Daily Detroit

On today's show:

• Daily Detroit Happy Hour: Join us this Thursday, July 11, from 4 to 7 PM at The Royce. (More: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/daily-detroit-happy-hour-at-the-royce-wine-bar-tickets-936633384667)
• Survey Feedback: Jer and Fletcher discuss the results of a recent listener survey, highlighting the importance of community input for growth and improvement.
• Unpermitted Block Party Clampdown: The hosts address a recent block party incident where two young people were killed, and more than 20 shot. They delve into the city's response, including new measures announced by Mayor Mike Duggan and Police Chief James White to curb such violence.
• Dan Gilbert's Option to Buy the Rencen: Jer and Fletcher discuss the possibility of Dan Gilbert buying the Ren Sen, exploring the implications for Detroit's real estate landscape. (More: https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/dan-gilbert-rencen-purchase-table-documents-show)
• Three-on-Three Basketball: Fletcher educates listeners on Ice Cube's Big Three league and its new Detroit team, and we talk about where the games might be held.
• Detroit Pistons Update: The episode wraps up with a discussion on the Pistons' latest pickup, Malik Beasley, and what it means for the team's future.

Feedback: dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com

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Join us on the Daily Detroit podcast as we sit down with Donald Rencher, president and CEO of the Hudson Weber Foundation.

Donald shares his insights on the crucial role of philanthropy in Detroit's growth, the importance of affordable housing, and his vision for inclusive growth in the city.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The role of philanthropy in Detroit's development and supporting transformational projects
• Strategies for attracting more residents to Detroit and stopping population decline
• The necessity of creating safe, inclusive neighborhoods that retain residents
• The importance of affordable housing across various income levels
• The need for investment in neighborhoods to improve amenities and living conditions
• Donald's goals for the future, including continuing work on criminal justice reform and supporting arts and culture in Detroit

Key Quotes:

• "Philanthropy has a crucial role in pushing transformational projects in Detroit."
• "We need to ensure that Detroit's growth is inclusive and that all residents feel a part of it."

Listen in to learn more about how Detroit is evolving and the pivotal role of philanthropy in this transformation!

Recorded at the Mackinac Policy Conference.

More on the Hudson-Webber Foundation: https://hudson-webber.org/

More on our Happy Hour on July 11 at the Royce Detroit! We had to open up more free tickets there was so much demand. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/daily-detroit-happy-hour-at-the-royce-wine-bar-tickets-936633384667

Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942?mt=2

In today's episode - the final before the July 4th break - Jer Staes, Devon O'Reilly, and Norris Howard dive into the latest developments in Detroit, including the new JW Marriott project and its potential impact on the city's landscape. They explore the aesthetics and functionality of the project, the need for more hotel rooms, and the broader implications for Detroit's convention and tourism sectors.

The conversation shifts to the challenges and opportunities in the local real estate market, emphasizing the importance of efficient development processes and the role of both large and small developers in shaping the city's future.

The team also discusses the potential for new leadership in Detroit's upcoming mayoral election and what it could mean for the city's growth and development.

Devon shares his observations on the changes in the Foxtown area, including the transformation of the Town Pump Tavern into the Chandelier Room, and the ongoing development projects nearby. The team reflects on the importance of creating vibrant, connected neighborhoods and the need for streamlined processes in the city to support smaller developers.

Announcements:

• Happy Hour on July 11 at The Royce: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/daily-detroit-happy-hour-at-the-royce-wine-bar-tickets-936633384667
• Listener survey at DailyDetroit.com/survey
• We'll be back with new episodes on Monday

In this episode, Fletcher Sharpe discusses the recent changes and developments with the Detroit Pistons.

The team covers the hiring of coach J.B. Bickerstaff, the impact of Fred Vinson on player shooting performance, and the potential of new draft picks Ron Holland and Bobi Klintman.

They also talk about the return of Tobias Harris, Cade Cunningham's commitment to the team, and the overall outlook for the upcoming season.

Fletcher shares his insights on what the team needs to do to improve and the importance of patience with young players. Don't miss their detailed analysis and predictions for the Pistons' future.

