Region Grows as Systemic Destruction Continues within Detroit

The question of systemic destruction of Detroit needs to be questioned in light of an article "Detroit region population grows, census shows" -- Freep.

Oakland and Macomb counties pull population of the metropolitan area forward .5% while other counties struggle. These numbers show that long-term urban centers continue to lose population and "upward mobility" heading away from them continues. Many are sacrificing excess transportation to work, ensuring a barrier to accommodate class divide and distance from urban pollution.

Oakland County added 10,997 residents, an increase of 0.9%, and Macomb County added 7,059 residents, an increase of 0.8%.

Two counties lost population. Wayne County had the greatest decline in the region, losing 17,233 residents, or about 1%, while St. Clair County lost 188 residents, or 0.1%.

The remaining counties in the region experienced slight increases. Livingston County gained 1,348 residents, or 0.7%, and Lapeer County gained 158 residents, or 0.2%.

According to the Freep article there is interest in moving into Detroit, however the number of 'suitable' properties has quickly diminished. So much that new construction is being requested by many. Is there an interest in 'terra-forming' a 'New Detroit' being led by banking interests?

Systemic Demolition of Detroit

The city's efforts to demolish properties, many of which could be inhabited, favors bringing new Detroiters in and removal of long-term residents.

Components of the System of Destruction

• Movement of public utilities and services to authorities with privatized providers, funded by increased financial obligations. New authorities open more directions for issuance of municipal bonds, adding complexity and removing the ability for the public to actively petition against debt increases. An example of this is the Public Lighting Authority of Detroit, replacing the Department of Public Lighting for Detroit and potentially growing with absorbing other municipal lighting departments in financial distress into the metropolitan authority. Detroit has also seen increases in garbage pickup and road maintenance by contracted companies.
• Reduction of service for public services and utilities. Examples of this would be declining service provided by Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT), and the Water Department escalating shut-offs on residents delinquent 60 days or more on bill payments.
• Demolition of properties is being chosen rather than deconstruction or even modest repairs. Some homes demolished could be said to be in need of minor repairs before being moved into. There are also homes which have been foreclosed upon / abandoned that have water running in them or frozen in pipes, which in turn endangers the house.
• Individuals and groups from outside Detroit reduce property values through garbage hauling and dumping from suburban sources into urban neighborhoods which may or may not be in distress.
• Public school systems continue to be legislated against and pushed to privatization and educational authorities established. The funding into classrooms continues to decline as this shift to moving education to big business grows, and resulting administrative expenses (including advertising) grows.
• Grocery stores, gas stations, laundry, restaurants, and more are primarily managed by non-residents who have gained privilege from lenders by removing themselves from the neighborhood.
• Insurance companies gauge risk within Detroit with impunity, hiking rates much higher than suburban areas.
• Access to parks and public places is being encroached upon by private financing for maintenance and security, often from companies that have received tax abatement with the promise of improving neighborhoods and residential employment. This amounts to wanton dissolution of public commons and sacrifice of community pride through responsibility for these commons.
• People whom have had access to necessary services look toward how to survive in a society that seems turned against them. 'Criminal' activity rises when the need is great. This in turn escalates law enforcement and general suspicion that all residents are guilty merely by association with each other.

The system of destruction establishes a police-state that oppresses rather than enables needs to be met. Addressing one item from above is insufficient to cause the system as a whole to fail. Those oppressed don't know where to turn for relief and many become complacent, tolerating injustice.

The above is an opinion of the author, not necessarily endorsed by the group.

A Google+ community has been established "Documenting Gentrification of Detroit"