Vision for Remaking Detroit Comes Into Focus

Urban farms, gardens, and reforestation are among the menu of options being considered for Detroit's vacant properties and underutilized neighborhoods by the Detroit Works technical team. 

According to Gallagher, "Some areas, such as the city's Indian Village or Palmer Woods neighborhoods, might continue to thrive as areas of single-family residences. Other districts suffering considerable vacancy might transition to what the team calls 'green residential,' a mix of homes and small community gardens or parks. Still other neighborhoods that are almost entirely abandoned might be used for reforestation or experimental fields where sunflowers and other plants could be used to detoxify contaminated land."

"But some skepticism remained about how many of the good ideas will become policy in the cash-strapped city, and how many might ever be carried out."

"The team is expected to produce a final report by late summer, offering options for residents and civic leaders to consider rather than strict recommendations about what should happen where."