2023 Year End Review Booklet

It was June 15th, 1973 and Detroit native Marvin Gaye released his smash studio album “Let’s Get It On” with the title hit single “Let’s Get It On”, “Distant Lover” and more. We celebrate this moment in time, in D1, with an amazing mural located on Grand River Ave. between Forrer & Winthrop St. designed by Marcus “GRABSTER” Borges.

So, the next time you’re driving down Grand River Ave., headed towards Greenfield Rd., look to your left when passing Grand River Ave. & Forrer St. and check out this amazing mural.

GRAND RIVER & WINTHROP

We’ve closed out another year, one filled with “hellos”, “farewells” and a lot in between. We welcomed new businesses while some shuttered their doors. Families hosted milestone birthdays and others said their goodbyes. We cut down trees, demolished houses and other buildings but also paved roads and planted gardens. After two years, we reconvened for Satellite Hours at Motor City Java House where we communed with new and familiar faces. I championed the Dead, Diseased and Dangerous Tree Program (DDD), the first citywide program to remove trees from private property. I agreed with residents who said ShotSpotter was not a cure, then worked with my colleagues, community partners and the Administration to bring our neighborhoods Shot Stopper programming. We banded together to close Soul Tribes after the illegal occupation of Bushnell Church. From Ardmore to Five Points, from 8 Mile to Fullerton, we were busy and have a lot to show for it.

We no longer focus the District 1 Year-End Review Booklet on the work of our office, but rather set out to showcase the positive impact you, the community, make and all the incredible things that make D1 special. In this issue, we’re going to spend time loving on one another, celebrating the people, parks, neighborhoods, businesses, schools, art, events, and the essence of District 1.

From the resident volunteers who pick up litter in North Rosedale Park on Saturdays and the neighbors in the Hubbell-Lyndon community who started a new block club and sprang into action clearing brush and planting flowers, to those who heeded the call from Blight Busters to clean up and beautify allies and the Sunflower Building in Old Redford, to residents of Brightmoor who attended meetings and offered feedback on the Brightmoor Framework Plan, to the friends of Eliza Howell Park who worked with the City to ensure renovations were completed on time and that the park would open with greater grandeur – we celebrate you! It is the neighbor who sweeps the parking lot and patches the fence, who helps move broken tree limbs to the curb, who shops locally and then tells a friend, who lines up at neighborhood schools to welcome students, or who volunteers to pack food boxes, hand out gloves and turkeys, or pump gas who embodies the spirit of community we have in District 1.

In 2023, we learned District 1 is the most populated City Council District in the city. I like, many of you, are not surprised because we know we have something special here. I look forward to the new housing developments slated for 2024, the installation of new curbs and drains that will help keep our neighborhood streets from flooding, new murals, sit-down restaurants, and expanded neighborhood beautification efforts where homes get new roofs, dead trees are removed and gardens boast perennials, produce and bee hives.

Thank you D1 for your continued commitment to progress and building community. It is an honor to serve you! My team and I will continue to do all we can to ensure your voices are heard and your efforts are recognized. Let’s keep giving our best! #WeAreOne & #D1Strong

Detroit City Council President Pro-Tem James Tate District 1

Openingin1994,Chita'sNefertitiBar isD1’soldestmulti-generationally ownedbar.

15942GrandRiver,48227

ScottySimpson'sFishandChips, has beenastapleinBrightmoorsince 1950

22200FenkellAve,Detroit,MI48223

CURRENTD1POPULATION-100,068 Populationbasedonthe2020census.

D1IS18.75SQUAREMILES

MORETHAN80-BLOCKCLUBS& NEIGHBORHOODASSOCIATIONS

CHURCH, CHARITY & CHANGE IND1 HIP-HIP

1

Are you signed up for the District 1 GovDelivery email & text messages? Do you follow District 1 on social media? If not, you’re missing out. When you want to know what’s going on in D1, join neighbors, friends, city representatives and community resource leaders every 1st and 3rd Friday of each month for Satellite Hours. 2023 marked the return of in-person Satellite Hours post-COVID. We appreciate the hospitality from Motor City Java House, located at 17336 Lahser Rd, Detroit, MI 48219, where the coffee is always hot, and the muffins are always warm. It’s been 10 great years of coffee and conversation. These meetings are always a safe space to address issues directly affecting you, your neighbors, and your way of life. We welcome your ideas, questions, concerns, and feedback. In 2023, we welcomed more than 800 residents to the return of our Satellite Hours.

