The writing was on the wall -- all too quickly -- for Unity and Allen Park
By the following May, Allen Park would have Unity Studios on the ropes. Wayne County was undoubtedly listening, as they had contributed a $3 million Recovery Zone bond (on top of $25.3 million Allen Park borrowed in general obligation bonds). The city issued a "Notice To Quit," which was part of a lease default procedure which could lead to eviction. Mayor Gary Burtka began to distance his comments from the studio itself, focusing on the surrounding property as a whole. Arguments over back rent payments began to tense both parties, with each ensuing argument resulting in more industry uncertainty: locally as well as the statewide level, where legislators were starting to consider scaling back available film credits. Patience was still recommended as the solution. "The laws were put into place," according to legislator Doug Geiss. "We need to let them gel."
It would only take until September 2010 for the announcement to come that Unity Studios elected an opt-out clause in their contract and moved their operations to the Wayne State University campus. No new buildings of note had been constructed, and Allen Park would be responsible for all the remaining bond payments, while Unity still owed the city $764,535. This, along with depressed economic conditions, would force Governor Rick Snyder to issue an Emergency Manager declaration in 2012, the third such issuance in Downriver history. Joyce Parker, former Emergency Financial Manager in Ecorse, would take the reins of the city operations until 2014.
It would only take until September 2010 for the announcement to come that Unity Studios elected an opt-out clause in their contract and moved their operations to the Wayne State University campus. No new buildings of note had been constructed, and Allen Park would be responsible for all the remaining bond payments, while Unity still owed the city $764,535. This, along with depressed economic conditions, would force Governor Rick Snyder to issue an Emergency Manager declaration in 2012, the third such issuance in Downriver history. Joyce Parker, former Emergency Financial Manager in Ecorse, would take the reins of the city operations until 2014.
Pinnacle Racecourse is next entertainment venue to face shutdown
In June 2010, the Huron Township School District - almost matter-of-factly - called the Huron Township offices to complain about a tax payment oversight. The oversight was huge: Pinnacle Raceway had not contributed a dime of taxes to the schools. So the matter would be simply resolved, with notices filed to Pinnacle and the taxes paid? The answer would be no, on a disturbing technicality. Wayne County showed the tax bill was paid up. It would all come down to the Wayne County Land Bank: a misfiling of the Pinnacle land to such, and as a result, a gross misclassification. Pinnacle's ownership technically could not exist in a land bank format which, in this case, was still a Brownfield Zone. In spite of tax records declaring arrears, there was legally nothing to pay. But this would not prove to be the end of this matter.
Rouge Drawbridge joins Grosse Ile Toll Bridge as accident sites
Three historic drawbridges have lined the Rouge River in the northern suburbs since the early 1900s, with locations on Dix Highway and Fort Street in Detroit, plus the Jefferson Avenue bridge on the northern border of River Rouge. Despite their reliability over the generations, age would begin to grip these structures in the 1990s, and plans were made to rehabilitate the Fort Street crossing adjacent to I-75. Due to the lack of quality replacement parts needed, reconstruction of the Fort Street site would take longer than the anticipated two years.
It was not seen as a problem with regard to detours until 2011, when an accident would disable the Jefferson Avenue drawbridge in an incident that could easily have been avoided with a more alert person staffing the bridge that day. Having lifted the bridge for a passing cargo ship, the operator (later found to be under the influence of substances) inadvertently lowered the drawbridge right onto the passing freighter. This caused significant structural damage to one of the main components of the bridge, bending beams to the point the structure was considered defective and unsafe, and was subsequently closed. It was the first major bridge accident (not including multiple collisions at the former King Road overpass on I-75) since the second crash at the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge in 1990.
It was thought the repair job on this structure would be somewhat quicker than the ongoing project taking place along Fort Street. This would prove to be a gross miscalculation, and the businesses in the northern half of River Rouge would begin to pay for this accident with their own well-being.
It was not seen as a problem with regard to detours until 2011, when an accident would disable the Jefferson Avenue drawbridge in an incident that could easily have been avoided with a more alert person staffing the bridge that day. Having lifted the bridge for a passing cargo ship, the operator (later found to be under the influence of substances) inadvertently lowered the drawbridge right onto the passing freighter. This caused significant structural damage to one of the main components of the bridge, bending beams to the point the structure was considered defective and unsafe, and was subsequently closed. It was the first major bridge accident (not including multiple collisions at the former King Road overpass on I-75) since the second crash at the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge in 1990.
It was thought the repair job on this structure would be somewhat quicker than the ongoing project taking place along Fort Street. This would prove to be a gross miscalculation, and the businesses in the northern half of River Rouge would begin to pay for this accident with their own well-being.
What to do with the former "most successful" Sears shopping plaza?
Since the closing of Montgomery Ward in Southgate over ten years earlier, rumors had run rampant on where the next Wal-Mart superstore would locate, joining those already operating in Taylor and Woodhaven. The Wards site was the original site scouted, but had later drifted to the Sears Lincoln Park Center. With the opening of the Fairlane Green mega-complex (known to locals as "The Hill"), the majority of smaller stores at the Sears Center had moved on, putting the mall at 85% vacancy.
Plans were made to transfer the remaining stores to other plazas, demolish the strip mall, and build the Wal-Mart alongside the Sears building. A protracted battle would then engage between Sears and Lincoln Park over access rights. An alley behind Sears (on the border of Allen Park) was the focal point; in addition, part of the proposed Wal-Mart building would also spill into Allen Park. After several months, the issue was ruled in favor of Sears: they did not have to cede access to the city of Lincoln Park for the project, which was quickly directed to Southgate. The new Wal-Mart would end up built on the site of the former Michigan Drive-In theater and Southtowne Crossing Shopping Plaza, which itself was down to two smaller tenants (a hair salon and Lew Silver Diamond Broker) at the time of its razing.
