New Millennium checks in with more environmentally-aware issues at bay
The new millenium, which clocked in without the expected computer glitches, power failures and general chaos, began with a gruesome discovery (and resulting clean-out) at the Hannah Court Trailer Park, located on the Ecorse/Lincoln Park border. A total of 22 trailers were moved out of the lot in the first phase of cleaning, leading authorities in many communities to take a second look at the condition of area mobile home parks, and to step up enforcement of maintenance wherever needed.
Meanwhile on Downriver's west side, the liquid waste disposal permit for Birmingham-based Environmental Disposal Systems (EDS) was nearing its approval stage in March. The site on Citrin Drive had stood ready for several years for construction of a well and above-ground facilities (which would have a 20-year lifespan), but residential backlash (the last occurred in November of 1999 at Romulus High School) helped postpone plans time after time. |
State Representative Ray Basham said he had contacted various firms that EDS would sign agreements with, and stated that none of those places had the amount of waste flow necessary to create such an operation in Romulus. Additionally, with that segment of the market competitive already, another facility was not deemed necessary. Douglas Wicklund, the president of EDS, was not phased, claiming his company had "a better mouse trap" than any competitior, and that residents hadn't taken the time to learn exactly "what we are trying to do." A total of $11 million for development had been contributed to that point by the Detroit Police & Fire Retirement System, but it was estimated $12 million more was needed.
Schaefer farm officially ceases operations due to increased urbanization
Downriver's original "industry" showed definite signs of nearing an end. With only 6 1/2 acres of land to farm, and with the output being mostly hay bales, Mr. Schaefer announced he would be selling his house, barn and supporting property, thereby ending operations at a complex which once encompassed the entire northwestern corner of Southgate. Mr. Schaefer and family were planning to move to new quarters in Carleton, and mentioned that while he would miss the farming life, the construction of I-75 through Southgate in 1966 virtually halved his property and damaged whatever possibility was there to maintain full operations.
After over 200 years, question of Bob-Lo ownership gets put to the test again
On May 1, 2000, the Canada Indian Claims Commission reported that Bob-Lo Island was never legally sold by the Walpole Island First Nation Indian tribe. The island had been deeded to them by King George III back in 1763, and it was asserted they never voluntarily gave up the land despite various acquisitions in the centuries following. As a result, the tribe claimed they never received fair compensation and were still entitled to the land rights, in spite of the fact a new housing development was already several years in progress.
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"Right now the government is the judge, the jury and the whole thing. They've got all the power. That is not proper. That is not right." |
This would void an aboriginal deed that had been in place since 1786 which in turn had depended on a 1763 Royal Proclamation that - as it seemed to turn out - was never validated.
The Canadian government claimed the current owner, John Oram, had clear title to the land since purchasing it from the prior Bob-Lo Amusement Park partnership in 1994; the Indian tribe chief Joseph Gilbert claimed otherwise. A trial on this took place which would last into 2003.
The Canadian government claimed the current owner, John Oram, had clear title to the land since purchasing it from the prior Bob-Lo Amusement Park partnership in 1994; the Indian tribe chief Joseph Gilbert claimed otherwise. A trial on this took place which would last into 2003.
Aquinas High School closes its doors after 35 years of education
Just down Northline Road, Aquinas High School saw the last of its seniors graduate, as the institution would close its doors for the final time at the end of the 2000 school year. With total class sizes peaking at 800 in the 1970s, the entire student body comprised 83 students at the end.
A proposal six months earlier to combine the populations of Allen Park's Cabrini High, Riverview's Gabriel Richard High and Aquinas to form a new Downriver Catholic consortium (Cardinal Dearden High School) had failed.
The majority of the remaining underclassmen, as well as many of the staff, ended up at Cabrini High School, which pledged to keep some Aquinas traditions (such as their Academic Olympics) going.
A proposal six months earlier to combine the populations of Allen Park's Cabrini High, Riverview's Gabriel Richard High and Aquinas to form a new Downriver Catholic consortium (Cardinal Dearden High School) had failed.
The majority of the remaining underclassmen, as well as many of the staff, ended up at Cabrini High School, which pledged to keep some Aquinas traditions (such as their Academic Olympics) going.
The new Millennium gets rude awakening with a "100 year rainfall"
A three-day stretch of heavy rainfall occurred in Downriver and Detroit from September 10th thru September 12th. The Metropolitan area tallied 5.73 inches of rain over that period, which today ranks as the fourth heaviest three-day rain total in Michigan history. It was termed a "100-year rainfall," perhaps a way to signal a need for an official emergency declaration. In the midst of the worst of the storm, the local sewer systems malfunctioned, resulting in over 13,000 homes flooded by sewer system backups. It was later found that treatment plants in Detroit and Wyandotte were "run improperly," though nothing specific was stated. Of these flooded homes, there were 34 potential class-action lawsuits filed against Wayne County.
This would be the first real test of new wastewater treatment requirement guidelines first written in 1977 and revised in 1987; both times due to prior lawsuits. The prior two cases were settled by consent judgements. The cases in 2000 were instead referred to the Federal level. Plaintiffs would cry foul over this, desiring the cases to be held locally. Their request was overturned at the county level as well as from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, as it was ruled the Federal courts did have proper jurisdiction to the claims.
This would be the first real test of new wastewater treatment requirement guidelines first written in 1977 and revised in 1987; both times due to prior lawsuits. The prior two cases were settled by consent judgements. The cases in 2000 were instead referred to the Federal level. Plaintiffs would cry foul over this, desiring the cases to be held locally. Their request was overturned at the county level as well as from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, as it was ruled the Federal courts did have proper jurisdiction to the claims.
The 11-year saga of Petroleum Specialties comes to a merciful end
By the end of 2000, the long-standing saga with Petroleum Specialties, Inc. (PSI) and its embattled owner Marvin Fleischman finally drew to a close. The December 28 edition of the Federal Register mentioned the Department of Justice and Fleischman agreeing to a consent decree, where the former business owner would owe a $6 million at-fault judgement, plus additional federal payments and fines. The majority of buildings and structures were leveled by this time, and contaminated dirt hauling from the site was completed.
Cruisin' Downriver begins its Fort Street travels
One of Downriver's newest traditions began with a conversation involving Glen Cairns, son of Evelyn Cairns, who was the News-Herald's long-time food critic and Lifestyles editor. Glen owned a 1929 Ford Model A which he had restored and liked to show off. However, transporting the classic vehicle to the starting point of the Woodward Dream Cruise in Oakland County was too far a haul.
