Return to MDOT I-375 Community Meeting
Live reporting by Meghan Rutigliano
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MDOT and city officials introduced the I-375 Neighborhood Framework, a process running through August 2025 in which stakeholders work together to design and draft a land use plan for the $300 million highway development project.

MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8
Good evening, Detroit! At 5:30pm I’ll be live-tweeting the MDOT I-375 Community Mtg on behalf of #DETdocumenters. @DetDocumenters media partners: @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit

04:09 PM Dec 3, 2024 CST

MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 2/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit I am flagging that MDOT has published 2 different stop/start times. On their website, it says the meeting runs 5:30pm-7:30pm. Now I’m on the livestream link and it says 6:00pm-8:00pm.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 3/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit I had planned to go in person but thought I would miss some of the meeting if I was running closer to 5:35 so I'm a bit miffed. oh well. We will find out together what time the meeting actually starts. ;)
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 6/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet The public is invited to attend in person or livestream via Youtube. The in person meeting is taking place in person at The Eastern in Eastern Market at 3434 Russell St. Detroit, MI 48207. The Youtube live stream link is here: youtube.com/live/dq24aIc2j…
youtube.com/live/dq24aIc2j…
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 7/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet There WILL be space allotted for public comment. From MDOT's website: Questions for the project team via livestream can be submitted online. Here's the link: pima.michiganoutreach.org/public/event-r… but this just looks like registration for the meeting. So, it's confusing.
pima.michiganoutreach.org/public/event-r…
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 8/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet And here's more background about the topic of the meeting, the "I-375 Reconnecting Communities Project." Outlier has covered the matter here: outliermedia.org/i-375-redesign… and here: outliermedia.org/i375-detroit-f…
outliermedia.org/i-375-redesign… outliermedia.org/i375-detroit-f…
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 9/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet As a 4-year resident of Lafayette Park (which used to be a part of Black Bottom), I care deeply about the outcome of this redesign and I'm eager to participate in the discussion.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 10/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet IMPORTANT: If you believe anything in the coverage today is inaccurate, please email us at documenters@outliermedia.org with "Correction Request" in the subject line.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 11/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet Aaron Mondry: "The I-375 highway, one of the shortest in the nation at a little over 1 mile long, connects the I-75 highway to East Jefferson Avenue. The city and state laid the groundwork for and built the freeway from the late 1940s through the early 1960s with federal help."
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 12/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet (continued) "To prepare for the interstate, the state demolished Black Bottomand Paradise Valley, a vibrant neighborhood and business district that had large concentrations of Black residents and businesses."
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 14/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Ouch. Recent criticism of the plan has been that it lacks imagination, that it included too much space for cars, and too many lanes. The public outcry against the plan prompted MDOT to reimagine the layout, removing the median and decreasing lanes.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 15/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews The project is set to cost around $300 Million. MDOT received funding from the Dpt. of Transportation to the tune of $104.6 Million. Construction is slated to begin in 2025.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 17/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews OK, now it's just irritating. Still no livestream. I logged in at the posted start time, which was 5:30pm. MDOT has 41 others waiting too. While I believe in the good in everyone, this isn't a great look.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 18/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Antoine (Last name?) is introducing himself. Says they are mostly going to focus on what's going to happen to the land after the reconnection aspect. People are there representing the Joe Louis Greenway, from MDOT, and other city officials.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 19/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews The team is talking about their work in September 2024, went on 8 stops to engage with community members. Introduced neighbors to the project and heard different views. Contracted with Progressive Design Team. Says it's "early contractor involvement".
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 21/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews There will be 30+ acres of land as a result of the construction of the boulevard. How does it connect back to the communities? That's the question they hope to address.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 22/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews John Civils (sp?) is giving an overview. The goals are to discuss the vision, introduce the teams, and introduce the FRAMEWORK. How do we begin to activate the space, the 30+ acres?
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 23/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Framework to take place over a year from September of 2024, which is when it began, until August 2025.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 26/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Now they are doing some "table setting" around how they want people to make their way around the room in person. For follow up:
