facility. The developer still needs to clean up piles of concrete currently on the site. Detroit Free Press