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He felt a car cruise would fit best in the Downriver area, which was located just south of the historic Ford Rouge complex. "My son said, 'This is where it should be because these are the car people," Evelyn would indicate in a later interview.
Under the watchful eyes of Cairns, community booster Ed Clemente and News-Herald Publisher Donald Thurlow, Cruisin' Downriver began in 2001 with a reported crowd of over 200,000. The event has continued each year since (except 2015), with increased interest, to this day.
Under the watchful eyes of Cairns, community booster Ed Clemente and News-Herald Publisher Donald Thurlow, Cruisin' Downriver began in 2001 with a reported crowd of over 200,000. The event has continued each year since (except 2015), with increased interest, to this day.
Atofina Chemical plant becomes one of Downriver's biggest environmental disasters
On July 14, 2001, Downriver narrowly averted a major disaster which occurred at the Atofina Chemical Plant on West Jefferson and Pennsylvania in Riverview, which employed 212 people. A connector pipe separated from a faulty valve attached to a railcar, through which methyl mercaptan was being pumped. A 911 dispatch was placed at 3:41 AM and first responders arrived at the scene just after 4:00.
At 4:10, low-level ground vapors began burning, resulting in a fireball explosion approximately 50 feet wide and over 200 feet high. The fire would burn for seven hours, with chemical vapor being taken by the wind into Grosse Ile and Ontario. By 5:00 AM, Riverview Fire Chief Robert Hale began to order the evacuation of thousands of residents living in Grosse Ile, Riverview, Trenton and Wyandotte. Three employees died as a result of the explosion.
Reaction to the disaster was immediate, yet panicked. Grosse Ile did not have a system of alert sirens and were short of public safety personnel, who might have been able to drive around the Township with bullhorns. The Township was forced to resort to a telephone directory to contact residents, but some complained that they either never got a phone call, or received one too late. The Coast Guard shut down both the Detroit River and Trenton Channel, three shelters were put into place for evacuees, and people as far as Essex County, Ontario were braced to evacuate until a wind change made such a step unnecessary.
Two weeks later, residents packed a Public Hearing to address the issue, demanding a better type of Emergency Alert System made for disasters outside extreme weather events. In the meantime, two class-action lawsuits had been levied against Atofina for the disaster. Adding to the woes for those affected, neither the Wayne County Board of Health nor the Michigan Department of Health would document the number of chemical exposure cases reported. An attempt at outreach to area universities resulted in a stalemate as well into December. A proposed system would be discussed in October involving Trenton's Riverside Hospital, Wayne County and Detroit Metro Airport: if a resident heard a siren, tune in to an AM radio station for further updates.
In a positive post-script, by December of 2001, Grosse Ile announced they had an advanced siren and alert system erected and in place.
At 4:10, low-level ground vapors began burning, resulting in a fireball explosion approximately 50 feet wide and over 200 feet high. The fire would burn for seven hours, with chemical vapor being taken by the wind into Grosse Ile and Ontario. By 5:00 AM, Riverview Fire Chief Robert Hale began to order the evacuation of thousands of residents living in Grosse Ile, Riverview, Trenton and Wyandotte. Three employees died as a result of the explosion.
Reaction to the disaster was immediate, yet panicked. Grosse Ile did not have a system of alert sirens and were short of public safety personnel, who might have been able to drive around the Township with bullhorns. The Township was forced to resort to a telephone directory to contact residents, but some complained that they either never got a phone call, or received one too late. The Coast Guard shut down both the Detroit River and Trenton Channel, three shelters were put into place for evacuees, and people as far as Essex County, Ontario were braced to evacuate until a wind change made such a step unnecessary.
Two weeks later, residents packed a Public Hearing to address the issue, demanding a better type of Emergency Alert System made for disasters outside extreme weather events. In the meantime, two class-action lawsuits had been levied against Atofina for the disaster. Adding to the woes for those affected, neither the Wayne County Board of Health nor the Michigan Department of Health would document the number of chemical exposure cases reported. An attempt at outreach to area universities resulted in a stalemate as well into December. A proposed system would be discussed in October involving Trenton's Riverside Hospital, Wayne County and Detroit Metro Airport: if a resident heard a siren, tune in to an AM radio station for further updates.
In a positive post-script, by December of 2001, Grosse Ile announced they had an advanced siren and alert system erected and in place.
The Duke of Downriver passes away, leaves a gaping hole in community affairs
Americans come together after 9/11, airport policies would change
The horrifying day that was September 11, 2001, stunned people around the world and drastically affected operations at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Within hours of the early morning attacks at the World Trade Center, operations at the airport were suspended indefinitely, as they were for all flights coming in and out of the country. After a silence of two days, a Spirit Airlines flight landed at Metro, marking the return of operations, but ones completely changed.
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A person who had not been at the airport for years and was used to a terminal complex with easy public access would not find conditions the same. Security was ramped up considerably, formerly accessible areas were no longer permitted open. The long-time observation deck at the Smith Terminal was roped off and closed for the remainder of the terminal's active life. The popular past-time of airplane spotting in adjacent lands off of Grant & Wayne Road were curtailed for security purposes. Traffic into the airport was strictly for those either dropping off or picking up passengers; there were no more people going to the airport just to people-watch. The charm the airport held at this time was long-gone, but safety potential was increased a great deal.
This would slow down, but not completely stop, the efforts at construction of the first new terminal at the airport in 27 years. The terminal, which would be named after Wayne County Executive Edward McNamara, would go into service two years later.
This would slow down, but not completely stop, the efforts at construction of the first new terminal at the airport in 27 years. The terminal, which would be named after Wayne County Executive Edward McNamara, would go into service two years later.
Montgomery Ward bids adieu to Downriver after 42 years of service
The first year of the new millenium ended with the sad news of the passing of a legend: after nearly 125 years in business, Montgomery Ward announced the closure of all its remaining nationwide stores, including the anchor store at Southgate Shopping Center.
Dismal holiday sales prompted the immediate announcement and action. Its closure, along with the recent reduction in size of Service Merchandise, left the center without a major anchor tenant. Immediate plans were in the works following the closure, including the possible location of a Wal-Mart to take the place of Wards. |
There were even suggestions that the second floor could simply be ripped out for use as a home improvement store site. However, after much discussion, mall owner Michael Sisskind doubted there would be any movement toward a Wal-Mart store at that time. Interest for a future store then proceeded to a site near the Sears store in Lincoln Park. Wards' Allen Park Distribution Center and surplus store had already closed their doors a couple years before.
