Hello and welcome to your Daily Detroit Evening Edition!
Much like back in the day there was an evening paper, I feel like an evening newsletter is in order. Because let's be honest. There's a ton of people trying to get in your inbox at 6am. That's not my speed.
If this is your first time here, don't forget to sign up free here for future notes.
🚆 Detroit People Mover expansion? Since the Detroit Policy Conference earlier this year, ideas have been bubbling up around expanding the 2.7 mile loop that serves Downtown Detroit.
Now comes news of a survey coming soon to get feedback on everything from adjusting station locations, to adding bypasses for two-way traffic, expansion to serve more neighborhoods, better signage and more. The study will include the 7.2 square miles of Greater Downtown, so that means from Corktown to New Center to parts of the East Riverfront. [Crain's Detroit]
Do we need more People Mover?
I know this survey is about things big and small, but I love the possibilities of the Detroit People Mover.
I know that it was always meant to be one small part of a larger system thought of in the 1970s that spread from Southgate to Metro Airport to M-59 to St. Clair Shores. The Federal money that we as a region decided to pass on due to our internal divisions went to Washington D.C.
I know logically that elevated rail is one of the more expensive ways to build out any sort of transit.
But in 25+ years of following things in this town, I've learned the question isn't if there's money. It's if the people with money want to fund it, and if the public is enticed enough by the idea.
I know we'll find the money for things that seem cool and don't get in the way of our cars. That make us look like we compete.
If there's one thing an expanded People Mover would do, it is (for the most part) not annoy drivers, have a clear route without dealing with streetlights, and for the powers that be and residents alike — it would look cool on Instagram reels.
Yes, that last one seems like silly reasoning. But have you lived through 2024?
For the fellow transit nerds in the back, I am fully aware there are things like signal priority (that changes stoplights to line up with the streetcar so it flies by) that could make on-road or dedicated lane transit faster. Also, Bus Rapid Transit would be cheaper. Let alone fixing the current system while we're at it.
But I saw what happened with the QLINE, a system seemingly designed by someone who saw a transit line in a book but never rode one to work.
I have resigned myself to the reality we simply aren't going to do any sort of transit plan that is perceived to get in the way of our SUVs. We horribly underfund our current system, with one out of three buses are currently broken. Rolling rail train stock would be a lot sturdier.
There are political realities and maybe instead of going in circles, we take the transit dreams to the air — and eventually get a more expansive system that's far more suited to moving more people.
And it would, because people could easily see it would be fast and efficient, separated from the road. It's a clear, visual story.
There are lots of details I know exist but didn't mention. And these are just my thoughts. Send me a note and let me know yours.
🏗️ Plans were unveiled Tuesday for a massive biotech hub in downtown Detroit. Dan Gilbert’s Bedrock is looking to transform a former failed jail project site into a 14-acre district focused on life sciences and tech.
The centerpiece will be a 220,000-square-foot facility housing BAMF Health's advanced cancer treatment center, alongside wet labs and startup spaces operated by Michigan Innovation Headquarters. They will be the anchor, taking up 150,000 square feet of the project.
The development, set to break ground in 2025, is a big shift for the site at Gratiot and I-375. Before, it was sitting unused after a stalled criminal justice center project.
Partners including Wayne State University, TechTown, and Ferris State University will provide educational programs and entrepreneurship support, positioning Detroit to compete better in the growing biotech sector. [Bedrock]
The Temple Bar is back open. A little part of the world has healed. I have great memories there, and to see them come back after seven months warms my heart. At some point soon, I need to stop by for some whiskey to warm my chest. [ClickOnDetroit]
Yet another chicken place is coming to southeast Michigan. This time, Slim Chickens. I don't know how many more chicken dishes we need and will buy, but we're gonna find out. They say 25 locations are on the way. [Freep]
Were food reviewers too tough on "Mom's Spaghetti," Eminem's touristy food window? Our podcast producer Shianne went and liked it for what it is. We discussed it on our podcast.
"Mustard Maddie" emailed me and said that the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile is coming to Metro Detroit. The three spots she mentioned to "meat" up, take photos and get a whistle are at Walmarts at points west and south in the region:
- 12/19 Thursday from 12pm – 5pm at 29555 Plymouth Road in Livonia
- 12/20 Friday from 12pm – 5pm at 7555 Telegraph Road in Taylor
- 12/22 Sunday from 10am – 3pm at 14900 Dix Toledo Road in Southgate
See. It comes full circle. If things had worked out back in the 70s, you could have taken the transit to get near the Weinermobile.
Anyway, until next time (hopefully tomorrow), remember that you are somebody and I'll see you around Detroit.
-Jer
p.s. - This email was written to "See and Be Scene" by the Hard Lessons.