Sunday, October 23, 2005

Detroit agenda

African Town plan progresses quietly

Detroit City Council to discuss where to locate proposed business district that caters to blacks.

By Lisa M. Collins / The Detroit News

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Though discussion of the highly controversial plan for an African Town shopping and entertainment district last year has faded, the plan still is in the works. The Detroit City Council will discuss potential locations for the district this week.

The plan to create a business district made up of black-owned businesses catering to a black clientele sparked national headlines and local debate. The district, proposed by Councilwoman JoAnn Watson, would include a fish factory with its own hatchery, black hair-care suppliers and other businesses.

Some whites, Arab-Americans, Hispanics, Asian-Americans and other groups said they were offended by the proposal. Still others railed that the city desperately needs retail and grocery stores, regardless of who owns them.

In July 2004 only council members Sheila Cockrel and the late Kay Everett voted against implementing African Town.

The measure also would create a loan fund for black business owners. Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick vetoed both plans, but the council overrode his veto. Kilpatrick later met with the plan's creator, Claud Anderson, and his administration officials said they would help find land for the business district.

The plan stemmed from a report the council commissioned for $112,000 that says black urban residents are harmed economically by immigrants who take jobs, resources and opportunities from them, and that the city should encourage black business ownership.

The council meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday in the council chambers at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward. Before planning to attend, call the City Clerk at (313) 224-3260 to confirm the date and time.

The week ahead

Tuesday: The council will discuss replacement of the Fort Street bridge project in southwest Detroit at 10 a.m. in the council chambers, Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward.

Wednesday: The council will hold a skilled trade task force meeting in the 13th floor Committee of the Whole room, Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward.

Thursday: The council will discuss a request of the Boulder Group LLC, to establish a neighborhood enterprise zone in the area of Canfield, Willis, Woodward and John R. at 11:15 a.m. in the council chambers, Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward.

Friday: The council will discuss the planned displacement of tenants from the Brewster Douglass public housing complex at 10 a.m. in the council chambers, Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward. The council will discuss a petition regarding police presence in the city and a petition of concerned firefighters in Detroit at 10:30 a.m. in council chambers.