In 2001, five years after Michael Wilkinson bought the former McLouth Steel Company and had the name changed to Detroit Steel Company (DSC), the plant was geared up and ready to go. Its aim was not strictly steel production, however: plans were in the making to make a railroad shipping company, the Riverview/Trenton Railroad Company. However, initial concerns voiced by the public were over the fear of deepwater ship building commencing on the property, a fact that did concern the mayors of both cities.
Destination Airport: Land acquisition promotes dream of a major logistics hub
With the opening of the McNamara / Northwest World Gateway in 2002, Wayne County was championing the idea of building an aerotropolis extending south from the airport toward Huron Township, and west to the site of Willow Run Airport. Medical / research laboratories and logistics companies would abound the area, anchored by what would be termed a "Racino", an Indian-run casino and horse racetrack to be located northwest of the I-94 / Merriman Road corridor. Officials believed, in spite of the closure of Ladbrooke DRC in Livonia several years earlier, horse racing was still alive and well with the public, and would bring additional business to the airport for those people arriving to stay in that area, versus going to Detroit and other surrounding areas.
However, that wasn't what the city of Detroit was wanting to hear. Their political body felt they had fought the good fight and earned their three permanent casinos, and no agreement (to them) was worth siphoning off customers. Missed deadlines and broad lack of communication would eventually shelf the initial idea of a casino/racino complex to the airport's north. But time would prove the popularity of a niche sport.
However, that wasn't what the city of Detroit was wanting to hear. Their political body felt they had fought the good fight and earned their three permanent casinos, and no agreement (to them) was worth siphoning off customers. Missed deadlines and broad lack of communication would eventually shelf the initial idea of a casino/racino complex to the airport's north. But time would prove the popularity of a niche sport.
Controversial County-Wide Landfill expansion puts recall target on Gibraltar Mayor
Mayor Richard Kuhn would face a possible ouster from office as a January 7, 2003 recall date loomed closer. At issue was the city's agreement with the County-Wide Landfill operation, which had been controversial for many years since its establishment in the 1950s. Kuhn had reaffirmed an earlier verbal agreement between the city and landfill which virtually approved an aggressive expansion program, which would result in more money for the city coffers.
Mayoral supporters indicated voters knew of Kuhn's stance on the landfill, and elected him over landfill (and mayoral) opponent Kathy LaPointe in the prior election. |
"I think I'm going to win. I haven't done anything wrong. If I lose, it's not going to hurt me, it's going to hurt the city." |
Kuhn had made earlier efforts to halt the recall attempt via restraining order, indicating that residents had mistakenly signed what they thought was a landfill petition, when it had in fact been the recall petition. His request was denied on December 26, 2002, but the upcoming election would not dampen Kuhn's spirits. Indeed, with the votes cast, Kuhn would retain his mayoral seat with a 530-396 favorable tally.
Replay of the Great Northeastern Blackout of 1965 includes Downriver
Michigan had been spared what had been the country's worst-ever blackout in November 1965, but luck would not strike twice on August 14, 2003, as parts of the Downriver area would be buried in darkness for the longest time since the "Derecho" Green Storm of July 16, 1980. This incident remains the ninth largest blackout in world history when the amount of affected people are taken into account; nationwide nearly ten million experienced a loss of power.
To this day, the actual cause of this second Northeastern Blackout is not immediately clear, although we know the incident did not begin in Michigan, and fault was mainly placed on FirstEnergy of Ohio for a possible software bug. |
The Downriver area was among the first to be affected around 4:10 PM on August 14. Marathon's refinery on the Melvindale border was shuttered and a one square-mile area was evacuated due to a small explosion caused by trapped gasses. No injuries were reported.
No contaminants would be released into the air or find their way into the sanitary sewer system, but that system would not have been able to handle any release regardless: without power, sewage could not be treated, and found its way into residential basements. WDIV (Channel 4) had previously warned these affected residents to move valuables to the highest level of their homes, as some areas were in fact experiencing negative water pressure. A mandatory boil-water alert was placed into effect until August 18. Everyone would receive their power back by the 16th.
The root cause of the outage still involved several factors, but chief among them was a tree in Ohio sagging onto power lines, which short-circuited and would have resulted in necessary shutdowns of the local power grid, provided the software controlling the FirstEnergy alarm was working properly. One ramification of the blackout was a new set of guidelines to be followed by power companies regarding routine tree-trimming projects; these would be accelerated in overgrown areas.
No contaminants would be released into the air or find their way into the sanitary sewer system, but that system would not have been able to handle any release regardless: without power, sewage could not be treated, and found its way into residential basements. WDIV (Channel 4) had previously warned these affected residents to move valuables to the highest level of their homes, as some areas were in fact experiencing negative water pressure. A mandatory boil-water alert was placed into effect until August 18. Everyone would receive their power back by the 16th.
The root cause of the outage still involved several factors, but chief among them was a tree in Ohio sagging onto power lines, which short-circuited and would have resulted in necessary shutdowns of the local power grid, provided the software controlling the FirstEnergy alarm was working properly. One ramification of the blackout was a new set of guidelines to be followed by power companies regarding routine tree-trimming projects; these would be accelerated in overgrown areas.
Despite these precautions, Downriver and the rest of the country would continue to voice concerns about the aging of the local power grid and what could be done to avoid future mass outages. To this date, wind power has been mentioned but has not been widely attempted here, perhaps owing to space limitations. Wyandotte, which has their own power system, has been at the forefront of discussions utilizing solar and wind as future power sources.
An engineering marvel? A technological breakthrough? Or a "big blue blunder?"
The Telegraph and I-94 interchange in Taylor, long neglected and in serious danger, would finally get a needed upgrade in 2004 with the construction of the present interchange. The two spans make up the "Gateway to Detroit" bridge as part of Michigan's first Single-Point Urban Interchange (SPUI), which takes advantage of smaller areas to move large quantities of traffic more effectively.
A redesign was needed for quite some time. The Telegraph and Ecorse Road exits were back-to-back, left-hand entrance and left-hand exit interchanges, which were considered extremely hazardous (the Ecorse Road exit on I-94 has been resurfaced, but still has ingress/egress to the left due to lack of space).
While critics did agree that the 1950s-style interchange was considered dangerous with elevated traffic levels, this new type of bridge did not sit well with them either. Telegraph traffic flow would rely simply on pavement markings. There would be no raised or ridged areas designating an "out-of-bounds" anywhere underneath the double span. These critics thought lane markings were not enough to prevent weaving, wayward traffic and increased accidents. The general unfamiliarity of the bridge design was also cited as being a disadvantage to area residents who would need to grasp the configurations quickly.
