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Tetsua
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Username: Tetsua

Post Number: 1315
Registered: 01-2004
Posted on Tuesday, August 21, 2007 - 11:19 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

quote:

Nearly two-thirds of residents of suburban Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties say they at least occasionally dine, attend cultural events or take in professional games in Detroit.



Though some people in the article were quoted saying they want more security downtown, it seems like the perception is slowly changing.


http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs .dll/article?AID=/20070821/NEW S06/308210002/1001&theme=MICHI GANPOLL022007
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Illmatic774
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Username: Illmatic774

Post Number: 95
Registered: 02-2006
Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 - 12:02 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

How much more security could you possibly need downtown? I can't walk anywhere without seeing cops when there are events going on.
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Professorscott
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Username: Professorscott

Post Number: 664
Registered: 12-2006
Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 - 1:19 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I agree, downtown is as secure as they come. I am downtown all the time, for lots of reasons, and I don't even think about security.

Actually, I spend time in various parts of Detroit: northwest side, west part of Mexicantown, downtown, Eastern Market, the east riverfront. I have never had any problem beyond the occasional panhandler, and a panhandler is only a problem if you let him become one.

Twenty, twenty-five years ago it was a different story. Things seem to have calmed down quite a bit since the 1980s, all over but especially downtown. Not sure why it's so, but it's sure so.

Just for those of you taking statistics: I'm white but "dark white", I could pass for Lebanese or Mexican (neither of which I am). Also, when I drive at all, I drive a high-mileage beater with a manual transmission. Not sure I'd feel as confident if I had an '08 Lincoln or something and had to park it all over the place.
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Craig
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Username: Craig

Post Number: 248
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 - 7:30 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Until recently I was working (and a little playing) in CBD and I almost NEVER saw the police. There are a lot of bums, some who were aggressive and could be intimidating ("give me $5"), and every alley stank like an open latrine.

Perception is reality, and I don't believe that it's unreasonable for suburban visitors to conclude that they are flirting with danger to walk the streets that I did. Crime statistics probably are not in the mind of someone who's looking for a restaurant, walking past boarded up buildings and being accosted by bums who won't take "no" for an answer.

Leave the cops out of the equation and the 2/3s of suburbanites who visit will continue to limit their forays to "once every couple of years."
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Tetsua
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Username: Tetsua

Post Number: 1316
Registered: 01-2004
Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 - 8:06 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs .dll/article?AID=/20070821/NEW S06/308220002

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs .dll/article?AID=/20070821/NEW S06/308220001
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Iheartthed
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Username: Iheartthed

Post Number: 1423
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 - 10:19 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I thought it was interesting that a majority of city residents are calling for better transit options.

I also found it interesting that the article reported that the city already has the federal funding to build the line. Is it even possible to get the funding before you actually plan the line?
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Deteamster
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Username: Deteamster

Post Number: 39
Registered: 07-2007
Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 - 10:23 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Norman Aldred, 54, of Brownstown Township said he visits Detroit a few times a year but that he canceled a trip to the auto show with his grandson a couple of years ago because he heard about a shooting in the city.
"We shouldn't have to worry about a shoot-out," he said.

I couldn't believe it when I read this. He didn't hear a shooting...he heard ABOUT a shooting in Detroit, and canceled his trip! Yeah, maybe next year you should visit fantasyland, gramps, where there is absolutely no crime. Probably just an old racist anyway.
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Leland_palmer
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Username: Leland_palmer

Post Number: 348
Registered: 08-2004
Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 - 11:03 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I' m surprised no one mentioned this quote.

"...mayoral spokesman Matt Allen said the city has a federal grant for light rail service from downtown along a yet-to-be-determined 12-mile route. The service should be running by 2011..."
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Iheartthed
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Username: Iheartthed

Post Number: 1426
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 - 11:05 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I referred to that in my comment above.
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Craig
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Username: Craig

Post Number: 251
Registered: 02-2007
Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 - 11:13 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

^and I heard that toys in China may contain unsafe levels of lead. Can I gift some of these to your little ones, DT? Hearing kind of makes you think, doesn't it?

The City isn't unique in its dangers, but some horrific stuff has happened down there - things that don't appear to be as common in sleepy places like Brownstown. Throw out an unsubstantiated racial allegation, but I assure you that lot's of people in the suburbs often hear "race, race, race" and then paraphrase Norman Aldred: "why bother going to Detroit?"

More than 10 years ago a woman visiting Cobo for a show got off the beaten path to visit the bathroom. In Cobo, mind you, a man appeared in the john and then raped her with the blade of a knife - cut her "plumbing" to bits. (a close family member was her nurse at Hutzel) This was muted in the media, but still there. I allow that the incident was a horrible anomaly, but it is in the back of my mind when a family member wants to range into the City. "Why risk it?" I ask, as do many others.

Above I advocated for a visible police presence -cops on bikes, maybe- to alleviate fears. If the problem is only one of perception then address it. Curse the timid and you'll only ensure that suburban malls and entertainment venues are viable because of your pride and belligerence.
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French777
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Username: French777

Post Number: 207
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 - 11:20 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I don't really understand the more security because how would there be more security at Tigers and Lions games 2 cops on every corner surrounding the ball park and Stadium.

Better Transit makes a lot of sense though
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Iheartthed
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Username: Iheartthed

Post Number: 1427
Registered: 04-2006
Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 - 11:20 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

At least two young white women were raped and murdered in the past 2 years after leaving NYC night clubs. Both generated a lot of media coverage. Shit happens everywhere. The NYC club scene is still as strong as ever.
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Exmotowner
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Username: Exmotowner

Post Number: 398
Registered: 06-2005
Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 - 2:35 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Illmatic774, I have to agree. I was home for the first time over memorial day and I've never seen so many cops. They were on the people mover, on the platforms on the streets, etc. I was never out of hollering distance from a cop.

I told my partner if something happend to us (relationship wise) I would move back. and he asked why I moved and I told him "crime etc. bla bla bla" and he said "It HASNT CHANGED". My reply! OH HELL YES IT HAS! You didnt see it in 87 when I left!

I think it has changed and I saw a city fighting for its life and realizing it HAS to make the city safer with the Casinos!
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Thejesus
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Username: Thejesus

Post Number: 1904
Registered: 06-2006
Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 - 3:15 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I seriously doubt the city has secured federal funding to build a light rail yet...

For one, the study they are conducting in order to secure the funding isn't near completion...there also would have been news stories about this...

He's probably referring to the money they were given to conduct the study...also, I've heard numerous times that the earliest a light rail could become operational is 2012...
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Zephyrprocess
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Username: Zephyrprocess

Post Number: 445
Registered: 08-2006
Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 - 3:16 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Google news returns a hit for
"Brownstown Township" shooting

Of course the alleged shooters were from Brownstown, the event was in Detroit.
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Eric
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Username: Eric

Post Number: 918
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 - 7:47 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

For the security issue you have to remember, the overall high crime situation plays a role. For many suburbanites crime, in Detroit is crime in Detroit; the comments of the Brownstown Twp man are a perfect example. A shooting near City Airport might as well had happened downtown. I don't think it's the biggest factor, I think boarded up buildings, the homeless and general unfamiliarity create more fear of downtown.

(Message edited by eric on August 22, 2007)
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Hpgrmln
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Username: Hpgrmln

Post Number: 107
Registered: 06-2007
Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 - 9:42 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Actually, its ironic he mentions cancelling an auto show trip due to a shooting....
I was at cobo for an Auto Show around closing time. Someone whips out a gun and the crowds start stampeding...
Deja Vu

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