Why Detroit's Villages Want More Neighbors

What does it take to get more of the things we want in our neighborhoods? People tell me all the time they want more grocery stores, local businesses, and better services in the city of Detroit. Mac Farr's answer starts with more neighbors. But he's clear that growth also means helping the people who already live here stay. I sat down with the executive director of the Villages Community Development Corporation to talk about this stretch of Detroit's east side, from Mack to the river, between Mount Elliott and St. Jean. We get into why the organization is pro-growth, and how that fits with preserving affordable housing and helping families keep their homes. Mac shares the work behind Keep It in the Family, a program that helps residents straighten out inherited property ownership so they can access home repair assistance and pass their homes on. We also talk about what's happening in East Village and Little Village, why development moves differently just a few blocks away in Islandview, and how longtime neighbors came up with the new North Village name. Plus, we dig into the city processes that make life harder for small developers and business owners. If you need an army of lawyers and consultants just to get through the system, who gets a chance to build? And we close with Mac's suggestion for an afternoon exploring the Villages by bike. Find the Villages CDC's newsletter and development information at https://www.thevillagesofdetroit.com/ If you haven't told a friend about the show, be sure to! Word of the mouth is the best way to push Detroit's conversation forward. Daily Detroit is made possible by our members. Support local media at patreon.com/dailydetroit.