A similar set of critics would chime in, saying the coincidental timing of downtown Detroit's upcoming All-Star Game at Comerica Park, plus the next Super Bowl at Ford Field, were the sole purposes for the construction of this particular design, and it was in fact part of the reason: people coming east from Metro Airport would have something aesthetic to look at. Despite all the negative vibes generated, including the project being tabbed the "Big Blue Blunder," safety would come first and construction would commence on schedule.
A redesign was needed for quite some time. The Telegraph and Ecorse Road exits were back-to-back, left-hand entrance and left-hand exit interchanges, which were considered extremely hazardous (the Ecorse Road exit on I-94 has been resurfaced, but still has ingress/egress to the left due to lack of space).
While critics did agree that the 1950s-style interchange was considered dangerous with elevated traffic levels, this new type of bridge did not sit well with them either. Telegraph traffic flow would rely simply on pavement markings. There would be no raised or ridged areas designating an "out-of-bounds" anywhere underneath the double span. These critics thought lane markings were not enough to prevent weaving, wayward traffic and increased accidents. The general unfamiliarity of the bridge design was also cited as being a disadvantage to area residents who would need to grasp the configurations quickly.
A similar set of critics would chime in, saying the coincidental timing of downtown Detroit's upcoming All-Star Game at Comerica Park, plus the next Super Bowl at Ford Field, were the sole purposes for the construction of this particular design, and it was in fact part of the reason: people coming east from Metro Airport would have something aesthetic to look at. Despite all the negative vibes generated, including the project being tabbed the "Big Blue Blunder," safety would come first and construction would commence on schedule.
Rockwood faces lawsuit by CN Railroad over transportation of refuse
In the fall of 2004, Rockwood issued a stop-order to Canadian National (CN) Railroad's waste-hauling operations, specifically targeting waste hauled in from New Jersey. Rail cars would come to the firm's transload station on Huron River Drive near Streicher Road, offload waste into haulers, and drive away to Allied-Waste Rockwood landfill, located in Newport.
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"(Waste) from the trucks is being dropped on the ground. We don't even know where it came from or what it is. How can we trust (CN Railroad)? They just don't have a good track record of giving us information." |
Fearing impact to the environment, Rockwood Mayor Phillip Smalley ordered a cease of operations, which accompanied a request from Wayne County that CN Railroad obtain a soil erosion permit. CN would end up naming Rockwood in a lawsuit, claiming the Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act of 1996 gave control over its actions to a federally-governed body; local and state governments could not presumably step in to affect operations, at the cost of straining a working relationship between the city and firm.
Both Rockwood and Wayne County showed genuine concern over what type of New Jersey-based waste was being brought in, with CN stating there was nothing hazardous to worry about. Videos shot of the operation showed waste being scattered along city roads, falling from the rear of the trucks and generating many complaints to police.
Both Rockwood and Wayne County showed genuine concern over what type of New Jersey-based waste was being brought in, with CN stating there was nothing hazardous to worry about. Videos shot of the operation showed waste being scattered along city roads, falling from the rear of the trucks and generating many complaints to police.
Majority unites to help defeat Downriver-based International Bridge
Ever since the idea of a second International Crossing that would span Detroit and Windsor was first discussed nearly a decade before, residents Downriver were worried one of the proposed sites would include a Downriver point of entry, as was suggested by the late Heinz Prechter a few years prior. In April 2005, Downriver was hit with not just one, but four potential sites for a new Bridge to Canada alongside proposals for structures near the Delray area.
Unlike the more recent chain of events, which had Ambassador Bridge owner Manuel "Matty" Moroun opposed to any secondary crossing, these crossings would have been built and managed by Moroun's Bridge Company, which would therefore have a literal monopoly on border crossings. His biggest booster for a Downriver bridge came from River Rouge Mayor Greg Joseph, at least initially. The sites considered were at the east ends of either Southfield Road, Pennsylvania Road, or somewhere on West Jefferson Avenue.
Unlike the more recent chain of events, which had Ambassador Bridge owner Manuel "Matty" Moroun opposed to any secondary crossing, these crossings would have been built and managed by Moroun's Bridge Company, which would therefore have a literal monopoly on border crossings. His biggest booster for a Downriver bridge came from River Rouge Mayor Greg Joseph, at least initially. The sites considered were at the east ends of either Southfield Road, Pennsylvania Road, or somewhere on West Jefferson Avenue.
The initial public hearing was held on April 11 at Wyandotte's Biddle Hall, attracting an audience over 500. Wyandotte activist Richard Miller gained cheers from the group when he told the committee: "Why is (the bridge partnership) down here, when we already told you 'no'?" Despite a bill being introduced in the house making all new potential border crossings publicly owned and subject to strict public oversight, the opposition would grow: a crowd of 1,200 would attend the next meeting at Crystal Gardens in Southgate. At that meeting, King Road was also brought up as a potential site. Activist Tom Burkhart began his campaign titled "Stop The Southern Corridor," which generated more backlash against the proposals. In attendance, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano announced, "All of us are in concert in opposition."
River Rouge Mayor Joseph would later appear to modify his stance, saying that while Zug Island would be a good place for the bridge, he did not want the landing in River Rouge. The majority of those believed the JOBS tunnel in Detroit (an abandoned rail line) could be twinned to handle commercial truck traffic, even though bridge proponents argued it would not increase needed capacity.
By October, Downriver was officially taken off the list of sites, as Governor Jennifer Granholm officially struck all Downriver locales from the list of proposed sites. It would take nearly eight more years for the future Gordie Howe International Crossing to finally find its home, north of Delray.
River Rouge Mayor Joseph would later appear to modify his stance, saying that while Zug Island would be a good place for the bridge, he did not want the landing in River Rouge. The majority of those believed the JOBS tunnel in Detroit (an abandoned rail line) could be twinned to handle commercial truck traffic, even though bridge proponents argued it would not increase needed capacity.
By October, Downriver was officially taken off the list of sites, as Governor Jennifer Granholm officially struck all Downriver locales from the list of proposed sites. It would take nearly eight more years for the future Gordie Howe International Crossing to finally find its home, north of Delray.
25th District Court Judge Bajorek uncovers mass injustice in Alan Katz case
For Alan Katz, a lawyer based in Southfield, the summer of 2005 was going routinely. As a lawyer specializing in debt collection and working alongside some of the area's major medical firms - including Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital - his job was to issue summons to each person who had back arrears in hospital or medical bills, ordering them to appear in court to prompt settlements in the matters. Generally, his job was to issue these summons and, when the people in question did not show to court on the appointed date, he would have area judges issue default judgments in Katz's favor so he could proceed to garnish wages, property and vehicles to satisfy the debts.
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"When you and I are able to leave our residences freely and do what we want to do on weekends, Mr. Katz isn't going to be able to do that for several months." |
When 25th District Court Judge David Bajorek was going over some of Katz's paperwork in his district, he noticed something funny. The collected notes sent by Katz's office were signed by the same process server (a designate of Katz's), on the same day, at the same time of day. Since the affected people lived in several different areas, non-adjacent to each other, it was a physical impossibility for one process server to have accomplished such a task. In digging deeper, Bajorek uncovered hundreds of fraudulent documents produced by Katz's office. These people were garnished or dispossessed without notice, without even a summons to appear in court to contest the charges. They did not even realize there were any accounts in arrears and no way of knowing they had been sued until their funds were taken. In one case, a woman was sued by Katz's office for a debt of $3.62. By the time Katz was done with the dispatch, he attempted to collect $5,600 from the woman, owing to office charges, interest rates and other bogus line items.
When reported by the News-Herald in the summer of 2005, it made state-wide headlines and law-enforcement officials and related courts began re-examining the methods employed by collection lawyers. Bajorek was able to produce 311 counts of criminal contempt of court against Katz, and sought the suspension or removal of his law license. In September, Katz pleaded no contest to 136 counts and agreed to six months house arrest, plus a two-year suspension of his law license. Bajorek's office announced that by the end of January 2006, every debtor affected in this case would have their money back. Katz would also be involved in cases with the State Court Administrator's Office, the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit, the Oakland County Courts, and the Michigan State Police.
When reported by the News-Herald in the summer of 2005, it made state-wide headlines and law-enforcement officials and related courts began re-examining the methods employed by collection lawyers. Bajorek was able to produce 311 counts of criminal contempt of court against Katz, and sought the suspension or removal of his law license. In September, Katz pleaded no contest to 136 counts and agreed to six months house arrest, plus a two-year suspension of his law license. Bajorek's office announced that by the end of January 2006, every debtor affected in this case would have their money back. Katz would also be involved in cases with the State Court Administrator's Office, the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit, the Oakland County Courts, and the Michigan State Police.
Hazmat-grade explosion in Romulus forces evacuations
On August 9, 2005, HAZMAT teams would be called to a multi-alarm blaze at EQ Resource Recovery Plant in Romulus. A total of 32 people were taken to nearby area hospitals with breathing issues, but all were treated and released. There were no human casualties.
EQ Resource Recovery was best known for producing Acetone (an active ingredient found in nail polish remover). |
An explosion at a parked tanker was likely the cause, although this was not the first time EQ had skirted trouble: They had been slapped with a $240,000 fine for various occurrences in 1999.
The eventual cause would be traced to a chemical reaction somewhere on-site.
The eventual cause would be traced to a chemical reaction somewhere on-site.
Downriver mobilizes to aid & assist residents displaced by Hurricane Katrina
Historically, the strike of Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005 was unparalleled in its damage, passing even the effects Hurricane Camille had ravaged down south in 1969. It remains to this date the costliest natural disaster in the country's history.
In much the same way as Downriver residents did during the Detroit Riots of a generation prior, many people volunteered to take on the tasks of assessing the damage and helping people in the immediate days following the hit. Firefighters from various Downriver communities were dispatched to Louisiana to try and find survivors. A pair of Southgate Police officers worked closely with Louisiana officers searching buildings for the stranded and deceased. The city also sent a firefighter there as an emergency officer to aid the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in their efforts. Wyandotte firefighters were sent down to Gulfport, MS in emergency operations, working to repair the area's shattered communications system. And a total of 41 volunteers from the American Red Cross were mobilized, being sent to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Gifts and donations were plentiful coming from all cities Downriver.
In much the same way as Downriver residents did during the Detroit Riots of a generation prior, many people volunteered to take on the tasks of assessing the damage and helping people in the immediate days following the hit. Firefighters from various Downriver communities were dispatched to Louisiana to try and find survivors. A pair of Southgate Police officers worked closely with Louisiana officers searching buildings for the stranded and deceased. The city also sent a firefighter there as an emergency officer to aid the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in their efforts. Wyandotte firefighters were sent down to Gulfport, MS in emergency operations, working to repair the area's shattered communications system. And a total of 41 volunteers from the American Red Cross were mobilized, being sent to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Gifts and donations were plentiful coming from all cities Downriver.
Romulus injection well an "open & shut" case after ten months online?
The saga of liquid waste injection disposal in the city of Romulus had neared fifteen years in the making. Finally, operations had begun at the facility on Citrin Drive on December 27, 2005, when the final go-ahead permit was issued, with the company starting injections immediately thereafter.
However, the site was closed down on October 23, 2006 as an above-ground leak was detected during a routine inspection. Once again, protests began to ring in about proposals to restart the complex once the leak was shored up. Guarantees had been trumpeted that the waste materials would be safe for 10,000 years without danger of a leak or seepage, but since concurrence wasn't being heard from state or federal officials, doubts persisted.
A total of a million gallons of waste had been injected into the Mt. Simon Foundation of the earth, when 40 million gallons had been its eventual goal. The firm's borrowing level from the Detroit Police & Fire Department Retirement Fund had now hit a staggering $58 million.
By the end of 2006 it appeared the original operator, Environmental Disposal Systems (EDS) was, in fact, out of business. Their phone lines and website were down. Calls were now being answered by a different entity called Romulus Deep Disposal. No one knew at the time if the companies were linked.
However, the site was closed down on October 23, 2006 as an above-ground leak was detected during a routine inspection. Once again, protests began to ring in about proposals to restart the complex once the leak was shored up. Guarantees had been trumpeted that the waste materials would be safe for 10,000 years without danger of a leak or seepage, but since concurrence wasn't being heard from state or federal officials, doubts persisted.
A total of a million gallons of waste had been injected into the Mt. Simon Foundation of the earth, when 40 million gallons had been its eventual goal. The firm's borrowing level from the Detroit Police & Fire Department Retirement Fund had now hit a staggering $58 million.
By the end of 2006 it appeared the original operator, Environmental Disposal Systems (EDS) was, in fact, out of business. Their phone lines and website were down. Calls were now being answered by a different entity called Romulus Deep Disposal. No one knew at the time if the companies were linked.
Phase-out of foreign trash to Downriver landfills lauded in helping environment
One of the most unpopular procedures enacted in the 1990s had been the approval for Michigan landfills to accept refuse from Canada, shipped from Toronto via the Ambassador Bridge to landfills in Riverview and Carleton. Within the first few years of the law's implementation, the amount of overall refuse delivered to local landfills had increased over 300% due to the Federal Government's failure to enforce certain limit restrictions.