The Sears Center would end up with exactly one tenant: a Dollar Tree, once a Chinese restaurant and GNC outlet vacated. Plans were underway for Dollar Tree to take the storefront at Dix & Southfield (the former Great Scott / Perry Drug / Rite Aid building). Those plans fell through, with Dollar Tree management insisting all along there were no plans for them to move. The plaza itself, once 36 stores in all, would continue to deteriorate as development proposals continued to trickle in.
Plans were made to transfer the remaining stores to other plazas, demolish the strip mall, and build the Wal-Mart alongside the Sears building. A protracted battle would then engage between Sears and Lincoln Park over access rights. An alley behind Sears (on the border of Allen Park) was the focal point; in addition, part of the proposed Wal-Mart building would also spill into Allen Park. After several months, the issue was ruled in favor of Sears: they did not have to cede access to the city of Lincoln Park for the project, which was quickly directed to Southgate. The new Wal-Mart would end up built on the site of the former Michigan Drive-In theater and Southtowne Crossing Shopping Plaza, which itself was down to two smaller tenants (a hair salon and Lew Silver Diamond Broker) at the time of its razing.
The Sears Center would end up with exactly one tenant: a Dollar Tree, once a Chinese restaurant and GNC outlet vacated. Plans were underway for Dollar Tree to take the storefront at Dix & Southfield (the former Great Scott / Perry Drug / Rite Aid building). Those plans fell through, with Dollar Tree management insisting all along there were no plans for them to move. The plaza itself, once 36 stores in all, would continue to deteriorate as development proposals continued to trickle in.
Despite re-election, Ecorse Mayor Worthy is sentenced
On January 25, 2011, nearly 1 1/2 years after being arrested by FBI officials as part of a probable kickback scheme by a Public Works provider, Ecorse Mayor Herbert Worthy was officially sentenced to 18 months in federal prison despite the fact Ecorse voters re-elected him to office the prior November.
Worthy had won a second term in office in spite of those past troubles, for which he entered a guilty plea in 2010. He was one of four men overall who were implicated in a bribery and embezzlement scheme which cost Ecorse taxpayers to the tune of $3.1 million. When the Ecorse DPS was forced to lay off 70 workers, the Michigan Municipal Services company was hired to do the DPS work. The two other men involved were accused of bribing Hollenquest and Worthy with gifts in exchange for inflated invoice charges to the city.
Worthy had won a second term in office in spite of those past troubles, for which he entered a guilty plea in 2010. He was one of four men overall who were implicated in a bribery and embezzlement scheme which cost Ecorse taxpayers to the tune of $3.1 million. When the Ecorse DPS was forced to lay off 70 workers, the Michigan Municipal Services company was hired to do the DPS work. The two other men involved were accused of bribing Hollenquest and Worthy with gifts in exchange for inflated invoice charges to the city.
Pinnacle resolution - although confusing - is final
Upon further investigation into the matter of Pinnacle Raceway - which was by now waging a losing battle in logistics as well as sympathy - even before Huron Schools brought the tax matter to light, it was found Pinnacle management had gone to the Michigan Tax Tribunal, asking for a lower assessment on the buildings & grounds. This was needless as Pinnacle technically owned nothing thanks to the Land Bank designation still in effect. They also tried to split the land with a Chippewa Indian tribe in hopes that a casino of their own could finally be built within the city. That would fall through easily, as taxes would need to be paid for such a split to take place... which took them right back to the starting gate.
No further horses would emerge from this gate as, by 2012, Pinnacle was closed for good and the property set for auction.
No further horses would emerge from this gate as, by 2012, Pinnacle was closed for good and the property set for auction.
The best attempt to date to improve ingress and egress around southern railroad
In 2012, it was announced that a proposal was sent to Wayne County in an attempt to eliminate the congestion generated by the railroad track running through Trenton and Woodhaven toward the Flat Rock switching yard by providing grade separations which would clear Fort and Allen Roads from the track.
This track had been cited for years as being a problem spot for trains that would stop and reverse for periods of up to an hour at a time, creating gridlock on Fort and Allen, plus Van Horn Road. Despite notices posted on the crossing arms providing a toll-free number to call in the event of such stoppages, they did not decrease, either in amount or duration. Most vocal among the frustrated were ambulance drivers, who claimed these train delays kept them from providing timely E.R. service to Southshore (formerly Seaway) Hospital in Trenton. The proposal involved funding for grade separations that would carry Fort and Allen Roads either above or below track level. In spite of looming Wayne County budget troubles, it was hoped that project preferences would land on the side of this troublesome area.
This track had been cited for years as being a problem spot for trains that would stop and reverse for periods of up to an hour at a time, creating gridlock on Fort and Allen, plus Van Horn Road. Despite notices posted on the crossing arms providing a toll-free number to call in the event of such stoppages, they did not decrease, either in amount or duration. Most vocal among the frustrated were ambulance drivers, who claimed these train delays kept them from providing timely E.R. service to Southshore (formerly Seaway) Hospital in Trenton. The proposal involved funding for grade separations that would carry Fort and Allen Roads either above or below track level. In spite of looming Wayne County budget troubles, it was hoped that project preferences would land on the side of this troublesome area.
Hums and vibrations possibly adding to Zug Island's woes?
