Detroit’s Joe Louis Greenway, a $300 million project, aims to increase mobility and connectivity across the city and its neighboring municipalities. The greenway is expected to bring economic vitality to the area, but some residents worry it may lead to increased housing prices and attract businesses that don’t reflect the community.

Concerns About Affordability

Ryan Marie Davis, a resident who recently purchased a home in the Russell Woods neighborhood, is concerned about the potential impact of the greenway on housing prices. ‘I do not like people being priced out of neighborhoods,’ she said. However, she also sees the benefits of development, saying, ‘When cities are revitalized like this, it does benefit some other aspect of the neighborhood as it relates to safety and access and more opportunity.’

The city has secured $220 million to support the development, and construction began in 2017. The project is expected to be completed by 2030. City officials say the greenway will create opportunities to highlight Detroit culture and artistic influence while increasing economic opportunity through new developments in neighborhoods along its path.

Community Impact

Some residents, like Eddie Respress, are excited about the greenway, saying it will provide a safe and fun place for kids and teens to go. However, others are concerned about the potential displacement of long-term and low-income residents. The city’s Planning and Development Department is currently accepting development proposals to bring a mixed-use retail space to the area, with a preference for rehabbing existing buildings rather than demolishing them.

Original reporting: BridgeDetroit — read the source article.