Dear neighbors and friends,
Below is an editorial submitted by hired Ambassador Bridge Company consultant, Adolph Mongo. He directly attacks the integrity of our community and my work to protect the community from getting shortchanged, yet again, by the Ambassador Bridge Company. No matter which bridge, we should demand 1) a comprehensive environmental impact study, 2) transparency and 3) public discussion of sustainable community benefits that will help revitalize what both bridges plan to destroy and 4) require mitigating measures that protect our human environment be in place before any bridge construction. The DRIC (Delray Bridge) process did include a four-year environmental impact study and monthly public meetings where residents are given an opportunity to oppose, support, ask questions, etc. However, it is important, as many of you know that we carefully monitor the development of the Delray Bridge. Although, the majority of residents are supportive, it’s only because we are given the opportunity to discuss mitigating measures and community benefits. If needs and requests by the community are not met, support for Delray could easily change and we must use that to our advantage. Ironically, his depiction of the Delray Bridge may actually help us fight for more community benefits and protection for those who will be displaced. I urge you all to send in a response to this editorial. I plan to submit mine today.
You can send your letters in a variety of ways:by e-mail: letters@detnews.comby fax: (313) 222-6417by mail: The Detroit News, Letters, Editorial Page, 615 W. Lafayette, Detroit, MI 48226.
Thursday, April 16, 2009 Commentary
Why deny Detroit a real bridge stimulus?
Adolph Mongo
The issue over who will build a new bridge in southwest Detroit is heating up. The Detroit International Bridge Co., the owner of the 80-year-old Ambassador Bridge, wants to build a second span right next to the old bridge that would benefit the city. The bridge company is prepared to invest $1 billion into a development that would generate an estimated more than 4,000 jobs. This would serve Detroit well at a time when the state leads the country in unemployment. In addition, new manufacturing opportunities would be created. But State Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, who represents southwest Detroit, is opposing this stimulus package. She claimed at a March 17 public hearing that a second span would create more pollution problems. She also stacked a Coast Guard public hearing with an array of speakers who supported her agenda. What Tlaib didn't say is that she does support another bridge project. She is behind the Detroit River International Crossing plan. This proposal is also supported by Gov. Jennifer Granholm, former Gov. James Blanchard and former state Rep. Steve Tobacman. Interestingly enough, the DRIC proposal would force 400 homeowners, a few hundred businesses and several parks in Delray to close or relocate. Advocates want the state to pay for the project. Anyone remember the Poletown project of the early 1980s? The city of Detroit forced 5,000 people, several hundred businesses, three schools, 16 churches and one hospital to move for a new GM plant that was built on the Detroit-Hamtramck border. Proponents claimed that a new technology park would emerge from the new plant, and thousands of jobs would be created. Almost 30 years later, a lone plant stands employing one shift and surrounded by a vasty empty wasteland of vacant lots. That scenario could repeat itself if the DRIC is approved. Detroiters should ask Tlaib why she supports a project that would destroy a fourth of her district and seriously erode her voter base. Detroiters should ask Tlaib why she opposes $1 billion in private investment when the state is drowning in red ink. Tlaib's priorities are misguided. Crime, education and unemployment are issues that need to be dealt with. Tlaib is putting politics before common sense.
Adolph Mongo is a Detroit political consultant who is working for the Detroit International Bridge Co.