Key Topics:

• J.B. Bickerstaff's coaching style and impact
• Fred Vinson's influence on shooting performance
• New draft picks: Ron Holland and Bobi Klintman
• Return of Tobias Harris
• Cade Cunningham's role and future with the Pistons
• Team development and expectations for the upcoming season
• Importance of patience with young talent

Announcements:

• Happy Hour on Thursday, July 11, at the Royce: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/daily-detroit-happy-hour-at-the-royce-wine-bar-tickets-936633384667
• Listener survey at DailyDetroit.com/survey

Tune in for a comprehensive overview of the Detroit Pistons' current state and what fans can look forward to in the near future.

Happy Monday! Let's get this holiday week started.

The largest urban equestrian center in the nation is coming right here to the city of Detroit, and we're going to talk about it.

Jer sits down with David Silver, founder and executive director of Detroit Horsepower, a nonprofit that teaches Detroit students to ride and care for horses.

This new facility aims to develop critical skills in students, setting them up for academic, career, and life success.

They discuss the transformational impact of working with horses, the five core social-emotional skills the program focuses on, and the journey to building this massive project on the former Paul Robeson school site at Linwood and Fenkell in the city.

David shares the planning and community engagement that has gone into making this dream a reality, including the $11.4 million project budget, the $6.6 million already committed, and the targeted groundbreaking in fall 2024.

They also touch on the importance of new market tax credits and the various funding sources that have been pivotal in reaching this stage.

Don't forget:

Our annual listener survey: https://forms.gle/kzWXWh4NLkZPbyo79

Our Happy Hour on July 11 at The Royce Detroit:

Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or 313-789-3211

Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonapple

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Thanks to our members: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit

Welcome to Friday! On the podcast:

Jer shares his experience at Go Comedy! Improv Theater in Ferndale, highlighting its pride-themed event and the importance of supporting independent arts in Metro Detroit.

Devon talks about his recent visit to the Detroit Zoo with his daughter, discussing the new attractions and the joy of seeing animals through a child's eyes

We discuss Amar Pizza in Hamtramck getting a nod from The New York Times as one of the best pizza places in the U.S.

We highlight the $153 million development project at the historic Fisher Body Auto Plant, which will include residential and commercial spaces, set to be completed by summer 2026.

Detroit's three new solar neighborhood projects are discussed, focusing on the benefits of converting vacant land into solar arrays and the home improvements for nearby residents.

Jer outlines some of the local projects receiving funding from the Michigan state budget, including the Detroit Zoo, Jimmy John's Field, and the Downtown Boxing Gym.

That leads us on a sidetrack, getting into the ongoing discussions and differing opinions surrounding the I-375 project and its potential impact. Devon doesn't think it's gonna happen.

And we end talking about the implications of Rite Aid reportedly closing all their stores in Michigan, creating pharmacy deserts and the potential for new business opportunities.

Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or 313-789-3211 Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonapple

Or Spotify: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonspotify

Thanks to our members: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit

A couple of stories we're talking about today.

First, Norris Howard relived his college days by checking out the reopened Third Street Bar in Detroit's Midtown.

Then, we have a deep-dive into what is a contentious issue in some circles: Should Detroit city parks be mostly closed for the annual fireworks show?

Some say it's anti-resident; others, it's just what needed in today's world for safety and crowd control and with limited resources this is what can be done.

It's easy to open up your favorite social media app and think that everyone is thinking a certain way. It doesn't matter the topic. in our always connected world, whether it's about some national story or something in town, we've all seen it.

The pile on with comments. But in my mind, that isn't the greatest indicator of what people really think.

A friend of mine called it "roll and scroll," where a lot of people will see something going a certain way, roll their eyes, and scroll on instead of getting into it. So how do we find out what Detroiters are really thinking?

What brings Detroit voters to the polls? What are their top priorities for local elected officials? You ask them. But to it right, it requires expertise and expense.

So when I saw that outlier media had commissioned the Detroit metro area communities study to survey 1,100 of our citizens? My ears perked up.

