Detroit, often referred to as the heartbeat of American automobile history, is synonymous with sprawling roads and robust infrastructure. However, over the years, its highways have paradoxically become both a testament to the city’s monumental rise and a symbol of urban neglect. It’s hard to ignore the heaps of trash that have long lined the freeways. Such sights have inadvertently shaped many perceptions of Detroit, casting a shadow over the city’s numerous achievements and vibrant culture. But as the city anticipates the 2024 NFL Draft—a monumental event that could once again thrust it into the global spotlight—there’s a renewed vigor to overturn these perceptions and reflect Detroit’s true essence.
Historically, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) was tasked with ensuring the highways’ cleanliness. However, a pivotal change occurred in March when the City of Detroit assumed the mantle of this task. The transition was facilitated by MDOT’s commitment to finance the endeavor, allocating $650,000 annually to support Detroit’s cleanup objectives.
A quick drive across some of the city’s freeways, unfortunately, reveals a narrative of neglect. From the unsettling sight of a mattress deserted on the Lodge Freeway’s exit ramp at Wyoming to the countless tires and bicycle parts strewn about, the scope of the challenge is evident.
However, amid this prevailing challenge, Detroit’s General Services Department showcases a beacon of optimism and resolve. Zachary Meers, the head of the Department’s Blight Remediation Division, emerges as a central figure in this narrative of transformation.
Meers passionately commented: “As in everything we do, we aim to provide the best service to the citizens and maximize the resources we have at our disposal. This year, our first (year) managing the mowing and cleaning of the freeways and service drives in cooperation with our partners at the Michigan Department of Transportation, we removed over 1,700 cubic yards of litter. We cleaned over 260 miles of our freeway system and completed five cycles of mowing on the freeways and service drives, including litter removal. We also have an in-house team dedicated to removing legacy blight and debris on the freeways and service drives, which are focusing on the hard-to-reach crevasses, overgrown trees, and the areas that make the mowing more difficult, essentially leading to a more efficient operation in future seasons.”
Such a methodical approach raises the question: How is Detroit innovating its strategy for an extensive highway cleanup? Meers explained: “We are really implementing a data-driven approach to the work and building on the foundation that MDOT set for us. As we gather more information about the typography, our plans will be better informed, leading to a greater impact on our residents. The more progress we make on the project, the more we can increase our efficiency, leading to better service.”
Residents’ participation and their evolving mindset are crucial in sustaining this change. When questioned about instilling this sense of collective responsibility, Meers added, “In leading the project, we want to set a precedent and create an environment that speaks to folks and helps us keep our city clean together.”
But, beyond the immediacy of now, what does the future hold? Meers confidently shared, “This is where the data comes into play. As we grow our knowledge of the landscape and scale, we will be better informed and able to do more with the resources we have, hopefully leading to a streamlined and efficient operation that is sustainable in the long term.”
Complementing these efforts is the “Keep Detroit Clean” campaign, a beacon of the city’s proactive measures against urban blight. Jasmine Barnes, Chief of Policy and Engagement, General Services Department, emphasized the campaign’s achievements, stating, “In 2022, the City of Detroit launched an interdepartmental campaign entitled ‘Keep Detroit Clean’ to address illegal dumping within city neighborhoods. This campaign was highly successful, and we plan to launch phase two of the campaign in the winter to inform and engage residents on anti-littering, community responsibility, and neighborhood pride.”
With the city taking charge of freeway cleanup within Detroit’s boundaries, anticipate a notable transformation in cleanliness. Regardless of past jurisdictions – be it state, county, or city – the collective sentiment of the residents is clear: the highways need a facelift. After all, we call this city home, and it reflects our pride and identity.
Given the antiquity of some of these highways, specialized care is essential. For instance, many sections of I-94, being an older freeway, present steep and treacherous slopes. Navigating these areas demands both expertise and specialized equipment to ensure safety and efficacy.
But it’s not just about cleaning; the city is championing a broader beautification project. This initiative will contribute significantly to environmental health, facilitating the removal of approximately four tons of carbon over its lifespan.
This past spring saw the inception of this beautification drive, particularly in the Wyoming stretch of the I-96 area. The city has ambitiously planted about 1,100 trees and 2,000 shrubs. Beyond just aesthetic enhancement, this green initiative holds the promise of significantly improving visual landscapes and air quality for the residents and everyone passing through.
Detroit’s transformation into a focal point for major national events is palpable, with a series of standout moments punctuating its calendar.
Earlier this year, the city buzzed with excitement as Taylor Swift graced the stage, captivating fans with her chart-topping hits and electric presence amid the huge outpour of support, causing her two-day concert to sell out in hours. This musical extravaganza set the tone for what was to come. By August, Detroit became the chosen destination for Afro Nation, the music festival that magnetized thousands from every corner of the country. Afro Nation’s choice of venue in Detroit was deeply symbolic, hosted on the grounds of the historic Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects. Once a testament to African-American ambition and potential, the Brewster Projects have since been repurposed into a vibrant festival site. Here, tens of thousands gathered, turning the hallowed grounds into a pulsating hub celebrating black love, culture, joy, and artistry. Their experience was further predestined when the powerhouse Beyoncé took the spotlight at Ford Field just weeks prior, delivering a performance that reverberated beyond the confines of the city.
Adding to Detroit’s burgeoning entertainment scene, comedy legend Dave Chappelle chose the city for his biggest area stand-up show to date, taking over the Little Caesars Arena. His signature humor, combined with the ambiance of such a large venue, created a memorable night for all attendees.
On a different spectrum, Detroit emphasized its commitment to global issues by hosting the Detroit TED Countdown 2023 Summit, making it clear that the city isn’t just about entertainment but also about meaningful discourse and change.
In the world of sports, the resurgence of the Detroit Lions has been nothing short of impressive, their string of victories enhancing the city’s appeal to sports enthusiasts.
Now, with the 2024 NFL Draft on the horizon, it’s evident that this isn’t just another event. It stands as a testament to Detroit’s renaissance and the direction in which it’s headed. Amidst this cascade of events and progress, the significance of highway cleanup shines. These highways are the literal and metaphorical pathways to the city’s heart, and as Detroit’s story unfolds, it’s clear that making a strong first impression is paramount.
Detroit’s narrative is one of resurgence and undeniable tenacity. As the city readies to host global events and welcomes international visitors, there’s a unified ambition to show the world its true spirit. The highways, once marred by neglect, are on a path to reflect the city’s innate vibrancy. In this renaissance, Detroit isn’t merely cleaning its roads—it’s redrawing its identity for the world to see.
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