2023 YOUTH SPOTLIGHT AWARDEES

Every month we take pride in celebrating the next generation with our Youth Spotlight segment, because they are our future. We cherish bringing families across neighborhoods together to acknowledge and offer encouragement to enrich our youth. Our Youth Spotlight Awardees are moving the needle in school, in their extra-curricular activities and at home.

2023 marks more than a decade of hosting D1 Monthly Meetings every 4th Saturday connecting more than 500 neighbors across the District. With a significant amount of topics covered during the last year, we learned about the plans to shift Detroit’s property tax system to a Land Value Tax. Tamara Liberty Smith was introduced as the new District 1 Police Commissioner. Health experts spoke on the benefits of juicing and exercise. Therapists and mental health advocates informed us on how to identify warning signs and support people struggling with mental health concerns and suicidal thoughts. District 1 residents also received assistance with flood mitigation resources from After the Storm and Wayne Metro Community Action Agency. We will continue to provide access to information, resources, D1 venues, community organizations and more.

D1 MONTHLY MEETING PRESENTERS

PastorSpencerEllis CHURCH,CHARITY&CHANGEIND1

FatherJohnMcKenzie

These D1 faith leaders are pillars of community and provide a pathway to faith, love and hope by going the extra mile for people within and outside of the District.

Under the leadership of Pastor Spencer Ellis, Citadel of Praise continues to uplift the Brightmoor area and beyond. Pastor Ellis’ ministry directly impacts the community with evolving outreach missions and the annual Gas on God Giveaway. In October of 2023, more than 500 cars were blessed with up to $40 worth of gas. Watch the District 1 Detroit Citadel of Praise Gas On God Giveaway recap on YouTube and get a glimpse of the impact of this mission within the community.

Father John McKenzie serves as the 1st black Pastor at Christ the King Parish and School. Under his tutelage, in August of 2023, more than 400 people gathered at the Christ the King Campus for a free outdoor/indoor Community Resource Fair servicing the neighboring McNichols Evergreen and Miller Grove communities. He intends to continue amplifying the community by advancing and advocating for the Christ the King Elementary and Middle school, offering quality education for grades K-8.

Reverend Roslyn Bouier understands that food brings people together and is the foundation of her ministry. The Brightmoor Connection Food Pantry has supplied food for thousands of families since 2008. In May of 2023, 44,000 pounds of food was purchased from Gleaners Community Food Bank to support her ongoing crusade against limited access to adequate food. The pantry is always welcoming new clients and volunteers at 16621 Lasher Rd, Detroit, MI 48219.

New St. Paul Tabernacle Church of God & Christ is a fixture in District 1. The church welcomed its new leader, Bishop Zachary N. Hicks a little more than a year ago. Bishop Hicks is committed to continuing the church’s legacy into the future with heightened community support. Currently utilizing its campus to host basketball leagues, PAL cheerleading practice, and even home to a head start program. New St. Paul hosts grant writing and financial literacy classes that are open to the public. The campus also is home to a commercial print shop that facilitates services at reduced prices to support the community’s needs.

NEWADDRESSESTOAFFORDABLEHOUSING

Visions of transforming vacant lots and revitalizing blocks are coming to fruition. Let's enjoy the beauty of watching something from start to finish. These new developments will be charming and aesthetically pleasing additions to their neighborhoods. Building affordable housing in a housing crisis addresses the urgent needs impacting families.

The Grandmont Rosedale Park Collective II is settled in the Minock Park neighborhood near W. Outer Drive and Grand River Ave. These revitalized buildings will be home to 35 affordable housing units. The rental rates will be 60% or less of the area’s median income for a one-bedroom apartment, and will remain affordable for the next 30 years. This project is expected to be completed in June 2024.

Maya Angelou Village is a project spearheaded by Full Circle Development and Alternative For Girls, Inc., (AFG), a Detroitbased nonprofit organization. With over 45 units of affordable and permanent supportive housing, AFG is a resources to aid those experiencing or at risk of homelessness with social work support built in. The three-story building is scheduled to open in early 2024.

Orchard Village, a CNH Partners and Detroit Blight Busters development will offer affordable housing with 48 units in the Old Redford neighborhood. All of the apartment units will be going to families earning between 30% to 60% of the area’s median income. Some rent rates at Orchard Village Apartments will be as low as $500 per month. The development will take 14 to 16 months to complete.

Still in the planning stages, we welcome Trinity Village, a 53-unit affordable housing structure for seniors living below the poverty line. This development offers an opportunity to address this challenge while also contributing to the revitalization of Detroit’s Old Redford Community located at W. McNichols Rd & Trinity St. We welcome the start of this project to District 1 in 2024.

TrinityVillageRendering

MayaAngelouVillage

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D1 AT YOUR DOOR

There’s nothing like having good neighbors who are friendly, trusting, helpful, respectful, and considerate of others. D1 is home to neighbors who offer to pick up groceries for someone unwell and check in on each other during difficult times. Lending a helpful hand while doing some home landscaping or moving those heavy bags of leaves to the curb for pickup represents what solidarity looks like in our District. D1 At You Door is here to celebrate diversity and unity within the community.

Knock, Knock. Who's There?

The Bull FamilyMarsha Keyes

Ramona Ewell

The OsBern Family

Gretude Crosby

We choose to use portraits to help tell the story of our D1 neighborhoods and the pride the residents feel in being in their community. The inspiration came from vintage photographs of Black Americans often seen sitting on their front porch that used to defy stereotypes and depict pride.

With the largest residential population in Detroit, D1 represents single-parent households, newly married couples, retirees, legacy homeowners, 1st time homeowners and 30+ year residents. Traditionally we think diversity is how we look but it’s mostly related to the different stories and backgrounds we all have.

Welcome - Griffin Family

The Seaborn Family

Beverly Davis

Peggy Ruckes

Cheryl Minniefield

Pam Weinstein & Jim Dwight

Since 2013 TFBME has used its platform to bring awareness to the intentional efforts of men fulfilling grassroots missions. These men help build partnerships to empower young boys & girls to positively impact their future. In 2024, we look forward to growing the volunteer count past the current 300-member mark, hosting more school welcomes, mentoring programs, Man of the Month features, career days and making an overall impact.

TFBME SCHOOL WELCOME

When the Taskforce gets together bright and early for School Welcome events, they become the beacons of light and start the kids’ day with high energy, smiles and high fives. These men are chanting, affirming the kids as they walk into the school and get their day started. In 2023, we were able to collaborate and welcome the students at Cook & Coleman A. Young Elementary Schools. Thank you to our sponsors Little Caesar’s & Pepsi Co. for amplifying the experience for the students.

CAREERDAY

Pro Tem Tate connects and engages with students while sharing insight on the concepts of integrity, civics, and government describing his job as Council Member and Council President Pro Tempore of Detroit City Council.

MANOFTHEMONTH

The TFBME Man of the Month campaign is an opportunity to salute our ambassadors for making an impact. This up close and personal interview gives us a behind-the-scenes look into the man, his career, family, and stories that seek to inspire us all.

Dr.CurtisLewis

CoachRayReeves

TerrellTopps Hakeem Weatherspoon

ArthurJohnson

EmersonElementary-MiddleSchool

AnnVisgerElementarySchool

Did you know there was a multi-level senior facility in the Riverdale neighborhood of D1? Restoration Towers is home to 148 units that provide affordable housing of our seniors. We collaborated with the office of City Council President Mary Sheffield to host a senior luncheon, where we all enjoyed a delicious catered meal and discussed resolving building issues as well as City government services.

Our office volunteered with other organizations to keep our district clean. The Fun Litter Pick Up Club outings and 'Motor City Makeover' are marquee moments to get together with neighbors and make and impact. Let's give these folks a round of applause!