Zug Island has been known throughout its manufacturing history for providing thousands of jobs to industry workers, as well as being one of the most polluted zones in the state of Michigan. But in 2011, it gained notoriety from Canadian officials for allegedly producing a hum and vibrations that could be felt in Ontario as far as fifty miles away from the island.
|
It was reported at the time, courtesy of the Toronto Star publication, that the city of River Rouge had already allocated over $1 million in funding to identify the source of this underground vibration, without success. The city further stated it could not spend further monies on the investigation.
By 2013, an independent Canadian scientist began an individual study of the problem, utilizing sound level meters, cameras and microphones. The results of that investigation came a year later, which indicated the probable source of the hum and vibrations actually emanated south of Zug Island. However, an actual location was never found or identified, so the situation remained unresolved.
By 2013, an independent Canadian scientist began an individual study of the problem, utilizing sound level meters, cameras and microphones. The results of that investigation came a year later, which indicated the probable source of the hum and vibrations actually emanated south of Zug Island. However, an actual location was never found or identified, so the situation remained unresolved.
Latest preservation battle: the lone remaining Neisner building Downriver
Downtown Lincoln Park would then become the focus of debate. Having experienced low building occupancy (which some still attributed to the removal of the median parking over 30 years prior), plans were announced to redevelop the former Fisher's department store site into a new Save-A-Lot supermarket. While many argued for the store's location, claiming it would jump-start downtown businesses, others said the infrastructure was inadequate to support a store of that size. Some of the most vocal opposition centered around the old Neisner store adjacent to the proposed supermarket. Vacant since Community Care Services moved in 2013, the Neisner building was on the Michigan Register of Historic Places, yet would require demolition to make way for Save-A-Lot. Despite this standing, it would fall victim to the wrecking ball two years later.
2015 brings refurbishings, restorations... and Re-naming of a BIG local name
The start of 2015 marked the grand opening of the new Lincoln Park Lofts, which located inside the old Park Theater at Fort & O'Connor, marking a return to general public use of the location since the mid-1970s. It was the largest project (to date) of the Lincoln Park Preservation Alliance.
The year also marked the beginning of the first complete renovation of Southland Mall in nearly twenty years. New owner Rouse properties announced a $100 million renovation project which would include new paint, electrical, lighting and flooring. Construction also commenced on the return of movies to Southland with the future Cinemark Theater. At about the same time, it was announced the proposal to convert the Spotlight Theater (across the street on Eureka) to a MJR outlet was scuttled, and the property would remain vacant for the time being.
The year also marked the beginning of the first complete renovation of Southland Mall in nearly twenty years. New owner Rouse properties announced a $100 million renovation project which would include new paint, electrical, lighting and flooring. Construction also commenced on the return of movies to Southland with the future Cinemark Theater. At about the same time, it was announced the proposal to convert the Spotlight Theater (across the street on Eureka) to a MJR outlet was scuttled, and the property would remain vacant for the time being.
With the hope of quelling nearly thirty years of debate and controversy, it was announced in March 2015 that the lands in and around the former McLouth facility in Gibraltar (now renamed Ferragon Metals) would potentially qualify for Superfund clean-up funds, much the same way that the old PSI refinery land in the Brownstown area did two decades earlier. Included in the cleanup would be land, as well as the notorious lagoons often cited as the source of an irritating stench during summertime. The rehabilitation would not include the Ferragon factory itself.
|
McLouth-Gibraltar and its successor, DSC, had plans in place to fully monitor lagoon and land conditions, and was to put funding aside to aid in cleanup, but neither the funds nor cleanup would occur on DSC's watch, nor of its successors; Detroit Cold Rolling Industries or Steel Rolling Holdings. This inactivity was in spite of the area being the first targeted area for former President George W. Bush's Great Lakes Legacy Act.
Hospitals of past, present and future would dominate headlines in the spring. A final ultimatum would be issued by the City of Trenton to the failed developers of the Riverside Hospital site, now vacant for over 12 years. The property was looking at being leveled and cleared during the summer if cooperation from the developer was not forthcoming.
And in the biggest Downriver hospital news since the elimination of the PCHA in 1988, it was announced the Beaumont Hospital name would replace all Oakwood location names by the summer. Of the chain's Downriver hospitals, only Southshore would retain a portion of its name in order to identify the location.
And in the biggest Downriver hospital news since the elimination of the PCHA in 1988, it was announced the Beaumont Hospital name would replace all Oakwood location names by the summer. Of the chain's Downriver hospitals, only Southshore would retain a portion of its name in order to identify the location.
Unfortunately, the abandoned Petroleum Specialties, Inc. (PSI) facility in Flat Rock would make the headlines again. Police and authorities had been conducting a search of missing Frenchtown Township resident Chelsea Bruck since she was reported missing after a Halloween party in 2014. To this point nearly six months later, there had been few - if any - positive leads in the case. In April 2015, inspection of the PSI site turned up some articles of clothing which were identified as being Ms. Bruck's. No further physical evidence was found, and it was not explained how the search was directed there, or how the clothing ended up at the site. The search would end near Monroe three weeks later, when Ms. Bruck's body was discovered.
Masco Corporation announces relocation of its headquarters from Taylor
One of Taylor's prime employers as well as a major sponsor of city events, Masco Corporation announced plans to relocate to Seven Mile and Haggerty Roads in Livonia by the end of 2015. The headquarters building, which opened on Van Born Road in 1966, once employed 500 people, but staff had been trimmed to 200 by the time of the announcement, necessitating a smaller building for operations.
This was part of a series of cutbacks for the firm known for the production of building products under the Behr, Delta and Merillat nameplates; workforce numbers had declined sharply company-wide from a high to 60,000 to 28,000 by 2015. Taylor Mayor Rick Sollars was disappointed by the decision, but stated, "We... recognize the business environment and the pressures involving these type of large corporate decisions." Masco would still have a presence in Taylor, however: its research and development facility on Trolley Industrial Drive would remain.
This was part of a series of cutbacks for the firm known for the production of building products under the Behr, Delta and Merillat nameplates; workforce numbers had declined sharply company-wide from a high to 60,000 to 28,000 by 2015. Taylor Mayor Rick Sollars was disappointed by the decision, but stated, "We... recognize the business environment and the pressures involving these type of large corporate decisions." Masco would still have a presence in Taylor, however: its research and development facility on Trolley Industrial Drive would remain.
Eureka Road / I-75 corridor cleans up for future development
Considered by many as an under-utilized freeway interchange in terms of retail offerings despite the presence of Southland Mall nearby, work began in earnest to clean up the lands near the interchange to encourage future development. The movement was led by the November 2014 closure of Gibraltar Trade Center after nearly 35 years of operation in the former Joshua Doore building. Permits to demolish the former Ramada Inn east of I-75 were finally approved in mid-2015 after a renovation project was aborted some years before. "The Plaza" shopping center west of the freeway, in various stages of limbo for the nearly 15 years since Fandango Hall had shuttered, was finally given the wrecking ball. Its demolition, along with the subsequent razing of the Trade Center site, would allow for the eventual building of Downriver's first Menard's Home Improvement Store, with a Spring 2017 opening date.
Delays on fixing "The Damn Bridge" become stifling
Meanwhile, moods simmering during the prior three years began reaching a boiling point in River Rouge. The ancient drawbridge which connected the north half of the city with Detroit was profiled on FOX 2 News in hopes of gaining needed attention to the plight of residents and businesses alike.
Parts of Jefferson north of Coolidge were approaching literal ghost-town status as businesses along that stretch continued to bleed red ink and shutter, due to the lack of customers coming from the Delray area. A graphic design business, for instance, reported an 80% drop in year-to-year earnings. Various remaining shops still displayed orange signs on their storefronts proclaiming, "Fix The Damn Bridge."
By this time, Wayne County had set various dates for repair/reconstruction of the bridge which had been damaged by operator error, but no work was done. Combined with the multi-year closure of the Fort Street drawbridge near the Marathon refinery - where construction work was still being done - as well as the periodic closure of the Dix Highway bridge near the Rouge Factory complex, north and southbound traffic had little or no choice as to their routing. It would remain to be seen what effect the fresh news coverage would have toward correcting the problem. The Fort Street drawbridge would finally reopen to traffic in December 2015.
Parts of Jefferson north of Coolidge were approaching literal ghost-town status as businesses along that stretch continued to bleed red ink and shutter, due to the lack of customers coming from the Delray area. A graphic design business, for instance, reported an 80% drop in year-to-year earnings. Various remaining shops still displayed orange signs on their storefronts proclaiming, "Fix The Damn Bridge."
By this time, Wayne County had set various dates for repair/reconstruction of the bridge which had been damaged by operator error, but no work was done. Combined with the multi-year closure of the Fort Street drawbridge near the Marathon refinery - where construction work was still being done - as well as the periodic closure of the Dix Highway bridge near the Rouge Factory complex, north and southbound traffic had little or no choice as to their routing. It would remain to be seen what effect the fresh news coverage would have toward correcting the problem. The Fort Street drawbridge would finally reopen to traffic in December 2015.
Trenton Channel Power Plant facing phase-out for clean air?
In September 2015, DTE Energy announced they were to close (via phase-out) 25 older power plants in Michigan by the year 2020 in response to President Barack Obama's Clean Energy Plan, enacted the year before. In February 2016, it was confirmed that the Trenton Channel Power Plant was among those on the list facing either closure or time-consuming conversion to a natural gas fired plant.
Two of three major generating units at the Trenton facility would be deactivated as part of the change, which proponents said would aid in the reduction of carbon emissions by 50 to 60 percent. They also noted that, even if the plant were to convert to natural gas, it was nearing the end of its expected lifespan. Trenton government representatives, including City Administrator Jim Wagner, did not take kindly to the news, stating the power plant was Trenton's largest taxpayer, whose closure could impact city budgets and operations by up to 25 percent. They cited an eventual need to give layoff notices to police, fire and sanitary personnel as well, in addition to the plant jobs that would be lost.
The neighboring Wyandotte Power Plant, also coal-driven, was not mentioned at the time as being a potential closure target, as it is municipally owned and operated, without ties to a major utility company. In June 2016, the news became official as the Trenton Channel Power Plant would be slated for closure between 2020 and 2023.
Two of three major generating units at the Trenton facility would be deactivated as part of the change, which proponents said would aid in the reduction of carbon emissions by 50 to 60 percent. They also noted that, even if the plant were to convert to natural gas, it was nearing the end of its expected lifespan. Trenton government representatives, including City Administrator Jim Wagner, did not take kindly to the news, stating the power plant was Trenton's largest taxpayer, whose closure could impact city budgets and operations by up to 25 percent. They cited an eventual need to give layoff notices to police, fire and sanitary personnel as well, in addition to the plant jobs that would be lost.
The neighboring Wyandotte Power Plant, also coal-driven, was not mentioned at the time as being a potential closure target, as it is municipally owned and operated, without ties to a major utility company. In June 2016, the news became official as the Trenton Channel Power Plant would be slated for closure between 2020 and 2023.