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"I'm so pleased that our Michigan senators were able to work that deal and help control the trucks, the trash, the blight coming into the state from out of the country." |
Noting these disturbing stats, while also calling to mind a February 2005 accident in which human waste found its way onto Will-Carleton Road in Flat Rock (resulting in a $23,000 cost to properly clean up), officials were pleased by a plan formulated by Governor Jennifer Granholm, in cooperation with Laurel Broten, then the Minister of Environment for Ontario.
Announced by Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, the new deal would guarantee a 20% reduction in Canadian shipments in its first year, a 40% reduction the year after, and a complete phase-out of all foreign trash within four years of the pact's implementation. Six municipalities had found alternative plans which would keep Canadian shipments in Canada. Riverview's operation, in particular, had stopped accepting shipments years before. Riverview Mayor Tim Durand cited the reason for this was that Canadian citizens were starting to look for alternative trash-hauling services within their own country.
Students' Freedom of Expression meets challenges in Lincoln Park
The start of the 2006-2007 school year in Lincoln Park brought much backlash from students and parents alike, as a toughened stance was taken with implementation of the district's first official dress code in many years. School Board officials, led by Superintendent Randall Kite, stated that no messages would be allowed on T-shirts, and these shirts must be tucked in during the school day. It was stated that the mission of this directive was to help foster school identity, with an added benefit of more easily identifying individuals who did not belong in the schools.
Although the dress code was not as stringent as it would be at a parochial school, for instance, the reactions from the general public were largely negative. Parents claimed it was difficult to find plain T-shirts with no slogans on them, while many stated an entire new wardrobe would have to be purchased in order to comply, at substantial personal cost. A petition garnered 700 parental signatures; in so doing they stated punishments for original dress code violations should be more rigidly enforced instead.
Not budging on their decision, the School Board began to have complaints directed toward them with regularity, and in effect took parents to task for encouraging their children to not comply with the code. This was precisely what some parents had actually done. These violations were threatened with suspension. Parents then threatened to remove their children from the district. This may have had some merit, as a September 2006 student count showed 120 fewer students than a spring count the prior school year. Superintendent Kite admitted that approximately 30 students may have been removed for that reason alone. The issue would flare up further as the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center approached; many students chose to wear T-shirts commemorating the catastrophe. Five students were asked to change clothes, three were ultimately sent home.
Eventually, a compromise would be reached to where the policy on tucked-in shirts would be relaxed. However, the requirement for plain T-shirts would remain in place.
Although the dress code was not as stringent as it would be at a parochial school, for instance, the reactions from the general public were largely negative. Parents claimed it was difficult to find plain T-shirts with no slogans on them, while many stated an entire new wardrobe would have to be purchased in order to comply, at substantial personal cost. A petition garnered 700 parental signatures; in so doing they stated punishments for original dress code violations should be more rigidly enforced instead.
Not budging on their decision, the School Board began to have complaints directed toward them with regularity, and in effect took parents to task for encouraging their children to not comply with the code. This was precisely what some parents had actually done. These violations were threatened with suspension. Parents then threatened to remove their children from the district. This may have had some merit, as a September 2006 student count showed 120 fewer students than a spring count the prior school year. Superintendent Kite admitted that approximately 30 students may have been removed for that reason alone. The issue would flare up further as the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center approached; many students chose to wear T-shirts commemorating the catastrophe. Five students were asked to change clothes, three were ultimately sent home.
Eventually, a compromise would be reached to where the policy on tucked-in shirts would be relaxed. However, the requirement for plain T-shirts would remain in place.
Flexible compromise rewards Chrysler with Phoenix Engine Plant site
Chrysler would announce on April 18, 2007 that the decision had been made to build a new Phoenix engine plant alongside the Trenton Engine Plant, with a hoped-for start-up date of 2010. This plant would eventually replaced operations at the older adjacent facility, which was nearing the end of its expected useful tenure. The State of Michigan and Wayne County were commended for the project becoming a reality, as was Chrysler and their building engineers for being flexible. By reducing their square footage needs from 1.2 million to 804,000, it finally solved the question of whether Van Horn Road would have be closed down between Fort Street and West Jefferson to allow for the project. The difference in area would allow Van Horn to remain an important thorofare to Jefferson Avenue and Grosse Ile Township.
No more Savings Time: Farmer Jack bids adieu to Downriver
In early July, all remaining 66 stores in the Farmer Jack grocery store chain were shuttered, acting on a decision by parent operator Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P) to pull out of its Midwestern U.S. investments and concentrate on its core stores in the Northeast which bore their name.
With A&P also citing "unsatisfactory operating trends," it brought the end of an 82-year run of a chain formed by Tom Borman and uniting with his brother's chain as Food Fair in 1955. It had become Farmer Jack in 1966 and, though always based in Metro Detroit, had even seen an brief 1980s expansion that included stores in Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. Seven stores were located Downriver at the time of their closure.
With A&P also citing "unsatisfactory operating trends," it brought the end of an 82-year run of a chain formed by Tom Borman and uniting with his brother's chain as Food Fair in 1955. It had become Farmer Jack in 1966 and, though always based in Metro Detroit, had even seen an brief 1980s expansion that included stores in Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. Seven stores were located Downriver at the time of their closure.
Airport progress keeps rolling along, but new runway plan brings traffic concerns
Trying to capitalize on the recent wave of reconstruction at Metro Airport, Authority Chairman Lester Robinson announced further, more ambitious plans for the facility, now named the 13th busiest airport in America. The 2007 announcements included a light-rail system traveling north-south which would link the airport terminals directly with the car rental agencies on Lucas Drive. The possibility of a third new terminal building was also discussed.
The plan which generated local headlines, however, was the proposition of a fourth parallel runway which would be constructed adjacent to Middlebelt Road. A taxiway required for the runway would travel as far south as Pennsylvania Road, which would affect many homes and some small businesses. It also raised the possibility both Eureka and Middlebelt Roads would either have to be tunneled underneath the proposed runway, or cut off altogether. As both these roads were major roads linking the airport with the community, the debate over this expansion would continue on.
The plan which generated local headlines, however, was the proposition of a fourth parallel runway which would be constructed adjacent to Middlebelt Road. A taxiway required for the runway would travel as far south as Pennsylvania Road, which would affect many homes and some small businesses. It also raised the possibility both Eureka and Middlebelt Roads would either have to be tunneled underneath the proposed runway, or cut off altogether. As both these roads were major roads linking the airport with the community, the debate over this expansion would continue on.
