Detroit's housing market is experiencing a long-overdue revival, with renovated homes, larger rehabilitations, and brand-new developments sprouting up across the city. As Detroiters welcome this new growth, it's not all sunshine and rainbows - individual projects can still spark local pushback.
A proposed affordable housing development in Boston-Edison has become a flashpoint for controversy. The long-vacant office building is set to be redeveloped into 49 apartments, but two neighbors are fighting the project in court. Kyle Scannell, who owns property adjacent to the site, claims he wouldn't have bought his home if he knew it would become an apartment building. He's now suing the city, alleging he'll suffer "irreparable financial harm" from the development.
Carole Hall, another nearby resident, has penned a scathing opinion piece dismissing the need for affordable housing in the area. She claims there's already enough available and affordable housing, and that developing residential buildings is "bad" for the neighborhood. Her concerns about parking availability and crime are particularly dubious, given that surrounding street parking is often vacant.
Scannell's suit and Hall's op-ed are classic examples of "not-in-my-backyard" syndrome, a phenomenon common in affluent neighborhoods like Detroit's Boston-Edison. These tactics are often employed by wealthy residents to halt development in their own backyard, often with little regard for the benefits it would bring to others.
The problem is that these obstructionist tactics can have far-reaching consequences. Detroit needs new housing units to sustain its population recovery and create a larger tax base to fund city services. By ignoring these objections, we can keep our city's renaissance going and put vacant land and buildings to productive use.
It's essential to recognize that affordable housing is not just a necessity for low-income residents; it also has broader benefits for the community as a whole. It can help revitalize neighborhoods, increase local economic activity, and provide a more sustainable future for Detroit. So let's put aside these narrow-minded objections and focus on creating a Detroit where everyone can thrive - regardless of income or zip code.
A proposed affordable housing development in Boston-Edison has become a flashpoint for controversy. The long-vacant office building is set to be redeveloped into 49 apartments, but two neighbors are fighting the project in court. Kyle Scannell, who owns property adjacent to the site, claims he wouldn't have bought his home if he knew it would become an apartment building. He's now suing the city, alleging he'll suffer "irreparable financial harm" from the development.
Carole Hall, another nearby resident, has penned a scathing opinion piece dismissing the need for affordable housing in the area. She claims there's already enough available and affordable housing, and that developing residential buildings is "bad" for the neighborhood. Her concerns about parking availability and crime are particularly dubious, given that surrounding street parking is often vacant.
Scannell's suit and Hall's op-ed are classic examples of "not-in-my-backyard" syndrome, a phenomenon common in affluent neighborhoods like Detroit's Boston-Edison. These tactics are often employed by wealthy residents to halt development in their own backyard, often with little regard for the benefits it would bring to others.
The problem is that these obstructionist tactics can have far-reaching consequences. Detroit needs new housing units to sustain its population recovery and create a larger tax base to fund city services. By ignoring these objections, we can keep our city's renaissance going and put vacant land and buildings to productive use.
It's essential to recognize that affordable housing is not just a necessity for low-income residents; it also has broader benefits for the community as a whole. It can help revitalize neighborhoods, increase local economic activity, and provide a more sustainable future for Detroit. So let's put aside these narrow-minded objections and focus on creating a Detroit where everyone can thrive - regardless of income or zip code.
... I mean, who doesn't want to see vacant buildings get renovated? 
It's like, we're all about growth and progress here, right? 
But at the same time, it's easy to see why some people might be hesitant - parking spots can be a no-go for some folks, and crime rates are always a concern. However, I think Carole Hall's op-ed piece was way off base 
... affordable housing is not just about low-income residents; it's also about creating a sustainable future for the community as a whole.
. We can't just ignore objections from wealthy residents without considering the benefits that new development would bring to others 
. It's time to put aside "not-in-my-backyard" syndrome and focus on creating a Detroit where everyone can thrive 
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this whole thing is just another example of the "NIMBY" problem 
, you know? It's like, super frustrating when rich folks try to block progress in their own neighborhoods just because it might affect their property values 
. Meanwhile, people who actually need affordable housing are still struggling to find a place to call home 
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. If there's already enough parking available, then why should we assume that this new development will be any different? 
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. We can't let narrow-minded objections get in the way of progress 
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and what really gets me is when people like her try to claim there's already enough affordable housing available... we know that's not true, especially in neighborhoods with good schools and job opportunities 
. Affordable housing is a no-brainer for Detroit's future growth 
. We need new units to bring in fresh talent and economic activity 
. And let's be real, Carole Hall's concerns about parking availability and crime are pretty far-fetched 
. The city needs this development to keep its renaissance going 
!
I feel like Kyle Scannell and Carole Hall are just trying to protect their own interests 
. It's not all about them, it's about creating a community that can support everyone 
! It's amazing to see renovated homes popping up everywhere, bringing new life to the city. But, let's be real, not everything is sunshine and rainbows 
. I mean, those Boston-Edison neighbors who are causing a stink over that affordable housing development? Come on, guys! 
. The city needs those new housing units to keep growing and thriving, so let's put aside our narrow-minded concerns and focus on creating a Detroit that works for all - regardless of income or zip code 
.
. And have you ever tried a pasty from a street vendor? Game changer! Anyway, back to affordable housing... I think it's interesting how people get all worked up about something they don't even own. My friend's cousin's brother lives in Boston-Edison and he said the area is getting gentrified pretty fast... not sure if that's a good or bad thing 
. At first it was exciting to see all the progress, but now he's complaining about traffic and noise pollution 
. I get that everyone has concerns, but come on, let's think about the bigger picture 
I'm all for addressing parking concerns and crime issues, but let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater here.
They're worried about parking and crime, but have they thought about how many young families would love to move into a safe and affordable neighborhood? It's like they're saying "no" to progress just because it affects them directly. The city needs more housing units to grow and thrive, and this development is a step in the right direction 
. Let's stop playing small-time homeowners' games and think about the bigger picture for our city 
. It's like, I get it, change can be uncomfortable, but the status quo isn't gonna cut it either 
!
. did u know that in 2020, detroit had a housing vacancy rate of 14.1%, thats higher than most major cities? 
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