How a community revitalized Clark Park, claims of a leak from construction of a new arts center in Grosse Pointe, and plans to enhance regional connectivity through a comprehensive public transit initiative in Wayne County.
Clark Park is a collaboration between the City of Detroit and the non-profit Clark Park Coalition who formed in 1991 when the city faced a financial crisis. (Photo credit: Zaïré Talon Daniels)

Here’s a weekly behind-the-scenes glimpse at some of the stories we’re following. Have a reading recommendation? Let us know at nina@planetdetroit.org

???? Saving Clark Park: A determined community effort led by the Clark Park Coalition saved Clark Park from closure and decay in the heart of southwest Detroit. Through fundraising, volunteer work, and renewed investment, the park transformed into a thriving hub, embodying the resilience and unity of its residents. (Freep)

???? Something smells: The Archdiocese of Detroit claims the construction of a Grosse Pointe Park arts center caused leakage of an oily, smelly substance into the ground beneath St. Ambrose Church. The controversies surrounding the A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Center for the Performing Arts and the Richard and Jane Manoogian Art Gallery include disputes with St. Ambrose and legal battles over construction issues and property rights. Despite a stop work order, the Urban Renewal Initiative Foundation (URIF), known for flouting local ordinances, faced a second lawsuit for continuing construction on the $45 million performing arts center. Wayne County and the Fox Creek Drainage District accused URIF and PCI Industries of endangering residents by building over a vital drain easement, risking flooding and hindering future maintenance of crucial infrastructure. (Detroit News, Metro Times)

????️ Clear the air: Members of the newly launched Clear the Air coalition hosted policymakers and environmental advocates on a tour of polluted areas in metro Detroit, emphasizing the impact of industrial pollution on air quality. They called for stricter enforcement of existing ordinances and proposed legislation to address cumulative pollution impacts to protect public health, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by pollution-related health issues. (Michigan Advance, Michigan Public)

???? Water bill help: Oakland County residents can now apply for a new program, launched by the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash in partnership with the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, that provides up to $2,000 to cover water and sewer bills, address past due balances and pay for plumbing repairs. The program aims to assist families experiencing temporary financial hardships, such as sudden job loss or medical expenses, who do not qualify for existing water assistance but still struggle to afford water services. Eligibility is based on income, with residents making up to 300% of the federal poverty level qualifying for assistance. (Freep)

????Opting out of opting out: Wayne County Executive Warren Evans announced plans to place a countywide public transit initiative on the November ballot during a Detroit Regional Chamber event. The proposal seeks to eliminate the option for communities to opt out of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART), aiming to extend service throughout all 43 municipalities in Wayne County. This follows the example set by Oakland County in 2022, where voters approved a similar measure. Despite potential opposition from communities that have historically opted out. Evans and other supporters argue that a unified transit system would enhance connectivity and access to essential services across the region. (Detroit News)

???? Money for lead pipes: Michigan will receive approximately $62 million in federal funds for lead pipe replacements, as the Environmental Protection Agency announced. This funding is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It aims to address the issue of lead leaching from pipes into drinking water. The Biden administration’s efforts include proposing a rule to lower the acceptable level of lead in water and mandating the replacement of lead service lines within a specified timeframe. (Detroit News)

???????? Labor moves: The Michigan Senate recently passed a bill that expands the state’s prevailing wage law to include renewable energy projects such as solar and wind. The legislation, pushed through by Senate Democrats, mandates that projects over two megawatts pay union-level wages. (Michigan Advance)

???? Fresh food: Gleaners is launching Fresh! by Gleaners, a market-style emergency food assistance facility, to serve metro Detroit families struggling with food insecurity. The facility will offer fresh produce, dairy, and a convenient drive-through, aiming to eliminate barriers to access for those in need. (Freep)

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Nina Misuraca Ignaczak is an award-winning Metro Detroit-based editor, journalist, and documentary filmmaker. She is the founder, publisher, and editor of Planet Detroit, a digital media startup focused on producing quality climate, health, and environment journalism that holds power accountable, and spotlights solutions. Planet Detroit has received awards and recognition from the Society for Professional Journalists Detroit, the Institute for Nonprofit News, and LION Publishers since its establishment in 2019. Prior to her journalism career, Nina worked in urban planning in local government and nonprofit sectors, holding a Master of Science in Natural Resource Ecology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.