The addition of 50 new police cars, ramped up bus service, and long overdue streetlight repairs are all being planned as bankruptcy proceedings allow Detroit to increase funding for public services.
"In what emergency manager Kevyn Orr called just one significant example of improvements headed for the city’s basic public services, the Detroit Police Department will soon get 50 new squad cars, replacement bulletproof vests and two new devices Motor City cops have never had: electric stun guns and on-body video cameras," reports Matt Helms.
"Despite challenges, improved services are what Orr promises will be the upside of bankruptcy: Detroit’s debts are put on hold, freeing up cash while Orr leads what’s sure to be a monumental court fight to wrestle the city back to solvency. He’ll do battle with major banks and bondholders, city unions and pension and retiree groups to drastically cut Detroit’s debts and pension and health care liabilities in bankruptcy proceedings that could take years to conclude."
"On a parallel track, Orr’s team is focusing on restructuring how the city operates, cutting where needed and investing in public services such as police and fire that have been depleted as the city’s revenues plummeted and debts mounted in recent years."
FULL STORY: Detroit bankruptcy upside: City services will improve
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This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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