Detroit Mayor Dave Bing is to unveil in his first State of the City address Tuesday that his administration has identified the city's 3,000 most dangerous buildings on the rolls, and has mapped out -- structure by structure -- which ones will be demolished this year.
For the first time, Detroiters will know if the long-abandoned nuisance on their block or street will be torn down. The city plans to eventually make the federally funded demolition roadmap public on its Web site.
"Hallelujah -- I think that's an excellent plan," said Hattie Hicks, 52, who lives on the city's west side, near Fenkell and Schoolcraft. "We only have one on our street, but I know there are a lot out there."
Administration officials say the demolition plan is the first phase of the mayor's bigger neighborhood stabilization strategy, which includes plans to downsize the city. The mayor wants to demolish 2,500-3,000 structures each year, with the goal of having all of the city's 10,000 identified dangerous buildings bulldozed by the end of his first term.
Bing says his demolition plan is necessary, not only for blight reasons, but because it aligns itself with improved public safety and job creation -- two of his other campaign promises.
The mayor has acknowledged the need to restructure Detroit, both from a government and service approach, but also how the city's footprint should look. He said he will use internal and external data to determine how to shutter dilapidated neighborhoods and repopulate those that are thriving.
In Tuesday's speech, Bing also is expected to talk about the status of the city's finances and public safety issues. He plans to tout some of his accomplishments since becoming mayor last May.
"Detroiters can expect to hear a State of the City reflective of not just where we are, but where this administration is diligently working to take Detroit," said Karen Dumas, Bing's group executive for communications. "It will confirm our status, cite our short-term accomplishments and outline our long-term strategies. It will be optimistic yet realistic about our future."
On the day of the speech, Bing is hosting a few journalism students from YouthVille Detroit to shadow the city's production and communications team that will give the students a behind-the-scenes experience.
Dumas said the mayor has changed the overall approach to how the State of the City will unfold. Previous mayors have filled the Max M. Fisher Music Center with appointees, boosters and friends who received prime, assigned seats. Those who attend Bing's speech will sit wherever their arrival time dictates, she said.
"The State of the City address will be sincere, heartfelt and what he thinks, feels and wants for the City of Detroit," Dumas said. "Even seating will reflect his team approach and inclusive outreach. There are no VIP seats like there have been in the past, as the mayor considers everyone a VIP."
Contact SUZETTE HACKNEY: 313-222-6678 or shackney@freepress.com
