Mayor Duggan announces Riverside Park expansion proceeding two years ahead of schedule
Last summer, the Detroit City Council approved a Land Exchange Agreement with the Detroit International Bridge Company (DIBC) for Riverside Park. From Detroit’s standpoint, the centerpiece of that agreement was DIBC’s commitment to demolish the former Detroit News Warehouse by late 2018 and to transfer that 5-acre waterfront parcel to the city to expand Riverside Park.
On Monday, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and DIBC Vice Chairman Matthew Moroun announced that demolition of the warehouse is already underway and title to the 5 acres will be turned over to Detroit 2 years ahead of schedule.
City officials have worked closely with the Riverside Park Community Advisory Council in designing the park enhancements, funded by an initial payment from the DIBC of $3 million. Work on several projects on the balance of the 27-acre park already have begun, including a new basketball court, softball diamond and soccer field, comfort station, playground, and pavilion.
The Advisory Council working on the park’s design is composed of southwest Detroiters, some of whom live just steps from Riverside Park. “This has been a very community driven process from the very beginning. We are thrilled with the plans for Riverside and excited that our park will expand even earlier than expected,” said David Sanchez of the Riverside Advisory Council.
For more information about Riverside Park expansion plans visit:http://www.detroitmi.gov/News/
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Leads Response to Remediation Efforts in Jefferson Chalmers and Cornerstone Village Neighborhoods
In response to sewer backups in the Jefferson Chalmers and Cornerstone Village neighborhoods, the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) has taken historically unprecedented steps to ensure homes in the area impacted by recent storm activity are professionally cleaned and sanitized. Several homes in the neighborhoods were affected by flooding after the severe rainstorms of July 8 and Aug. 16.
In response to sewer backups, DWSD has proactively led efforts toward remediating impacted homes which included a series of outreach efforts aimed at actively keeping residents informed during the cleanup. Shortly after the July rainstorm, DWSD accompanied by the Detroit Health Department and the City of Detroit’s Department of Neighborhoods, canvassed the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood delivering more than 1,000 packages with information on a 211 help hotline for cleanup and sanitation. The packages also contained claim forms and instructions for filing claims with DWSD over losses sustained during the storm. An additional 3,000 packages were later delivered to area residents prior to the Aug. 22, 2016 deadline for the filing of claims associated with the July 8 rainstorm.
Through the 211 help hotline, DWSD has identified homes requiring sanitation and are working with contractors to ensure all homes requesting assistance are serviced. Crews from DWSD and DPW have also cleaned streets and sidewalks to clear debris from catch basins based on inspections. Cost for basement cleaning and sanitation are covered by DWSD.
To learn more about the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department or to request water services, make payments, or report water problems, call Customer Care at 313-267-8000 or contact us at:www.detroitmi.gov/dwsd.
Two Cases of Hepatitis A Identified, City of Detroit offers preventative vaccinationsYesterday, health officials at the Detroit Health Department and Michigan Department of Health & Human Services identified a second case of Hepatitis A in two weeks. Both of the cases had come in contact with sewage that had backed up into a basement.
While it is not yet clear how these individual contracted Hepatitis A, contact with sewage can transmit the disease. For that reason, the Detroit Health Department recommends that anyone who may have come in contact with sewage seek preventative vaccination.
City residents should contact their primary care physician or come to either of the Detroit Health Department’s clinics at Samaritan Center (5555 Conner) or Family Place (8726 Woodward Ave) between Friday August 26th, and Friday September 2nd.
Hepatitis A is a manageable virus that infects the liver and causes symptoms that can include abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dark urine. Most children who get the disease do not have symptoms. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms usually last about 2 months in adults, although in some people it can last up to 6 months.
Over 99% of those who get hepatitis make a complete recovery, although it can be dangerous among seniors or those with pre-existing liver disease. The best way to avoid getting Hepatitis A is to practice good hand hygiene and avoid exposure. However, for those who may have been exposed to the virus, such as by contact with sewage, preventive vaccination is recommended.
Detroit Jazz Festival- Upcoming Road Closures
The 37th Annual Detroit Jazz Festival is coming soon during Labor Day Weekend, September 2- September 5, 2016.
Keep in mind the following upcoming road clsoures:
Jazz Festival Street Closures
For more information about the festival, visit:http://www.detroitjazzfest.com
Save the date: Safe Sleep Classes
The Detroit Department of Health is hosting a series of safe sleep classes, every 4th Tuesday of the month. The series will teach the ABCS of safe sleep for newborns and young children.
Classes will be held:
September 27, October 25, November 15 and December 13.
Where: The Family Place, 8726 Woodward Avenue
To register call (313) 410-5264.
Upcoming Road Closures:
The Detroit Department of Public Works today announced the following street closings:
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