ANIMALKEEPING

POLICY BRIEFS

In 2013, city council passed its first urban agriculture ordinance, which allows for urban farms and other agricultural uses. This year, I aimed to build on this existing work by introducing my proposed Animal Keeping ordinance, which would allow Detroiters to keep ducks, chickens, and honeybee hives in a health-conscious and neighborhood-friendly way. This summer, I hosted community meetings across Districts 1, 4, and 6 to gather suggestions and feedback from residents. Be on the lookout for continued community engagement and the ordinance's passing in 2024!

REDISTRICTING

BUSINESSLICENSING

In 2021, an altercation between a patron and the business owner of Brandon’s Liquor Store on Puritan Ave. and Coyle St. drew city-wide attention. Community activists and residents called for the city to revoke the business's license. This year, I successfully passed a revision to the City’s business licensing ordinance that explicitly defines "specified criminal activity" and "fraud", creating additional grounds for a business to have its license revoked, denied, or suspended. Lastly, the ordinance allows Detroit’s Chief of Police to issue a closure order following a violent incident. I hope that this ordinance will ensure that business owners will treat all patrons with the respect they deserve.

In 2013, the City of Detroit adopted a seven-district structure, where each district would be represented by one council member and two at-large council members. Per the City of Detroit Charter, every ten years in response to the most recent U.S. Census, the Detroit City Planning Commission (CPC) must draw new council districts based on the city’s population size at the time. City Council then votes to adopt a new district map. City Council was presented with six different maps, prepared by CPC. The proposed maps reflect prioritizing equal population size, even district boundaries, and other characteristics. Council members must vote on the new map in January 2024 and will continue to work together to select a map that best represents Detroit residents’ interests.

BUSHNELL CLOSURE MAMMOTH BUILDING

IFIT’SBROKE,LET’SFIXIT

Pro-Tem has worked with organizations and residents to maintain, and revitalize buildings in the District. The preservation of these community gems are notable.

Dating back to 1949, the Mammoth building once proudly housed the Federal Department Store, serving as a cornerstone of the community. "We are demanding that this structure be demolished and torn down so we can at this point bring something new that the community deserves," said Tate. The building went up for auction this summer and is now privately owned. Our office plans to connect with the new owner to work together to make sure that the Mammoth building and site are handled with care.

Bushnell, once a historic church was recently reoccupied by an organization named Soul Tribes. The community rallied together to dismantle the illegal activity and occupation of the building. The Detroit Police Department, Building Safety & Engineering and Environmental Department padlocked the doors after seizing psychedelics and marijuana intended for sale. Although the building is now empty, the unity of the District community canceled the looming threat of drug distribution.

The Sunflower building, built in 1950 is a Grand River Ave. landmark, known to be a crumbling property, now in its rehabilitation phase. In 2023, the building has undergone a tremendous facelift and is now in its 2nd interior demo phase. The development company has plans to use this space to empower the artist community with seven 3rd-floor lofts and a studio for resident artists. The 2nd floor will have classroom space. A mega stage will be on the 1st floor for concerts and theatre performances, a Motor City Brotherly Love diner with an expansive Motown theme & menu and 2 Grand River Ave facing commercial spaces. To round out the undertaking, the Mayor has dedicated more than $500,000 for the alley activation to feature more murals as an extension of the Sunflower Project artist empowerment. Within the next year, District 1 will be ready to welcome this artist’s haven.

LEGACY+WINNING= S(he)UCCESS

Congratulations on the achievements of women and girls making huge strides. Let’s take a moment to applaud a few D1 powerhouses and their accomplishments in 2023.

Coach Glenda “POTT” Stancil, Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL) Cheer Commissioner, was the 2023 National American Youth Football & Cheer Hall of Fame inductee for her more than 43-year coaching career. She began this remarkable coaching career when she was just 15 years old. Coaching with the Westside Cubs, a Detroit PAL team, she won the Little League Championship in her first year. In 2006, she became the organization’s cheer commissioner. She is committed to her team’s practice remaining at New St. Paul Tabernacle in D1.

Formally, St. Scholastica, Adams Young Cornerstone Middle School Girls Basketball team propelled the Hawks to a 2023 Championship. Two of the team’s 8th graders, Aubrie and Kyndall, were selected for PAL’s All-Star team and their coach, Coach V, earned a spot as one of the AllStar team’s assistant coaches.