Two Taylor landmarks announce closure dates; K-Mart to become Downriver history
In April 2016, Sears Holdings - the parent company of K-Mart - announced another round of closures for the battered retailer, which were scheduled to close a total of 78 K-Mart and Sears stores.
One on the list was the last remaining K-Mart Downriver: the Van Born Road location in Taylor. Upon its planned closure in September, 2016, it would put to rest the company's storied, 54-year history Downriver, having begun with the original location on Eureka Road in Southgate, which was opened into the early 1960s.
At one time or another, eight K-Mart stores dotted Downriver landscapes: (two in Southgate and Taylor, one each in Flat Rock, Lincoln Park, Melvindale and Woodhaven).
Meanwhile, Taylor Lanes, which was host to various Professional Bowlers Association events from 1985 until 2009, announced its closure date as April 30th. One of the more modern bowling centers to have been built Downriver, it had been in operation since the early 1970s, but was purchased by Life Bridge Church to expand its congregation from its original building at Allen & Superior Roads. The church group announced six of Taylor's 48 lanes would remain with the building once renovations were completed by November of 2016.
One on the list was the last remaining K-Mart Downriver: the Van Born Road location in Taylor. Upon its planned closure in September, 2016, it would put to rest the company's storied, 54-year history Downriver, having begun with the original location on Eureka Road in Southgate, which was opened into the early 1960s.
At one time or another, eight K-Mart stores dotted Downriver landscapes: (two in Southgate and Taylor, one each in Flat Rock, Lincoln Park, Melvindale and Woodhaven).
Meanwhile, Taylor Lanes, which was host to various Professional Bowlers Association events from 1985 until 2009, announced its closure date as April 30th. One of the more modern bowling centers to have been built Downriver, it had been in operation since the early 1970s, but was purchased by Life Bridge Church to expand its congregation from its original building at Allen & Superior Roads. The church group announced six of Taylor's 48 lanes would remain with the building once renovations were completed by November of 2016.
Long-term Rouge River Bridge headache, reconfiguration of I-75 announced for 2017
On May 25, 2016, a public information session was held at Lincoln Park Middle School hosted by the Michigan Department of Transportation (M-DOT) regarding major construction to occur on I-75 in 2017. For the first time since at least the mid-1980s, plans were announced to replace the entire bridge decking of the troublesome Rouge River Bridge taking I-75 over the Delray community.
More directly involving the Downriver area was an ambitious sidebar project which would reconfigure I-75 where the viaduct crosses Goddard Road and the Allen Park Wastewater Treatment plant grounds. Calling the long viaduct out of date, M-DOT announced the entire structure would be replaced with a much smaller model which would cross over Goddard Road only, then revert back to a standard-grade freeway past the treatment plant heading north.
The end of summer 2016 brought some much-welcomed news on the realignment front as - with bated breath - it was announced that funding had finally been allocated by the State of Michigan to construct the long-awaited railroad underpass on Allen Road near Van Horn. Time would tell whether this version of the project would finally come to pass, as many efforts - including a citizen referendum in 2010 - had failed to secure funding.
More directly involving the Downriver area was an ambitious sidebar project which would reconfigure I-75 where the viaduct crosses Goddard Road and the Allen Park Wastewater Treatment plant grounds. Calling the long viaduct out of date, M-DOT announced the entire structure would be replaced with a much smaller model which would cross over Goddard Road only, then revert back to a standard-grade freeway past the treatment plant heading north.
The end of summer 2016 brought some much-welcomed news on the realignment front as - with bated breath - it was announced that funding had finally been allocated by the State of Michigan to construct the long-awaited railroad underpass on Allen Road near Van Horn. Time would tell whether this version of the project would finally come to pass, as many efforts - including a citizen referendum in 2010 - had failed to secure funding.
Conditions similar to Flint water crisis hit too close to home
Just after 2017 was rung in, concerns began to develop in the Downriver areas that were serviced by the Southwest Water Treatment Plant in Allen Park. Concerns began in the more southern communities, but would eventually envelop the entire region as the water was reported to be cloudy and had a sulfur smell to it. A total of 119 calls were logged in to the Great Lakes Water Authority, which oversaw operations at the Southwest facility.
There was initially much confusion over how poor the quality of the water was, and concerns whether the water was safe enough to consume or whether a boil water alert would have to be issued, if indeed it had been. Gibraltar had reported that a boil advisory was a possibility. Opinions began circulating on various social media outlets in Riverview and Lincoln Park that an advisory had been issued. Some communities had noted turbidity in the water. All the while, the Water Authority was stressing that testing was continually being done on a more aggressive pace than usual and that the product was safe to use. Many people were deeply concerned as to the possibility of lead contamination in the pipes, similar to what the community of Flint took much negative notice over the previous three years. Lead was immediately ruled out by the Authority as being a cause. Test after test resulted in no abnormality. It would be nearly two weeks before a January 20th meeting in downtown Detroit officially laid the concerns to rest, as Authority spokesperson Sue McCormick stated the concerns were primarily cosmetic in nature. |
"We appreciate the fact the public is concerned, but this is a short-term event. We've addressed it and we've restored the |
A routine cleaning in a sediment basin at the Southwest plant had been done, and resulted in the symptoms. The Authority announced all sediment basin cleanups would be indefinitely suspended until they could guarantee it could be done without the side effects. Still, concern about water quality would continue to linger even after the statement was made.
Does your high school have a mascot? Be careful what you wish for...