To unpack the findings… Sarah Alvarez, the founder and editor in chief of Outlier Media joined me in the studio at Techtown.

Link to the full survey results to follow along: https://outliermedia.org/detroit-voter-turnout-2024-elections-priorities-survey/

Thanks to our episode sponsor, City Bird Detroit: https://citybirddetroit.com/

Welcome to Monday... We've got some serious stuff, some vibes from a game we went to, and we're going to talk a little bit about dogs, pets, and fireworks because it is the season.

Before we get started, I wanted to tell you that our new Patreon-only Discord is open. This is for supporters only. You just have to join us at Patreon.com/dailydetroit. Already a lively community, people chiming in, having questions, it's absolutely great. Appreciate your support!

First up, a couple of serious things to talk about.

An Oakland County sheriff's deputy was shot in Detroit over the weekend in what is being described as an ambush. He was in plain clothes following a stolen vehicle in Detroit. It's a sad situation.

Next, the city of Detroit is cracking down on unauthorized block parties. There have already been a number of car shows where people get together without permits, and things sometimes get out of hand. This has caused tension within the city. While some residents enjoy these gatherings, others prioritize safety and family-friendly neighborhoods.

As the Ford Fireworks are tonight - and you can check them out on Channel 4 - or if you're going down, it should be a fun experience. And there will be fireworks across the region from now until July 4.

But fireworks can be stressful for our pets. As Fletcher works with dogs, and we can't really stop people from letting off big booms, we talk about a few tips to keep pets a bit calmer during this stressful time

And we end with some immaculate vibes from this weekend. Keyworth Stadium was electric for the Detroit City FC game against Pumas. The energy was incredible, with fans from around the country showing up. The game was intense, and even though Pumas lost, their fans kept cheering. It was a vibe we hadn't felt since before the pandemic, and makes us wonder about how long it makes sense to stay in the Open Cup vs. having international friendlies that can really pack the stands.

Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or 313-789-3211

Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonapple

Or Spotify: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonspotify

Thanks to our members: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit

Coming to town next weekend on Sunday, June 30, to the Magic Bag in Ferndale is a band that anyone who grew up in the nineties will definitely know.

And if you don't, well, you should get acquainted with the alt-rock legendary sound of Letters to Cleo. The band has some new material to go with favorites like "I Want You to Want Me," "Here and Now," and "Cruel to Be Kind."

To talk about the band, music, and the show, my guest is guitarist Michael Eisenstein. If it sounds like I'm a little excited, I'll put it on the table right now that I'm a fan.

Michael shares stories along the band's journey — and the fresh energy they bring to their new material. We discuss how technology has changed the way they create music, contrasting the hands-on, live development of songs in the early nineties with today's digital collaboration. Michael reflects on the unique challenges and benefits of remote recording and how it has affected the band's creative process.

We also get into the band's involvement with the iconic movie "Ten Things I Hate About You," sharing behind-the-scenes stories, including the thrilling experience of filming the closing shot from a helicopter. Michael talks about the gratifying experience of hearing from younger musicians who were influenced by Letters to Cleo and how the band continues to inspire the next generation of artists.

Looking forward to their upcoming show at the Magic Bag, Michael shares his excitement about returning to the Midwest and performing in a venue that feels like home.

He reminisces about past tours through Metro Detroit with other artists and the joy of reconnecting with old friends and fans. The intimate setting of the Magic Bag suits the band's vibe perfectly, promising a night of great music and energy.

Don't miss Letters to Cleo at the Magic Bag in Ferndale on Sunday, June 30. Doors open at 7pm.

Tickets: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/kickstand-productions-presents-letters-to-the-magic-bag-tickets/13463344?pl=magicbag

p.s. - I want to put a pin in your calendar for Thursday, July 11, 2024. Our Daily Detroit Happy Hour returns, this time at The Royce in downtown Detroit from 4pm to 7pm.

If you've got questions, email us at dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com.

Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonapple

Or Spotify: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonspotify

Thanks to our members: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit