Here are a few of the stories we're reading this week.
Red tape and roadblocks for neighborhood developers
Why do smaller developments take so long in the city? The city itself does not make it easy for smaller developers to get their projects started. Outlier talks to developers around the city and looks into the difficulties in zoning, financing, permitting, and other issues that delay work by developers who want to make their neighborhoods better. Outlier Media
New Canadian rail cars coming to the People Mover
The railcars currently used by the People Mover are the same that have been in use since the beginning. Within the next 18 months, they'll be replaced by previously used cars from Toronto. City Council recently approved funding that would ensure operations of the People Mover and the $6 million needed for the new cars. It's a good time for the new (older) cars, since the idea of expanding the 3-mile loop has been on people's minds lately. Detroit Free Press
Royal Oak NIMBYs
A new 42-unit apartment building will go up on the site of a former bank building in Royal Oak off Rochester Road. The City Commission approved plans on Monday, and neighbors are not happy about it. While they mayor says it will bring more affordable housing, nearby residents say it will add a lot more traffic to the neighborhood, and at three-and-a-half stories, it's too tall, as most houses in the area are ranches. CBS Detroit