In March, State School Superintendent Brian Whitson announced his office was doing research into being able to fine individual school districts throughout the state for using what he believed to be insensitive, racially charged actions toward school mascots of Indian heritage. Locally, this would mean Huron High School, Woodhaven High and Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte. Whitson determined judgments could result in the district forfeiting 5-10% of their state school aid fund. While he was looking at an official opinion from Attorney General Bill Schuette, Huron Principal Richard Naughton weighed in, saying the school honors and respects the sensitivity of such, having phased an Indian out of their logo over the prior twenty years in favor of an arrow. If forced to change, he said his district would do so with no problem.
Roosevelt High School had known about this for some time, and had done some preparatory work in time for an overseas band recital (the nickname question only applied to the band, not the sports team). The president of the Religious Americans Against Indian Nicknames and Logos, Harvey Gunderson, had officially logged in his protest a mere four weeks before the band was to depart over the prior Christmas break. Band leadership initially offered to sew a blank patch over the Indian logo on all their uniforms. Two weeks before the trip, they changed direction and left for their destination with the uniforms intact, in a show of unity and pride. Siding with them were Chief Leonard Bearskin of the Wyandot Nation of Oklahoma, who saw no harm as he called in to WJR-AM's Frank Beckmann show. At the same time, then-Superintendent of Wyandotte Schools, Patricia Cole, was on the other line. The logo itself had recently been redesigned in 2010 by Jamie Vandenberg, with inputs from Chief Bearskin and Steve Gronda.
Roosevelt High School had known about this for some time, and had done some preparatory work in time for an overseas band recital (the nickname question only applied to the band, not the sports team). The president of the Religious Americans Against Indian Nicknames and Logos, Harvey Gunderson, had officially logged in his protest a mere four weeks before the band was to depart over the prior Christmas break. Band leadership initially offered to sew a blank patch over the Indian logo on all their uniforms. Two weeks before the trip, they changed direction and left for their destination with the uniforms intact, in a show of unity and pride. Siding with them were Chief Leonard Bearskin of the Wyandot Nation of Oklahoma, who saw no harm as he called in to WJR-AM's Frank Beckmann show. At the same time, then-Superintendent of Wyandotte Schools, Patricia Cole, was on the other line. The logo itself had recently been redesigned in 2010 by Jamie Vandenberg, with inputs from Chief Bearskin and Steve Gronda.
The State finally acts, as McLouth Steel's Trenton plant becomes theirs
Citing a back tax bill of $3.7 million, Wayne County, after likely thinking about it for many years, officially seized Trenton's McLouth Steel property from Detroit Steel Company, the firm running the site for much of the past twenty years. The grounds were due for review to determine possible re-use and redevelopment. Trenton Mayor Kyle Stack initially doubted the city would end up placing a bid on the entire parcel, but vowed to keep all options on the table. The move happened with the support of the EPA, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. Also on the realm of possibility was getting the facility to meet the needs of the EPA for inclusion on their National Priorities List.
Taylor's loss is also their gain: trading Masco for Ford
The end of 2016 brought what could have been a devastating move affecting Taylor: Masco Industries, a long-time business based on Van Born Road and one of the city's largest taxpayers, decided to downsize their local operations and moved to a smaller location in Livonia. Along with the closure in the fall of 2016 of Downriver's last K-Mart next door, a big size of real estate was suddenly available. But in the spring of 2017, Taylor Mayor Rick Sollars announced Ford Motor Company would take over both plots as part of their 10-year program to rediversify its inventory of locations, some of which were over sixty years old. Employees from a nearby Dearborn campus were due to make the move.
When the move was announced, four suggestions were given for the property: sell, lease, donate to an educational institution, or level for parkland. As Mayor Sollars mentioned, "Naturally, you want to land on your feet in those type of situations... Anytime you land Ford, it's a big win."
When the move was announced, four suggestions were given for the property: sell, lease, donate to an educational institution, or level for parkland. As Mayor Sollars mentioned, "Naturally, you want to land on your feet in those type of situations... Anytime you land Ford, it's a big win."
Rouge River freeway project changed traffic patterns
Freeway reconstruction and reconfiguration would be the name of the game Downriver starting in the early spring of 2017 and running until the end of 2018. The focus was on Interstate 75 from the Delray section southward to Sibley Road in Brownstown.
In addition to the complete reconstruction of the bridge decking on the Rouge River bridges, it was determined through a prior study that the Goddard Road bridges in Allen Park were out of code and needed replacement. Work crews would spend the next two years demolishing the 50 year old bridges spanning Goddard Road, making the freeway more at grade level, and constructing two smaller bridges. |
Rehabilitation work would commence on over two dozen viaducts along I-75, with most work concentrating on the Northline and Eureka Road overpasses.
As it would turn out, due to a worker lockout which occurred toward the end of 2018, the actual construction process would not complete until February, 2019. This would be the first major reconstruction project alongside this portion of freeway since 1989, when the stretch from Goddard Road southward to Sibley was completely reconstructed.
As it would turn out, due to a worker lockout which occurred toward the end of 2018, the actual construction process would not complete until February, 2019. This would be the first major reconstruction project alongside this portion of freeway since 1989, when the stretch from Goddard Road southward to Sibley was completely reconstructed.
From 3 to 1: another set of Taylor Public Schools merge
A little more than 20 years after Taylor Center High School closed, the same fate would befall Kennedy High School in a surprise move as a result of a board meeting held April 10, 2017.
