Who will green the environment?: DTE Energy received the go-ahead from the Michigan Public Service Commission to create community solar projects in Detroit, River Rouge, and Highland Park, which would give low-income subscribers a monthly deduction on their energy bills. Why are they doing this? Is it because they’re serious about projects that are “greening up the environment,” […]
Posted inVoices
OPINION: Why we’re seeing the fine print price for cheap food (and what we can do about it)
This piece was originally posted to Chef Rigato’s Facebook page. The world of food production, distribution and foodservice continues to face challenges and disruptions from many factors. There’s currently a distribution issue with Sysco in southeastern Michigan. Many people like to say “Sysco sucks, buy local” and while I ultimately agree, Sysco provides a lifeline […]
Posted inAccountability
A tale of two census tracts: Why do people live longer in West Bloomfield than on Detroit’s east side?
When Fiat Chrysler began expanding its east side auto plants last year, the construction noise vibrated homes, heavy trucks rumbled down the street and toxic particulate matter levels spiked. The sum made Binh Phung’s home on neighboring Beniteau Street unbearable, he said, and with a two-month-old infant in the house, the family left to stay […]
Posted inGuides
PARKS REPORT: Pingree Park
View on Instagram >>> Find your way to this park! Pingree Park Pingree Park located at 8501 E Canfield Street is a small park great to take your kids to on a hot day. The park features mature trees that completely shade sitting areas and the playground, allowing kids to play and grown ups to […]
Posted inUncategorized
From the Headlines – June 7-11, 2021
End of an era: On Memorial Day evening, the River Rouge Power Plant sent its last electrons into the grid. Opened in 1956, the DTE Energy-owned facility is one of five coal-powered plants the utility is planning to close by 2022. The facility was no longer burning coal; it converted to “recycled gas” in June 2020. DTE […]
Posted inAccountability
Belle Isle closures reignite concerns over Grand Prix and state control
Last weekend, the hottest of the summer so far, Detroit’s Belle Isle Park closed down to car traffic for several hours on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons because it reached capacity. The shutdown followed a Memorial day closure the week before for the same reason. Representatives for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) say the […]
Posted inAccountability
‘Not just an inconvenience’: Study shows flooding is a public health crisis in Detroit
In Detroit’s Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood, Blake Grannum is experiencing an almost remarkable flood-free spring. The water-filled “Tiger Dams” that the city installed still stand in her backyard, forming a bulwark between her neighborhood and the system of canals that connects to the Detroit River. She now has a working washer and dryer, as well as […]
Posted inGuides
PARKS REPORT: Mariner Park
View on Instagram >>> Find your way to this park! Mariner Park Located at 14702 Riverside Blvd. is Mariner Park, a small green space which features a football/soccer area, playground, and fishing dock. Wednesday was a beautiful day to be by the water and enjoy the nice breeze. Families were out BBQing, fishing, and watching […]
Posted inUncategorized
From the Headlines – May 31-June 4, 2021
On the waterfront: Detroit City Council’s Public Health and Safety Committee has so far refused to advance the proposed Detroit Riverfront Protection Ordinance for consideration by the full council. The ordinance was introduced by councilwoman Raquel Castaneda Lopez in response to the shoreline collapse at Detroit Bulk Storage in 2019 that sparked concerns over contaminated soil moving into the Detroit […]
Posted inCommunity
PARKS REPORT: Gabriel Richard Park
View on Instagram >>> Find your way to this park! Gabriel Richard Park Gabriel Richard Park located at 7130 E Jefferson near Belle Isle is a wonderful green space featuring walking and biking paths, seated areas to enjoy watching butterflies and wild birds, and an amphitheater, making this a cozy spot to grab a coffee […]