(WXYZ) — Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan celebrated many successes during his 2022 State of the City Address, including the redevelopment of 12 of the worst once-blighted properties throughout the city. Among the success stories he highlighted is the redevelopment of the Michigan Central Depot.
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Duggan presented the speech virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic. No viewers or outside cameras were allowed in the venue.
Duggan also highlighted new efforts that will be launched to make sure blight doesn't return to the city, including the demolition of the shuttered incinerator so it will never be used again.
Duggan also spoke about the efforts to demolish the thousands of blighted houses across the city. He said the city is 2/3rds of the way through the massive effort, having removed 23,000 vacant houses while also rehabbing 11,000 vacant homes. He says they expect to complete the project within the next four years.
As part of the effort, Duggan says the city has sold 20,000 sidelots to residents in the neighborhood. He also announced that they will expand the effort with the Create a Project program. When it launches later this year, the program will allow block clubs, neighborhood associations,S and other groups to buy the land to develop their own projects like community gardens or parks for use by their own communities.
Duggan also said that with the revitalization of the city, they will be working to keep affordable housing options open for residents. These efforts will include the launching of a new affordable housing locator website in the spring. The website will make it easier for residents to search for affordable housing that will fit their personal situations.
Mayor Duggan also addressed the expansion of rec centers in the city, saying they will open 6 new rec centers in various neighborhoods. These will include the Dexter Elmhurst Community Center, which will be renovated and reopened within the next two years, Chandler Park which will receive a new sports dome for year-round activities. The city will also build a new gym at the Farwell Center, and open the Lenox Community Center in Jefferson Chalmers, funded by a $5 million donation by Roger Penske. That facility will open next year.
Duggan also announced a $100 million scholarship fund for adults who will be able to receive training beyond high school, funded by the American Rescue Plan.
