Mayor Mike Duggan today presented Proposal N for Neighborhoods, a comprehensive four-part plan to address 22,000 houses in Detroit either through rehabilitation or demolition. Proposal N would allow the City of Detroit to sell $250 million in Neighborhood Improvement Bonds. The proposal must first be approved by City Council for placement on the Nov. 3 ballot for consideration by voters.
Proposal N takes a four-pronged approach:
REHAB 8,000 STRUCTURALLY SOUND VACANT HOUSES
The first priority will be to secure the 8,000 structurally sound houses by cleaning them out, installing secure exterior coverings over doors and windows and overseeing repairs to prevent further damage.
Preference will be given to current Detroit residents to acquire and reuse the properties in their neighborhoods. The Rehab Academy will be established to offer classes to teach people how to scope necessary repairs, bid and contract out work, access resources and manage the renovation process.
DEMOLISH HOUSES THAT CAN’T BE SAVED
There are 14,000 houses in the city that require demolition. Proposal N will help demolish approximately 8,000 over the next three years. The City will continue to seek other sources of funds to complete the balance of the demolitions in 2023 and 2024.
EMPLOY DETROITERS AND GROW BUSINESSES IN CONSTRUCTION-RELATED INDUSTRY
The proposal includes specific stipulations to give preference to Detroit-based and Detroit-headquartered companies in the bidding process and earmarks 30% of the bids for small companies and 50% of all contracts awarded to Detroit companies.
In addition, the contracts will be conditioned on putting Detroiters to work. All contractors will be required to employ Detroiters by complying with Executive Order 2016-1 mandating that 51% of all hours on the job be worked by Detroiters or agreeing to interview Detroiters first for job openings from a list of Detroit applicants developed by Detroit at Work.
NO INCREASE IN PROPERTY TAXES
The City has access to the funds, with a good interest rate, which will be used to finance the proposal. The $250 million in bonds can be sold without raising Detroiters’ property taxes from their current level by phasing the new debt payments as other debt drops off.
To get additional details, go to detroitmi.gov.
Detroit residents can get $5 off coupons at participating businesses this month by completing their 2020 Census on the spot.
During July, a number of Detroit businesses will offer $5 off groceries, hair cuts and hair salon services to individuals who complete the Census on site or show proof that they completed it.
Businesses participating this Saturday, July 18 include:
The Detroit Department of Elections is Hiring
The City of Detroit is hiring individuals to work during the two upcoming elections on August 4 and November 3.
To apply to be a precinct inspector, individuals:
- Should be registered to vote in Michigan
- Should be 18 years or older (individuals age 16 & 17 also may apply)
- Cannot be a challenger, candidate, member of a candidate’s immediate family, or a member of the local Board of Canvassers
- Cannot be convicted of a felony or an election crime
To apply, go online to detroitmi.gov/employment. For additional information, call (313) 876-0231 or (313) 876-0230.
There is still time to get on the list for the Detroit-only priority application for positions at the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) assembly plant under construction on Detroit’s east side. The next priority application window opened July 6 for residents in 48213, 48214 and 48215 zip codes and then July 20 for the rest of Detroit.
FCA job readiness events are available online through Detroit At Work. Visit DetroitAtWork.com/FCA to learn how to sign up for job readiness online events or to log in to your account.
City officials also reminded the 3,522 Detroiters, who were invited to interview after the first wave of applications, to look for an email from FCA. On July 1, FCA will begin sending emails to schedule interviews. Those interviews will start July 13, with the jobs starting November 2020 – January 2021.
In addition, another 12,500 Detroiters, who are eligible to apply for a FCA job, should watch for an email containing an application link. Interviews for those in this category begin this fall, and jobs start in November 2020 – January 2021.
For more information, go to DetroitAtWork.com/FCA; call (313) 962-WORK or email fcasupport@detroitatwork.com.
FREE TAX PREPARATION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR DETROITERS
Detroit residents are encouraged to take advantage of free, virtual tax preparation and filing, especially if they haven’t received a federal stimulus check or are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Virtual tax preparation is a safe and reliable way for both Accounting Aid Society and Wayne Metro to prepare your federal, state and city tax returns without in-person contact and at no cost. Using a secure, IRS-approved software, virtual tax prep lets you use your smartphone, tablet, or computer’s camera and email address to upload your tax documents and electronic signature – without leaving your home.
Appointments can be scheduled online at www.unitedwaysem.org/virtualtaxprep. Federal, state and city taxes are due July 15.
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Meals Available for Detroit Families and Seniors