The City of Ecorse continues to battle the odds
Meanwhile, another round of embezzlement accusations was hitting the city of Ecorse. Among several issues being debated was one regarding the abandoned Michigan Steel Works (MSW) site on Mill Street near Jefferson. In 2006 it had been scheduled to be dismantled, with Ecorse potentially being able to net $10 million in scrap sales of steel and copper on the site. Plans were to redevelop the parcel to house 300 waterfront condos along the Ecorse River, plus office and retail areas. But eyebrows would raise when Ecorse could prove only $2 million out of the $10 million scrap investment was realized.
The matter would be referred to the Michigan State Attorney General's office. In the ensuing weeks, the home of Councilman Arnold Lackey was raided, with a computer confiscated.
The following year (2007), voters in the city spoke loudly as virtually the entire elected officials roster was replaced, with the exception of Treasurer Doris Young. The new administration was led by Mayor Herbert Worthy, whose staff found immediate dissatisfaction with the officials' pay scale. The last acts of the previous administration slashed payroll, cutting the mayor's annual salary from $69,000 to $12,000, while council members suffered a cut from $14,000 to $5,000 annually. Immediately, the new sitting council voted to overturn these pay restrictions, but the procedure would have to go through court before any changes could be made.
The following year (2007), voters in the city spoke loudly as virtually the entire elected officials roster was replaced, with the exception of Treasurer Doris Young. The new administration was led by Mayor Herbert Worthy, whose staff found immediate dissatisfaction with the officials' pay scale. The last acts of the previous administration slashed payroll, cutting the mayor's annual salary from $69,000 to $12,000, while council members suffered a cut from $14,000 to $5,000 annually. Immediately, the new sitting council voted to overturn these pay restrictions, but the procedure would have to go through court before any changes could be made.
Downriver to become the only spot for Michigan Thoroughbred racing?
While the Racino idea would fade in the ensuing years as attempts to block the building of the complex were made by the three Detroit casinos, the horse racetrack would end up taking form in 2007 on several hundred acres of land to the south. Given the name Pinnacle Racetrack, it was located near Sibley & Vining Roads. The time between the project's initial announcement and initial site approval was in record time: just over one month. Further plans were in the works to make the construction multi-phase, with a bare-bones Phase One operation to complete the following summer, with a grandstand of 1,000 built to see the horse racing.
Pinnacle Race Course in Romulus was due to open to the public in the summer of 2008.
Pinnacle Race Course in Romulus was due to open to the public in the summer of 2008.
Lizzie Mae Collier-Sweet: Downriver's most baffling missing-persons case
Police and Fire personnel had responded to a house fire in the Dawnshire Subdivision in Riverview - adjacent to the WJR radio tower - on January 8, 2007. The house was gutted and slated to be demolished afterward. One of the home's co-owners, however, would be unaccounted for following the event, and fast began to dominate Downriver headlines as an exhaustive manhunt would get underway in the ensuing months. The one year anniversary of the event would turn up a significantly reduced amount of reputable leads in the case.
Cadaver dogs were sent into neighboring fields in an attempt to find evidence. Nearly 40 officers from Downriver Mutual Aid as well as the Coast Guard joined helicopter searches, which turned up no trace of 49 year-old Lizzie Mae Collier-Sweet, the wife of prime suspect Richard Sweet. Police believed from the beginning that Richard had a hand in both the fire and his wife's disappearance. Disturbing evidence regarding an illicit affair Sweet had been having with another individual raised suspicions further, as he would be on the books for not only rape charges with that individual, but for the murder of his first wife, which he was awaiting trial for.
Initial evidence against Sweet would run into a roadblock later in the year, with said evidence being declared inadmissable, as the information was purported to have been gathered illegally.
Cadaver dogs were sent into neighboring fields in an attempt to find evidence. Nearly 40 officers from Downriver Mutual Aid as well as the Coast Guard joined helicopter searches, which turned up no trace of 49 year-old Lizzie Mae Collier-Sweet, the wife of prime suspect Richard Sweet. Police believed from the beginning that Richard had a hand in both the fire and his wife's disappearance. Disturbing evidence regarding an illicit affair Sweet had been having with another individual raised suspicions further, as he would be on the books for not only rape charges with that individual, but for the murder of his first wife, which he was awaiting trial for.
Initial evidence against Sweet would run into a roadblock later in the year, with said evidence being declared inadmissable, as the information was purported to have been gathered illegally.
Relief promised for Southfield Road; re-design promised for an "X" intersection
Preliminary plans were announced in January 2008 which would finally reduce the cringing factor for motorists faced with driving Southfield Road in Lincoln Park and Allen Park. This stretch of roadway which resulted in many a vehicle spending time in alignment shops would finally be replaced with a modern concrete design, with an approximate start date in the Fall of 2009 at a cost of $3.7 million. A traffic survey conducted in 2006 estimated an average of 43,757 vehicles traversed this stretch of road daily. Allen Park would only be responsible for 8%, or $220,000, of the total project cost.
Further relief was promised in a similar proposal further south which would re-design one of Downriver's most dangerous intersections. At a public discourse held in February 2008, a total estimate of $16.7 million was given to this project which would modernize the Dix-Toledo / Telegraph / West Road area. The actual interchange area had been arranged in a semi-X pattern, with southbound Dix-Toledo traffic being forced to cross the northbound lanes of Telegraph at an angle, while merging onto Southbound Telegraph from the left. Traffic surveys taken from 1993-2001 revealed 628 individual accidents, comprising part of the 28% of Brownstown Township accidents which involved Telegraph Road. The project, named "Move Telegraph Forward" and in the eyes of planners and township officials since at least 1997, would result in a much safer, more basic T-intersection.
Further relief was promised in a similar proposal further south which would re-design one of Downriver's most dangerous intersections. At a public discourse held in February 2008, a total estimate of $16.7 million was given to this project which would modernize the Dix-Toledo / Telegraph / West Road area. The actual interchange area had been arranged in a semi-X pattern, with southbound Dix-Toledo traffic being forced to cross the northbound lanes of Telegraph at an angle, while merging onto Southbound Telegraph from the left. Traffic surveys taken from 1993-2001 revealed 628 individual accidents, comprising part of the 28% of Brownstown Township accidents which involved Telegraph Road. The project, named "Move Telegraph Forward" and in the eyes of planners and township officials since at least 1997, would result in a much safer, more basic T-intersection.