2023 marked the 32nd anniversary of the partnership between The Parade Company and The Skillman Foundation. The annual art competition provides local students an opportunity to see their vision come to life as a float in the parade. Hundreds of Detroit middle school students in grades 4-8 entered the 2023 design contest. The parade commission selected the float design from John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy’s 4thgrade student, Skylar Sowell as runner-up. She titled her float design, “You Can Change the World.”

SKYLAR SOEWLL

Making a difference by focusing on families, Developing K.I.D.S. looks to expand their work. Recently the organization broke ground on their 23,000-square-foot facility. Slated to open late spring 2024. The project revitalizes an unoccupied building on the edge of D1. Under the leadership of Kim Johnson, Founder, President, & CEO, they are celebrating their 18th year of serving youth and families on the west side of Detroit. The programming at Developing KIDS is quality and extensive, featuring free after-school programs, engaging and educational workshops promoting health and wellness dedicated homework are nourished and ready to participate.

Tyra Moore is the Executive Director of the Detroit non-profit organization, A Girl Like Me Inc. (AGLMI). AGLMI was the 2023 winner of the Best of Detroit community organization by the Hour Magazine plus the 2023 Soul Train Award Community Organization spotlight for the work they do supporting teen moms and mentoring girls. Tyra says, “Mentorship is needed. These young ladies need to know they can get through the season of being a young mom and finish their education and go on to have a career or follow their dreams. A baby doesn’t stop your life.”

My MSK also known as My Sister’s Keeper, founded by Andrea Reed, is an organization purposed within the City of Detroit to encourage, empower and uplift. MSK hosted their 8th Annual Back to School Party in September at Stoepel Park, in D1. The organization gave away more than 500 backpacks as well as, school supplies, underwear, socks, uniforms and more. To top off the Back-to-School Party, there were tutors on site to provide children with extra resources. Andrea continues to advocate for all the kids with MSK’s upcoming Teen Vision Board Party at the top of 24' and the kids will no doubt have a ball at their annual Easter Egg Hunt in the spring.

With strong family ties, a D1 Mommy & Daughter duo founded the Mommy and Me Caring Hands (MMCH) organization. Renee Nesbitt and her then 10-year-old daughter founded and operated to support others in need. This District 1 family hosted their 4th annual Back to School Giveaway in August 2023, giving out more than 200 school supplies and meals at Crowell Recreation Center in District 1. This dedicated Mommy & Me duo continues to make an impact with many events and productions throughout the year. In 2023, MMCH also sponsored 8 D1 mothers with makeovers and brunch. The organization is planning its annual Easter basket giveaway and Community Cleaning outing with goals to give away more than 200 baskets and as a group clean an area that needs attention in D1. Also, looking forward to their Juneteenth fashion show sponsored by local boutiques.

Howthree-daynightlyneighborhoodpatrolsled tothreedaysof Trunk-or-Treat.

In the 80’s and 90’s, Detroiters came to dread October 29-31st. What began as “Angel's Night”, to keep the devil out, the term coined 35 years ago by Detroit Blight Busters with the help of Mayor Dennis Archer, was a call to action to combat the excessive fires happening throughout the city. It became a night where hundreds of volunteers drove around the city for 3 nights with blinking lights and a direct line to the Police and Fire Department. 35 years late, the organizer John George said, “We continue in the spirit of not only coming together to patrol and protect Detroit, but it’s also a time to celebrate all of the positive things that are going on.” This season is now an annual gathering of food, fun and fellowship called “Halloween in the D”. The evolution of this night is felt from east to west, and we can rejoice that the city is no longer on fire.

6th December, 2023

HALLOWEENINTHED TRUNKorTREAT

A BOO-TACULAR time was had throughout the District. The City of Detroit Parks and Recreation Department, Police Department, Fire Department, and Wayne County Sheriff’s Department along with countless neighborhood groups, block clubs and churches hosted several days of wholesome fun including Trunk or Treat. 2023 brought out huge crowds. Organizations hosted kids in costumes with thrilling trunk setups and lots of candy. Special thank you to Wayne County Sherriff's, 8th precinct, Crowell Recreation Center, O’Hair Park Association, and North Rosedale Civic Association, just to name a few, for the safe spaces to entertain the little ones Halloween 2023.

