Hey friends,
Trying to write more of these for you.
Three things before we get started:
1) If you haven't taken our audience survey yet, it'd be awesome if you took a few minutes and let us know what you think. The information and comments will help shape what we do for the next six months to a year. [Take the survey]
2) Our Daily Detroit Happy Hour returns on Thursday, July 11 at The Royce Detroit. Have some wine, have some fun and let's meet up! On the second floor. Event is free, cash bar. [Register on Eventbrite]
3) If you really appreciate what we do and can swing it, consider becoming a supporter. Local coverage requires local support to exist. You get swag and access to our member-only Discord community. [Patreon]
Let's get to the stories.
📰 What to know
>> Stellantis is taking the Warren Truck Assembly plant (temporarily) to one shift, with short-term layoffs of 1,600 workers for at least the next month. That plant builds the Jeep and Grand Wagoneer SUVs, plus the Ram 1500 Classic. This is yet another round of recent cuts at Stellantis. [Crain's Detroit]
>> From convict to police commissioner: Darryl Woods, a returning citizen who served 29 years in prison, has been elected chair of the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners. Woods' past includes a 1990 conviction for first-degree murder, which was later commuted. He has since been active in community programs and was appointed as an at-large police commissioner by Mayor Mike Duggan. Woods aims to address citizen complaint backlogs and improve board collaboration. [Outlier Media]
>> Heads up that if you were planning on visiting Michigan Central this weekend, it will be closed for the holiday. More than 82,000 people have toured the former train station so far, according to Michigan Central. It'll reopen to the public during regular summer hours on July 12 - the hours through August 31st will be 5-9pm Fridays and 10am-5pm Saturdays; no ticket required.
>> The Detroit Sound Conservancy (DSC) has received a $1.9 million grant from the Mellon Foundation to support the rehabilitation of the Blue Bird Inn, along with DSC's programming and operations. The DSC is working to save and rebuild the 1937 structure which has been a cornerstone of local music history. [Detroit Sound Conservancy]
>> The "Sundays on Selden" event series kicks off this Sunday, July 7 at Selden Courtyard in Detroit’s Midtown. Enjoy Detroit-based DJs, family-friendly games, and food & drink deals. It’ll be in the courtyard near Condado Tacos, Nain Rouge Brewery and Barcade. There are three dates, running from 12-5pm on July 7, Aug. 4, and Sept. 1. This is a family-friendly event with games including life-size Jenga, Connect Four and other all-age activities.
>> LIGHT UP Livernois, a one-day festival in Detroit this Saturday, July 6, will celebrate the city's creative and cultural arts. The event features live music, cultural experiences, and diverse culinary delights. It supports local businesses and highlights Detroit's artistic influence. Join for a day of music, art, fashion, food, and community spirit. It runs from Noon to 8pm. [LUL website]
>> The Detroit Pistons are doing a reset, making a series of big moves. But what does it mean? Our Fletcher Sharpe on the Daily Detroit podcast sorts it all out - from the new coach to signings to draft picks. [Apple Podcasts] [Spotify]
The Largest Urban Equestrian Center In America Is Coming To Detroit
Working with animals is a great way to build bonds and teach responsibility. This non-profit program, Detroit Horsepower, has been shuttling Detroit school children out to facilities far away from the city for the program. This new facility - including horse barns - will bring the horses to a city neighborhood.
I talked with founder David Silver about it on the podcast. Have a listen. [Apple Podcasts] [Spotify]
Here are 7 things to know about the project:
- Project Overview: Detroit Horsepower, founded by David Silver, aims to build the country's largest urban equestrian center in Detroit.
- Mission: The organization focuses on youth development through horse riding and care, teaching vital life skills like perseverance, empathy, responsible risk-taking, confidence, and self-control.
- Location: The center will be built on a 14-acre site at the former Paul Robeson school site in the Hope Village neighborhood.
- Facilities: The project will include stables, an indoor riding arena, classrooms, community spaces, paddocks, and a half-mile riding trail.
- Timeline: Groundbreaking is scheduled for fall 2024, with the center expected to open by the end of 2025.
- Funding: The project is estimated to cost $11.4 million, with $6.6 million already committed. The organization aims to raise an additional $2.4 million to leverage new market tax credits.
- Community Engagement: Detroit Horsepower has engaged with the local community and city government to address concerns and secure support, and has for years been shuttling Detroit school students to partner facilities far away from the city of Detroit.
- Future Plans: The program will expand youth activities in the 2025-2026 school year, with a focus on after-school programs and field trips, particularly for Detroit Public Schools.
For more information, visit detroithorsepower.org.
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Until next time... remember that you are somebody,
-Jer