Here are a few of the stories we're following this week:
Murals for Detroit, but not by Detroit
If you've been downtown in recent weeks, you might have noticed some new large-scale murals. It's part of a program called Detroit Be the Change by New York-based Street Art for Mankind. The city paid the non-profit to paint the murals in preparation for the upcoming NFL Draft. But no Detroit artists worked on the murals. The artists that were commissioned worked for a lower-than-average price, which worries Detroit artists, as building owners could see opportunities to pay artists less. Another round of murals is set for spring, and the city plans to work with Detroit artists. Outlier Media
Boathouse update
Last week, the Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee posted a meeting agenda that had an item for discussion about demolishing the Belle Isle Boat House. They revised the agenda after public outcry, and discussed the near-future of the Boat House last Thursday. Demolition would be a last resort situation for the building, and there will be upcoming meetings with public feedback. The DNR is working with Friends of Detroit Rowing, who have been leasing the Boat House, on temporary storage. Part of the roof collapsed last year, making the building unsafe. Bridge Detroit
Carpool lanes on 75
The first HOV (High-Occupancy Vehicle) or carpool lanes in the state are now open on I-75. The left lane between 12 Mile (Madison Heights) and South Boulevard (Pontiac) are designated for vehicles with two or more people in them Monday-Friday, 6-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m. Buses, motorcycles, and emergency vehicles can also use the HOV lane; anyone can use them outside the designated times. The lanes have diamonds painted on them, and violators could be subject to a $250 fine. Crain's Detroit Business
In case you missed it, we toured new Cambria Hotel last week. We also talked with Daily Detroit about the design and new spaces inside.
