In the wake of growing recession, the city of Detroit is planning to remove large vacant areas and turn them into farmland. What once was the center of America’s industrial prowess has now over 33,000 empty houses and 91,000 vacant residential lots. By demolishing around 10,000 houses and dilapidated buildings and moving them to other neighborhoods, Detroit would turn almost a quarter of the city to fields and farmland.
Their objective is to push new investment into stronger neighborhoods where people would be relocated. In the areas that would be cleared, the city would offer to relocate residents or buy them out. It can also claim abandoned property as foreclosure.
While the plan was first raised in the 90s, it has gained momentum now with the recession affecting the city badly. The challenge before the city Mayor, Dave Bing, would not only be in how to fund this renewal plan but also on how to deal with politically sensitive issues pertaining to the neighborhoods chosen to be demolished.
[via The Washington Times]
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