When I wrote my first blog post, I was very motivated by the concept of public, shared space because of the book I was reading, Palaces for the People. From the book, I took note of how public spaces create communities in neighborhoods and cities. These communities are fundamental in creating healthy, happy and well-connected […]
Week 9: A Circle Back to the Beginning Read More »
The project I was assigned at the Nortown Community Development Corporation (NCDC) was an investigation into the Conner Creek Greenway (CCG). In short, the CCG is a bike trail that extends from the northeast corner of Detroit all the way down to the riverfront park, Maheras-Gentry Park. It follows the historic trail of the Conner
Week 8: The Conner Creek Greenway (not the same as the Joe Louis Greenway!) …. And more Read More »
All of our guest speakers have impressed me with their knowledge and work. I have appreciated learning about the history of Detroit as well as its current challenges and the countless groups attempting to provide some kind of solution to them. Raquel Garcia, the Executive Director of Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision, has stood out in
Week Seven: Lessons From Our Guest Speakers Read More »
The drive to my work site is about seventeen minutes long from the Anthony Wayne apartments. It takes me east through Midtown until I merge onto I-94. I continue on along the highway before taking exit 218 to turn onto Van Dyke Avenue. The next segment of the trip is the ten to twelve minute
Week Six: Van Dyke Ave Read More »
Now that we’ve spent more time at our sites, we’re beginning to become more familiar with the work of our non-profits, the daily routines and our mentors’ roles in their communities. There is still much to learn, of course, but it is reassuring to be comfortable with at least some of the tasks we have
Week Five: NCDC’s Executive Director Read More »
P.E. Moskowitz’s How to Kill a City recounts Detroit’s changes over time. It explains the policies and movements that led to the red-lining of urban neighborhoods, encouraged suburbia, emptied and economically destroyed cities, and initiated the process of “revitalization” that commonly signifies gentrification. Moskowitz is relatively brief in explaining these various stages in urban history,
Week Four: How to Kill a City Read More »
From my experience thus far, something that has stood out is the role of the city. My coworkers describe “the city” as an actor in community affairs, by which I assume they mean bodies like City Council and the mayor. Admittedly, it is tricky to keep up with the many names, but I have gathered
Week 3: A City’s Change Over Time Read More »
The Nortown Community Development Corporation (NCDC) is a non-profit organization with many different projects. The corporation has ninety-five affordable housing units that are managed and rented, heads projects to restore historical landmarks like the Norris House and the Conner Creek and organizes many community development projects to build parks and business associations. On any typical
Week 2: Becoming Acquainted with the Nortown CDC Read More »
Hello all! I’m Owen. Next fall, I’ll be a junior in LSA with a double major in Organizational Studies and Environmental Studies. I’m professionally interested in issues relating to urbanism, public/shared space and public transportation. My hometown is Ann Arbor, so I’ve grown up living next to and hearing all about Detroit, but I haven’t