The Brightmoor Framework Project is conducted by The Planning and Development Department (PDD). PDD is working to develop a comprehensive neighborhood framework plan that includes the identification of vacant public land, parks, housing redevelopment, economic development, and Green Stormwater Infrastructure strategies. This project seeks to revitalize an area of D1 that spans many blocks with more than 24,000 residents with diverse levels of occupancy, vacant public land, strong economic development, and stormwater challenges. PDD has hosted 8 meetings and focus groups to discuss needs and plans with residents. Stay tuned for the next phase and prepare to get involved.

Brightmoor is home to Eliza Howell Park, (EHP) the 3rd largest park in the city. EHP has 250 acres of natural areas, 2 miles of trails and park amenities along the Rouge River. Sidewalk Detroit, a non-profit that exists to advance public life and build a strong social infrastructure through the lens of arts, culture, collaborative design and deep engagement with residents will continue to boost the park and other projects in the neighborhood. A NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGNED FORYOU!

MEETINGS

BRIGHTMOOR FRAMEWORK

BRIGHTMOORMUSICSERIESSHOWCASE

Residents can also visit and enjoy Williams Park which features The Brightmoor Music Series which showcases local talent performing free live music, the Brightmoor Artisan Farmers Market and the Brightmoor Connection Food Pantry.

Together the community in Brightmoor is showing us what is possible when we “make a plan and work the plan”.

THANKS+GIVING

With a cheerful heart, GIVE!

All year many in our community pour into others, but the fall/winter season is a unique time when children and the young at heart are most sensitive to abundance and lack. This past holiday season D1 showed up for each other in tremendous ways. Jive Turkey, a nonprofit organization in Detroit known for feeding families donated 225 turkeys to the Brightmoor Food Pantry, Dossin Elementary School and Emerson Elementary School.

In the spirit of keeping Detroit warm, Transit Activist and taxicab driver Michael Cunningham accepted a donation of hand warmers for Detroit bus riders on behalf of our office. Whether by choice or necessity braving cold temperatures waiting for a DDOT bus can be challenging. In November, the owners of KC Detroit Tire & Muffler shop & Platinum Auto Sales attended the D1 Monthly Meeting where The Grandmont Association shared they were looking for help with the organization’s hat and glove drive. They exchanged information and days later The Grandmont Association received more than 150 hat & glove donations from these two businesses to meet their goal!

Mittens For Detroit Inc., is a nonprofit that colle purchases, and distributes new mittens, hats & gloves to children, teens, and adults in need. The Grandmont Community Volunteer team sorted more than 100 boxes of winter essentials to donate to

Other organizations including A Girl Like Me, Inc., SDM2, Pathways to Success, the Grandmont Association and the Redford Branch Public Library in Detroit each hosted events where hundreds of Detroiters turned out and many received a hot meal, turkeys, groceries, toiletries, and essential products. Let us all carry the spirit of thanks with a heart and mind to give.

KEEPINGDETROITWARM

Our office helped residents with some heavy lifting in 2023. Working on and resolving more than 200 constituent concerns of blight, demolition, road repair and more. It's about safety and loving where you live. Let's celebrate these before and after's.

The pilot Dead, Dangerous, and Diseased Tree program spearheaded by Pro-Tem Tate was the result of 3 years of championing this crucial service with the City’s administration. It became the first program to allow residents to report trees on their private property they feel need to be trimmed or removed. While typically the city is only responsible for maintaining the trees between the sidewalk and streets, the need for this service is wildly popular with trees becoming more and more dangerous with the rough storms as the years pass. The program was funded up to $8.3 million in 2023. We are working to bring more resources in 2024 to address more problem trees.

Did you know that keeping your heart rate up, trains your body to move oxygen and blood to your muscles more efficiently? This helps you burn more calories and lowers your cholesterol. This also lowers your risk of heart attacks. Now is the time to dive into programming at Crowell Recreation Center. Take part in fun ways to keep your body moving with hip-hop fitness, ballroom & hustle, martial arts and yoga classes. Did you know that there was a stretch of designated bike lanes on Grand River Ave. that stretches over a mile? Get familiar with the trails at the 35 parks and parkways in Northwest Detroit, offering more than 60 miles of asphalt and nature trails to walk, jog, run, cycle and maintain your fit life.

