A Closer Look at Detroit's Blighted Properties

The New York Times has produced a pair of visualization tools to present the findings of the recent report by Detroit's Blight Removal Task Force.

1 minute read

May 29, 2014, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


The first of the New York Times infographics is a color-coded map that distinguishes between three types of blight: recommended for demolition, need further review, and vacant lots.

In total, the Blight Removal Task Force surveyed more 377,602 parcels in the city, finding 22 percent of those properties, or 84,641 parcels, to be blighted. The task force recommends "immediate removal" for nearly half of the blighted properties.

The New York Times also provides Google Street View access to one blighted corridor off of Gratiot Avenue north of Chandler Park. 

New York Times coverage of the Blight Removal Task Force's report, released earlier this week, also includes an article by Monica Davey, which details more of the scope and cost of Detroit's blight removal plans.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014 in New York Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Regeneration of contaminated industrial land used for waste dumping, West Midlands, UK, 2006 .

EPA Awards $267 Million to Clean Up and Reuse Contaminated Sites

The EPA is investing the funds to clean up and redevelop contaminated sites nationwide, supporting economic growth, community revitalization, and environmental restoration.

2 hours ago - Environmental Protection

Archway made of bikes in Knoxville, Tennessee over Tennessee River.

Knoxville Dedicates $1M to New Greenway

The proposed greenway would run along North Broadway and connect to 125 miles of existing trails.

4 hours ago - WATE

25mph speed limit sign with digital "Your Speed" sign below it.

Philadelphia Launches ‘Speed Slots’ Traffic Calming Pilot

The project focuses on a 1.4-mile stretch of Lincoln Drive where cars frequently drive above the posted speed limit.

6 hours ago - WHYY