Density Doesn't Solve Everything

Jane Jacobs

I'm a huge fan of population density. I have lived in and visited other cities with a lot more density than Detroit. I've seen its benefits on a firsthand basis. I've also been known to thrust Jane Jacobs's books in the faces of random people and urge them to read her works.

When Mayor Dave Bing started talking about increasing Detroit's population density, I was pleasantly surprised. There was a moment when I thought that we had an administration that got it; one that was able to move Detroit forward. Unfortunately, a year later, all we have is talk.

The worst part of this is that Detroiters still pay a tax burden that is roughly double national averages and we still suffer through public services that are almost non-existent. There seems to be a general acknowledgement that we need to change these things. However, we as a community have not made any real progress towards improving these matters over the past year.

I have, however, heard several people postulate that once a plan to improve Detroit's density is finalized and implemented things will start to improve. I have even heard people argue, in complete seriousness, that improving Detroit's population density is a prerequisite for improving basic city services.

This argument is, in my opinion, downright terrifying. The fact that I keep hearing this means that a sound urban principle, such as population density, has become nothing more than a corporate buzzword that is thrown around in lieu of actual ideas or actions.

For everyone who believes that Detroit cannot improve its core city services or reduce its tax burden until it improve its population density, I ask you to consider a few things:

Join Detroit Synergy at the Historic Dossin Mansion

Detroit Synergy will present its inaugural fundraising gala, Circa 1925, this Friday, October 22 at the historic Dossin Mansion (450 Keelson Dr.) in the Grayhaven Subdivision. This will include an evening of complimentary hors d'oeuvres, cash bar including beer, wine, and classic cocktails cocktails, as well as music from DJ Chris Guyer.

All of this will take place in the historic Dossin Mansion, which a Prohibition era venue that is rarely open to the public. Guests will be able to see the boat well that (presumably) once allowed for the clandestine delivery of alcohol as well as the speakeasy that operated in its basement.

Exterior of the Dossin Mansion

There will also be a "tin can" auction of various prizes that have been donated by the Detroit Tigers and other prominent businesses in the Detroit area.

Tickets for this gala are available in advance for only $25. At the door, they will be $35. Advance tickets and other details are available on Detroit Synergy's web site here.

BREAKING NEWS: Police Officer Shot, Gunman Barricaded

An unidentified Detroit police officer was shot in the shoulder this evening in the vicinity of Mound Rd. and E. McNichols, which on the far east side of Detroit. According to WXYZ-TV, the shooter is reportedly barricaded in a nearby home.

The officer was reportedly treated at Detroit Receiving Hospital and released.

Police Officer Shot, Gunman Barricaded

Update @ 11:10 a.m. - October 16, 2010

The Detroit News is reporting that three men have been taken into custody in connection with this incident. They reportedly seized an undisclosed amount of narcotics as well as an AR-15 assault rifle.

Happy Binary Day

I want to wish a Happy Binary Day to everyone in the Warrendale neighborhood and beyond.

Today is 10/10/10. We'll never see the ones and zeros of the calendar line up in perfect binary fashion like this in our lifetimes.

Life is about enjoying the odd moments like this.

Tip of the Week: Chili's Donates Profits Today

The Chili's Grill & Bar (5707 Southfield Fwy.) in Warrendale is joining thousands of other participating Chili's restaurants across the United States and donating 100% of their profits for today to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to help fight childhood cancer.

To date, participating Chili's restaurants have raised more than $30 million for St. Jude, moving the brand beyond the halfway point of its 10-year goal of $50 million. Once completed, Chili's contribution will be the largest donation from a single partner campaign in St. Jude history.

Eat at Chili's and help fight childhood cancer. It's your Warrendale Tip of the Week.

Help Board Vacant Houses

There is a group of us within the Warrendale neighborhood who are trying to the vacant houses in our neighborhood boarded up.  We could use your help.

This video explains it all.

Detroit Police Make $1 Million Drug Bust

The Detroit Police Department announced a major narcotics arrest this afternoon, taking more than $1 million in illicit drugs off the streets of Detroit. While it did not happen in the Warrendale neighborhood, it is still a significant development for all Detroiters. This arrest was made possible by the combined efforts by the members of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Investigations, Detroit Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration. These law enforcement officers are assigned to Detroit Border Enforcement Security Task Force (B.E.S.T.).

A B.E.S.T. member received information that a package containing several wooden hangers had suspected drugs hidden inside of them and was to be delivered to a party store located on W. Grand Blvd. The task force members intercepted the parcel that was about to be delivered on Tuesday.

The task force then set up surveillance and, once the package was delivered, a search warrant was executed to retrieve the parcel. Officers seized the package, along with brown paperbags containing 300 hydrocodone pills and a vial of 120 xanax pills with an estimate street value of $4,260. Officers also recovered additional heroin from inside of the business, making it a total of 799.5 grams of heroin with a street value of approximately $1.4 million

They also recovered over $18,000 in suspected drug proceeds, six hand guns, two long guns, as well as two vehicles (2008 Chevy Suburban and 2010 Audi). Three suspects have been identified and not-in-custody warrants will be issued. Since January, 2010, the Detroit Police has confiscated 23,213 grams of heroin, with an estimate street value of over $ 41 million.

"Due to the support and collaborative efforts with ICE and the DEA, we will continue to rid our neighborhoods of these drugs which can be linked to the majority of violence within our communities,” Chief Ralph Godbee said in a written statement.