Courtesy of a 4-3 vote, the issue of the closure was not on the agenda for that evening. This came only two weeks after the board had initially decided to save Kennedy and retain two high schools in the city. Trustee Donald Meyers, however, changed his earlier opinion on the matter, swaying the final verdict. Neither the trustees nor Superintendent Ben Williams were immediately available for comment. |
In spite of the obvious positives that were touted by merging Kennedy and Truman High Schools together, parent outrage was felt around the district. Although Truman was more structurally sound and more capable of handling upwards of 2,000 students, they expressed dismay over the suddenness of the vote, while voicing concern that fewer students would be able to take part in extracurricular activities, including sports.
Kennedy High School would close for good in June, 2018, despite the fact that 1,000 students were still enrolled there as recently as 2017. The occasion was marked with three activities taking place over that weekend: a meet and greet on Friday, a final tour of the school campus on Saturday, and a pancake breakfast on Sunday.
With the merger having taken place, Truman High School was renamed Taylor High School.
Kennedy High School would close for good in June, 2018, despite the fact that 1,000 students were still enrolled there as recently as 2017. The occasion was marked with three activities taking place over that weekend: a meet and greet on Friday, a final tour of the school campus on Saturday, and a pancake breakfast on Sunday.
With the merger having taken place, Truman High School was renamed Taylor High School.
Moroun family purchases McLouth Steel's Trenton site
Meanwhile, within the flurry of activity to rehabilitate I-75 came a much-needed call for land rehabilitation at the former McLouth steel site in Trenton. Beginning in the fall of 2018, discussions had commenced between the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the Department of Justice over a proposal by Crown Enterprises to purchase the entire plot of land from the Wayne County Land Bank for the sum of $4 million.
Crown Enterprises was owned by the family of Ambassador Bridge owner Manuel Moroun. In announcing this latest riverfront acquisition, Manuel's son Matthew acknowledged previous sore spots in public relations, referring mostly to the derelict Michigan Central train station in southwest Detroit. Their new focus would be on "changing the narrative" in their future dealings with the community.
There were still some divisive voices heard among members of the Wayne County Commission, as two members specifically indicated all impressions were wasted with Moroun and Crown Enterprises. However, Trenton mayor Kyle Stack helped lead the argument that such an acquisition would be in the best interests of the city. It was mentioned that had this deal fallen through, the McLouth land could have ended up in the hands of a land speculator, with no clear blueprint as to what would happen with the land in the future. As far as they were concerned, Trenton believed the land languished long enough.
Crown would announce a two-year demolition proposal which would rid the property of 47 buildings, followed by a 6-year timeframe of possible development, ranging from a shipping port to an unspecified clean industrial complex.
Demolition began symbolically in January, 2019 with the leveling of the McLouth guard shack. At the time of this writing, it was unknown what would become of the BOP structure outside the main entrance. At the time of its construction, it was one of only three Basic Oxygen Processor units in the world.
Crown Enterprises was owned by the family of Ambassador Bridge owner Manuel Moroun. In announcing this latest riverfront acquisition, Manuel's son Matthew acknowledged previous sore spots in public relations, referring mostly to the derelict Michigan Central train station in southwest Detroit. Their new focus would be on "changing the narrative" in their future dealings with the community.
There were still some divisive voices heard among members of the Wayne County Commission, as two members specifically indicated all impressions were wasted with Moroun and Crown Enterprises. However, Trenton mayor Kyle Stack helped lead the argument that such an acquisition would be in the best interests of the city. It was mentioned that had this deal fallen through, the McLouth land could have ended up in the hands of a land speculator, with no clear blueprint as to what would happen with the land in the future. As far as they were concerned, Trenton believed the land languished long enough.
Crown would announce a two-year demolition proposal which would rid the property of 47 buildings, followed by a 6-year timeframe of possible development, ranging from a shipping port to an unspecified clean industrial complex.
Demolition began symbolically in January, 2019 with the leveling of the McLouth guard shack. At the time of this writing, it was unknown what would become of the BOP structure outside the main entrance. At the time of its construction, it was one of only three Basic Oxygen Processor units in the world.
Farewell to a local landmark: Sears shuts its doors
At the close of business on January 6th, 2019, Sears of Lincoln Park closed its doors for the final time. A department store chain that counted over 3,500 stores as recently as 2000 had declined to approximately 615 stores by 2017, and under 450 locations when the announcement affecting the Lincoln Park store was made. This closure occurred barely three months after the liquidation of the store at the neighboring Fairlane Town Center in Dearborn.
Once tabbed the most successful Sears location in the world, its 2019 closure officially sealed the end of the Sears Lincoln Park Plaza, which was the second of its type built Downriver back in 1956-57. As of this writing, future plans for the building were undetermined. |
Elder statesman Dingell Jr. left his compassionate mark on Downriver
The Downriver area - and the country as a whole - was deeply saddened by the passing of a congressional patriarch, as longtime Congressman John Dingell lost his battle with cancer on February 7th, 2019 at the age of 92.
Dingell, whose 15th Congressional District encompassed much of the Downriver area through the years, was the longest-serving U.S. Representative in history, spanning 60 years from 1955 to 2015. |
A champion on the national stage in his never-ending fight for universal healthcare as well as his environmental focus, Dingell also served his local constituents with honor, pride, conviction and compassion. He was considered, along with the late Heinz Prechter, as "Mr. Downriver."
The service road at Detroit Metro Airport bears his name, as does the train station in neighboring Dearborn, and the new VA hospital in the Detroit Medical Center, which had replaced the Allen Park VA in the 1990s.
The service road at Detroit Metro Airport bears his name, as does the train station in neighboring Dearborn, and the new VA hospital in the Detroit Medical Center, which had replaced the Allen Park VA in the 1990s.
