Architectural rendering of a planned bike/walking path.
The Fitzgerald neighborhood transformation promised by the Duggan administration is behind schedule. Is it also in danger of failing? Bridge Magazine takes a look.
Architectural rendering of a planned bike/walking path.
Attendees at October's CityLab conference were taken on a tour of Fitzgerald, where a $4 million neighborhood-wide transformation -- encompassing housing rehabs, a new park, bike paths and more -- was announced in 2017. What they found was a work still very much in progress, and a year behind schedule. Chastity Pratt Dawsey writes:
Delays are common in all development, especially in blighted areas. And Detroit has never before attempted a neighborhood revitalization project the size and scope of Fitzgerald, said Arthur Jemison, the city’s housing director.
Others say Duggan, who announced the Fitzgerald plan during an election year, may have over-promised what he could deliver – but neighborhood revitalization efforts with realistic goals will march on.
“The wrong message is this means neighborhoods cannot redevelop,” said Donna Givens, president and CEO of Eastside Community Network, a community development nonprofit.
The plans call for 99 houses to be rehabbed and either sold or leased, but so far only three have been completed, and have sold for well under the cost of fixing them up. On the other hand, the new Ella Fitzgerald Park has given the area a focal point. Vacant lots have been cleared, and a community garden started.
City officials blame the delay on the Detroit Land Bank, which took longer than expected to turn over clear title to the vacant homes set for rehab.