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 28/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews They're back. Q: Are we willing to restore the names of the demolished streets? Example: Hastings Street. A: Yes, it will be "M375" because it will no longer be a part of the interstate system. They will take that into consideration, the name suggestions.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 29/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: Why isn't the first priority NOT to restore Black Bottom and Paradise Valley because they were destroyed by a racist government. A: It IS a priority. We are taking it seriously and want to re-create with you.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 30/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: Is there consideration being given to green spaces? A: Yes, part of tonight's discussion is about understanding land use and the balance between open space and development.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 31/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: What about quality of life for existing residents? A: Yes, particularly with neighborhoods to the east. We are taking into consideration all of this and to understand the impacts.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 32/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: How will you ensure that walking through these new spaces/blvds will be safe and attractive to people of all ages and abilities? A: Use of streets for people is important to us. We need to address the urban condition that ppl will be walking through.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 33/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: What is relationship between this plan and the plans for the Renaissance Center redevelopment? A: We have no authority over Ren Center. We are focused on the M375 project. In best case scenario, we will be working together.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 34/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: Is it possible that you will lose funding? Do you have the $$ in the bank? A: Yes, project is fully funded. We have federal and state grants.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 35/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: Will you evaluate the value of homes adjacent to I375 like Lafayette Park? A: Yes, this will be a part of the conversation. Typically there will be an increase in property value.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 36/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: When did Detroiters vote on this project? A: Project went through conceptual design back in 2016/17. Was also explored in 2014. East Riverfront Framework did analysis of the corridor. What would a surface blvd do? How could developing a sense of place go in future?
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 37/56
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 38/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: What about historical markers about Black Bottom and Paradise Valley? A: Yes, we will explore best placement for those. We are engaging with community about how we tell the history.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 39/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: Someone likes DDP design for 2 roads? Can we do that? A: We can't implement everything. The problem is there's a road that goes through the Crain's site/Brewery Park. We want to serve a strong connection into downtown. Need to serve the large employers.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 40/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: What about transit riders? How will the project address the disruption in the public transit? A: We will, during construction process, communicate definitively about the changes to service.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 41/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: What is construction schedule? A: Major work will take place from 2026-2028. (Oh boy! I'm imagining how stressful this will be for me and my neighbors.)
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 42/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: Why do you keep saying that new land is being created? There's already land used today, just inefficiently. A: 30 acres of surface land will be created. Right now, it's a sunken, divided highway. We need to consider how the NEW, surface-level land will be reimagined.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 43/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: Are you considering future of transit? example: EV, railways A: There's not a standard right now to build in reference to. We're not able to implement the technologies right now. We are working with SMART and RTA.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 44/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: We are a design city. How will future-forward designs be folded into thinking about what's constructed on the roadway. A: We are not considering this at the moment. Detroit has standards that govern zoning, scale, materials, etc.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 45/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: Do we get our slice of the pie? (LOL) A: We heard from many, many people about their opinions. We had 130 people here/175 could have been here. We will continue to ensure an inclusive process.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 46/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: How do we make sure this is not another Jefferson Avenue? (i.e. it's too big and wide for pedestrians). A: We want to make sure all users (peds, bikes, cars, etc.) feel safe.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 47/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: What kind of zoning? I want to see pop up shops. Local activations. I have to go to burbs for that experience. A: This process is about understanding what's appropriate.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 48/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Comments: -Please include Green Spaces, educational walls and spaces -Opps for artists, music, activities -Develop an inspiring vision and clear principles to guide the framework and road design -Historical marker is not good enough for young people. You have to make it better.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 49/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: How do you justify the costs for 30 acres. A: It's about space, history, art, culture. It's not able cost justification. It's analysis. A process that will last through August 2025.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 50/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: What will be done to mitigate flooding when freeway is gone? A: We have a solid plan for diverting water to Detroit River. When we have a large rain event, likelihood of stormwater overrun decreases in this area. Increase capacity for stormwater to be diverted.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 51/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: How do you have 30 acres of created land with no plan for it? It's prime real estate. A: This is part of the effort and why we're here. This is for us all to collectively develop the plan. We want to build TO the shared vision for the future of the land.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 52/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews That's the end of the meeting. 7:49pm. Project team will be sticking around to answer questions and chat.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 53/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews And just like that, the livestream is gone! ;) I wish I would have been there in person but at the same time, I was able to capture more of the Q & A this way and without any distraction.
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 54/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews They made mention of another community meeting to be held in FEBRUARY 2025. I don't have a date for that but stay tuned to Outlier/Documenters for more information and the source website here: michigan.gov/mdot/projects-…
michigan.gov/mdot/projects-…
MotorCityMegs @MotorCityMegs8 55/56
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews This concludes my coverage of the I-375 Reconnecting Communities Project community meeting.