Did you know District 1 is the home to multiple farmer markets? Be on the lookout for seasonal dates for Brightmoor Artisans Farmers Market, Northwest Detroit Farmers Market, and Beaverland Farms. Farmers markets supply fresh, high-quality produce while supporting local farmers and artisans. Around the district, residents can enjoy a fun outing with family & friends that help stimulate the local economy.

Urban gardens are a green oasis where plants, flowers, and vegetables thrive. Residents have realized visions of turning vacant lots into beautiful outdoor havens, repurposing the land to create a harmonious blend of nature and urban living. Beautifying our surroundings, amid the urban hustle and bustle, provides a connection by blending our community with nature. Discover District 1 urban farms and gardens including Detroit Hives, Brightmoor Flower Farm, Grandmont Rosedale Community Garden, Minock Park Peace Garden, The Foster Patch Gardens, Moore Park and Griffin Gardens.

-O’Hair

-Stoepel Park I & II

-Grand River Parklet

-Eliza Howell

In our neck of the woods, there are 35 parks ready to host you and your family for day-to-day play. Each park has unique offerings - walking & nature trails, soccer, football, softball fields, basketball courts, play areas and picnic shelters. Take a tour of the public parks for events and fun all year long.

-Simmons Playground

-Lasher-Clarita Playground

-Douglas Ramsey Memorial Playground

D1 Parks

Park

It has been a year filled with auspicious occassions and golden memories. Here’s to all the birthdays, Spirit of Detroit recipients, naming tributes, community leaders and living legends, that shared milestones within the District. Let’s take a moment to ring out, “Hip-Hip Hooray!”

REMEMBERINGOURLOVEDONES

There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in our hearts.

-“Mahatma Gandhi”

Remembering our D1 neighbors who left us in 2023.

Jackie Williams

Rev. Carl E. Zerweck III

Dr. Roslyn Lois Wilson McClendon

Sue Frances Rayborn

Debra Ann Latona North Rosedale North Rosedale Greater Sandhill North Rosedale Greater Sandhill

Earlene Hall

William Charles Champion, Jr.

Brandon Moore

Wendy Gail Booker Greater Sandhill DARTS Greater Sandhill Greater Sandhill

Patrice WilsonOscar Brown

Donae Wilbert

Jewels Patchett Fenkell Foyer DARTS North Rosedale Friend of D1

Percival Rashid Grandmont Rosedale

Fred Harris Grandmont Rosedale

Sherley Lee King Jr.

Mark Flanders

Julie Hacker North Rosedale North Rosedale North Rosedale

Those that touch our lives, stay in our hearts forever.

Herschell Masten Friend of D1

Lela Baker

James Thomas Dunlap

Carolyn Zuwaski

Ronald Rice North Rosedale North Rosedale Anthony Hawkins North Rosedale North Rosedale North Rosedale

Joyce Anderson Stanley EdwardsRosa Tubbs

Bernice Bradley Randall Holden Jr. O’HairO’HairO’Hair O’HairCalvary Calvary

Doc McGrew Grandmont Rosedale

David Drafts Miller Grove

William McAdoo Miller Grove

William Talmadge

Patrice Wilson Calvary

Alva Nell Green North Rosedale

Glen Allen Grandmont Rosedale

THE ADVENTURES OF

TEAMTATE TTEAMTATE EAMTATE

D1

MEETTHETEAM MMEETTHETEAM EETTHETEAM

CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO-TEM

CONSTITUENT RELATIONS LIAISON

SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR

SENIOR

JAMES TATE

DEVIN MCKENZIE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

THOMAS OBIOHA

KAREN WILLIAMS OFFICE MANAGER

DAISHA MCKENZIE COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

SUMAIYAH AHMED POLICY ANALYST

BRANDON WHITFIELD CONSTITUENT RELATIONS LIAISON

JAI SINGLETARY

POLICY ANALYST