Please post positive things about Detroit (no snark or trolling please) (2013, credit)

[adams_aj]

How about a "Pure Michigan. . .Detroit Strong" kind of campaign. Kind of a grass roots, "get in on the ground floor" sort of thing. The train is in the station, gathering steam, getting ready to pull out: so get on board".

Let's brainstorm on what's right with Detroit, and, yes, there are many things right with Detroit. Everyone: just add an item or two to this thread about good things and we'll compile the list. . .

I've summarized the list. The bullets as a whole are huge, but taken in smaller chunks--bullet by bullet--can be broken down and worked. For each of the bullets, let's all chip in and try to enumerate the positives Detroit has going for it.

• Agriculture and Food Systems
• Fisheries
• Forestry and Wood Products
• Manufacturing and Industry
• Small Business
• Technology
• Economics and Finance
• Urban/Rural Economic Ties

As far as, say, Agriculture and Food Systems, as well as Forestry and Wood Products, Detroit has/or can have/ fairly large swaths of land which can be converted for both. Take some of the outlying areas from the core of the city, and plant trees. Then, maybe create or use existing boulevards and focus on making them tree-lined. It is a known fact that trees enhance property values and can be quantified in pure $$$$ in benefit. I can provide links if needed, but trust me on this. Planting and maintaining trees can provide jobs.

Then, maybe closer in, allow farms to take up root. Perhaps even closer in, Farmer's markets can setup with little infrastructure to provide fresh fruits

[Tekkie]

I spent 4th of July riding around the city. I was amazed at how bicycle friendly the city is. There are more dedicated bike lanes and off-road trails than I imagined. Plus, with almost zero auto traffic, it was as if the city was my playground.

[zthatzmanz28]

Detroit has A waterfront. I was soooooo tempted to snark...

[proveick]

[syrnative]

The Red Wings played for the Stanley Cup, the Tigers are leading their division and the Lions play better every season. Sports in Detroit are a terrific attraction for the city.

[adams_aj]

OK, so we've got:

Large swaths of land where most infrastructure can be removed or abandoned, saving city on $$$$ in upgrades and maintenance.

City is bicycle friendly--either by choice or by less vehicular traffic. Can that be built upon?

City has a waterfront: how best to leverage that without too many high-rises to block the view from the rest of us?
There is Belle Isle, too. Turn it into a state park with modest entry fees and close and secure between dusk and dawn?

How about available buildings? Any in good enough shape to turn into Call centers maybe, so that it would be possible to "Outsource to Detroit". English speakers and relatively modest (yet livable) wages could be a huge bonus.

more ideas and things that are "good" about Detroit, please!

[adams_aj]

OK, one I didn't get until recently was : Professional Sports!

The Red Wings played for the Stanley Cup, the Tigers are leading their division and the Lions play better every season. Sports in Detroit are a terrific attraction for the city.

[detwahDJ]

Outside of large cities like Detroit, despite its problems, there is pretty much an across-the-board-cultural wasteland. Some people are okay with this, but others are not.

[Tekkie]

Originally Posted by detwahDJ

Outside of large cities like Detroit, despite its problems, there is pretty much an across-the-board-cultural wasteland. Some people are okay with this, but others are not.

Are you referring to the suburbs?

[proveick]

More food thought. Oh, to start over again.
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