Timetable finally in place for newly modified Woodhaven underpass?
The latest twist in the ongoing saga regarding the railroad crossings in Woodhaven would definitely reach fever pitch in March, 2019, where it was reported by WXYZ Channel 7 that a commuter waited for a stopped train to clear for two hours and five minutes.
Canadian National (CN), the owner of the maligned railway, did not attempt to deny or refute the story, owing the instance to a communications issue with another railroad provider. |
Since the beginning of the year, Michigan State Representative Darrin Camilleri had been spearheading the latest effort to get an overpass constructed in the area to allow a freer flow of traffic, and to allow ambulances easy access past the railway toward Beaumont Trenton Hospital. At least one death in an inbound ambulance had been reported within the past year, with family members indicating the tragedy would not have happened had they not been stopped by a train for over twenty minutes.
The late Representative John Dingell had in fact secured $10 million through a referendum in 2005. Shortly thereafter, it would be found that a complete project would cost an additional $12.5 million, which could not be raised in spite of several attempts.
In preparation for this, earlier in the year Woodhaven Mayor Patricia Odette announced a millage proposal to be voted upon at a special election in May. Preliminary designs were shown at a public hearing, which were significantly different this time around. Instead of the project concentrating on the Allen Road crossing, efforts would be moved to the Van Horn crossing, east of where a new I-75 service road had recently been completed.
All hopes were being placed on this May proposal, as failure to use the 2005 funds by September, 2019 would result in the forfeiture of said funds, and place local officials back at the proverbial "square one."
The vote would ultimately fail at the ballot box, 1402-1164, with Mayor Odette making the judgement call to "move on."
The late Representative John Dingell had in fact secured $10 million through a referendum in 2005. Shortly thereafter, it would be found that a complete project would cost an additional $12.5 million, which could not be raised in spite of several attempts.
In preparation for this, earlier in the year Woodhaven Mayor Patricia Odette announced a millage proposal to be voted upon at a special election in May. Preliminary designs were shown at a public hearing, which were significantly different this time around. Instead of the project concentrating on the Allen Road crossing, efforts would be moved to the Van Horn crossing, east of where a new I-75 service road had recently been completed.
All hopes were being placed on this May proposal, as failure to use the 2005 funds by September, 2019 would result in the forfeiture of said funds, and place local officials back at the proverbial "square one."
The vote would ultimately fail at the ballot box, 1402-1164, with Mayor Odette making the judgement call to "move on."
Sudden airline closure stymies hockey team's return home; timetable moves up
Three Downriver students who had the opportunity to play for the local Junior Hockey League at an excursion in Poland would find themselves with no immediate route home in March, 2019 following the sudden closure of WOW Air, the aircraft carrier based in Iceland which had service from Detroit Metro Airport. Among those caught during the closure was 18 year old Devin Stroia from Grosse Ile, member of the East Coast Spartans hockey team.
|
The amount of total passengers stranded at their pickup points due to the sudden airline closure were staggering to the point that other airlines, despite offering discounts due to the issue, found themselves overbooked more than a week in advance. Possible connecting flights would involve multiple carriers, many of which would not offer discount similar to other carriers, which would complicate matters. For the traveling hockey team, this would mean one week or more of unbudgeted hotel and food expenditures.
It would also be announced in March, 2019 that DTE Energy would take on a more ambitious effort to meet its goal of reducing its carbon footprint in the Downriver and surrounding areas within a 40-year time table. This would accelerate the closure of at least three coal-based power plants in Michigan, including the iconic Trenton Channel power plant opposite Grosse Ile Mi 2022 instead of 2023, as first noted.
Although Trenton officials had been aware of DTE's decision to mothball the coal-based plant in Trenton since it was first announced several years prior, the accelerated timetable took them by surprise. Trenton mayor Kyle Stack announced she would be meeting with those who would be affected to expedite alternate plans for them.
It would also be announced in March, 2019 that DTE Energy would take on a more ambitious effort to meet its goal of reducing its carbon footprint in the Downriver and surrounding areas within a 40-year time table. This would accelerate the closure of at least three coal-based power plants in Michigan, including the iconic Trenton Channel power plant opposite Grosse Ile Mi 2022 instead of 2023, as first noted.
Although Trenton officials had been aware of DTE's decision to mothball the coal-based plant in Trenton since it was first announced several years prior, the accelerated timetable took them by surprise. Trenton mayor Kyle Stack announced she would be meeting with those who would be affected to expedite alternate plans for them.
Wildfire strikes Fighting Island, although outcome better than expected
The night of April 14th, 2019 brought what was, to many observers, a substantial fire affecting Fighting Island in the Detroit River opposite Wyandotte.
Final confirmations as to the cause would take some time to determine, but it was said the fire, which was contained to some twenty acres of marshland, was due to a Canadian Coast Guard exercise gone wrong. The fire was first reported around 8:30 that evening. Coast Guard and a fire brigade from the town of LaSalle, Ontario would battle the fire. |
It was fed by strong northerly winds pushing the fire southward toward the caretaker's residence.For the record, crews from Michigan were not utilized. The particular policy in question dictates crews from a foreign country cannot voluntarily step in to help battle the fire; they could only respond if formally requested.)
Upon observations from the shoreline, it appeared the entire northern half of the island may have been engulfed. However, evacuations of hunting dogs living on the property were not necessary, and the fire was reported under control by 2:45 a.m. the following morning.
Upon observations from the shoreline, it appeared the entire northern half of the island may have been engulfed. However, evacuations of hunting dogs living on the property were not necessary, and the fire was reported under control by 2:45 a.m. the following morning.