Metro Airport concludes image makeover with a big difference
Wonderful news would finally reach air travelers weary of the dreadful aesthetics of the L.C. Smith Terminal, as the new North Terminal opened its doors in 2008. All airlines that were not affiliated with the Delta Airlines family would mark their location here, thus ending a nearly seven-year cycle of uncertainty.
When first opened in 1958, Smith Terminal was state-of-the-art. But numerous modifications deemed necessary by extra airlines and increased passenger traffic eventually took a toll on its look, as well as its user-friendliness. Restaurant choices, for example, were extremely limited due to the lack of available space. In a new glass and steel building, sharply toned in gray and blue, Metro Airport officially finished its 21st century reboot, and was now being ranked among travelers worldwide as one of the best airports in the United States.
When first opened in 1958, Smith Terminal was state-of-the-art. But numerous modifications deemed necessary by extra airlines and increased passenger traffic eventually took a toll on its look, as well as its user-friendliness. Restaurant choices, for example, were extremely limited due to the lack of available space. In a new glass and steel building, sharply toned in gray and blue, Metro Airport officially finished its 21st century reboot, and was now being ranked among travelers worldwide as one of the best airports in the United States.
Local native wants to bring Hollywood to the local masses
At the same time, the city of Allen Park, in cooperation with Michigan native and Hollywood audio producer Jimmy Lifton, announced a plan for Hollywood coming to Downriver. In the shadows of Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm's approval of using tax money to fund film credits for increased productions state-wide, the proposed Unity Studio complex would be constructed near Southfield and I-94; the central hub of what would be nicknamed "Allen Park 90210," or "East Hollywood."
Lifton had combed for a site for three years, and the abandoned Northville Psychiatric Center was one of the final candidates. But Allen Park was close to Lifton's roots; his family had a business practice in Melvindale years before. "My goal," Lifton stated, "is to bring a new industry to my home state." The initial reaction to the 104-acre development would prove to be stunning in its possibility, as well as in doubters' minds.
Lifton had combed for a site for three years, and the abandoned Northville Psychiatric Center was one of the final candidates. But Allen Park was close to Lifton's roots; his family had a business practice in Melvindale years before. "My goal," Lifton stated, "is to bring a new industry to my home state." The initial reaction to the 104-acre development would prove to be stunning in its possibility, as well as in doubters' minds.
Talk had been circulating for many years that Michigan had limited itself by stressing the automotive industry as its main draw for decades, and that not enough attention was paid to secondary industries which, in case of a major downfall of the auto industry, could help keep the state's economic standard on track. Stock market volatility deflated the national economy during this time, and Michigan was no exception. Facing possible federal bailouts, the auto companies were reeling, and hopes began to increasingly rely on formulas and ideas harking back to earlier years: independent entrepreneurs, plus different business interests, in order to keep the economic house in order.
Although some layoffs were announced and shifts were eliminated or shortened at various auto production facilities, no permanent closures occurred at this time.
But there was trouble on the horizon for some of these new businesses attempting to make their mark Downriver, beginning with the Pinnacle Racecourse. Though the offerings were initially slim, the potential for growth was boundless. The News-Herald would give a glowing review to the course in September, and Pinnacle's season highlight was undoubtedly the Michigan Sires Showcase in October. A full season was planned the following year, with capacity increased to 4,000 with the second phase of construction.
However, state budget concerns were never more evident at the start of 2009, and the state, which had helped fund initial Pinnacle operations, was in jeopardy. Despite this, it was announced in June that a full season was still being planned.It was first reported in August that the race track had failed to pay their property taxes. Then in September, cracks in the agreement between the racetrack owners and the Indian Tribe was under scrutiny.
Although some layoffs were announced and shifts were eliminated or shortened at various auto production facilities, no permanent closures occurred at this time.
But there was trouble on the horizon for some of these new businesses attempting to make their mark Downriver, beginning with the Pinnacle Racecourse. Though the offerings were initially slim, the potential for growth was boundless. The News-Herald would give a glowing review to the course in September, and Pinnacle's season highlight was undoubtedly the Michigan Sires Showcase in October. A full season was planned the following year, with capacity increased to 4,000 with the second phase of construction.
However, state budget concerns were never more evident at the start of 2009, and the state, which had helped fund initial Pinnacle operations, was in jeopardy. Despite this, it was announced in June that a full season was still being planned.It was first reported in August that the race track had failed to pay their property taxes. Then in September, cracks in the agreement between the racetrack owners and the Indian Tribe was under scrutiny.
Unity Studio's Screen test faces initial stumbling block
Delays were also forthcoming on the Unity Studios site in Allen Park. Lifton's plans, which included productions beginning in the autumn of 2009, as well as enrollment of the first class at Lifton School for Media Skills, were facing delays, but only because Unity was still providing criteria to Wayne County to qualify the 104 acres for Renaissance Zone designation.
A public groundbreaking would take place on August 27, 2009, in a ceremony that was billed to be "unlike any other." Returns from this early investment looked promising, with the first feature film slated for production and release within six months. The joint venture between Unity and Henry Ford Community College would utilize Lifton Institute's 106 first-class graduates in a production of "A Christmas Dream."
A public groundbreaking would take place on August 27, 2009, in a ceremony that was billed to be "unlike any other." Returns from this early investment looked promising, with the first feature film slated for production and release within six months. The joint venture between Unity and Henry Ford Community College would utilize Lifton Institute's 106 first-class graduates in a production of "A Christmas Dream."
Ecorse controversies: The F.B.I. steps in
Despite the promises held by new Ecorse Mayor Herbert Worthy and his administration, controversy continued to dog the city, as it was in danger of falling into emergency management for the second time in its history thanks to running a $9 million budget deficit.. In mid-2008, Worthy made the request to Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to start the ball rolling towards such an emergency request, but before much could be done, Worthy was arrested and placed into custody on September 25, 2009 by the FBI, along with City Controller Erwin Hollenquest.
In recent times, Ecorse was forced to lay off 70 Public Works employees due to budget cuts. DPS duties were then assumed by Michigan Municipal Services, a firm contracted by Wayne County. Before long, accusations flew that the company inflated their invoice request amounts by $2.5 million in a probable kickback scheme. At the time, both Mayor Worthy's son and grandson were employed by that company.
In recent times, Ecorse was forced to lay off 70 Public Works employees due to budget cuts. DPS duties were then assumed by Michigan Municipal Services, a firm contracted by Wayne County. Before long, accusations flew that the company inflated their invoice request amounts by $2.5 million in a probable kickback scheme. At the time, both Mayor Worthy's son and grandson were employed by that company.