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Neglected for decades by
previous State governors and legislatures, Highland Park - a city
nested in the heart of Detroit - has experienced a precipitous slide
into neglect, population exodus and poverty.
Once one of the most prosperous suburbs nested in the shadow of the
booming auto industry, the city has seen the gradual loss of all
heavy industry as the cooperations joined in the melee for more
acreage, thus contributing to the phenomenon that eventually became
termed "urban sprawl".
The newly elected governor
Jennifer Granholm is part of a new generation of leaders that are
turning around and looking back toward the dilapidated cities.
Granholm is a strong proponent of "The
creative Class" - a concept in which Richard Florida espouses
that successful cities court creative people such as
musicians,
artists, scientists, teachers and the entrepreneurs that
inevitably follow in their footsteps. This leads to flourishing
cities with thriving economies.
Now Governor Granholm has
inaugurated the "Cool Cities" initiative in an attempt to place
substance upon the idea.
The historical
Highland Park Henry Ford Plant, left empty for decades. Studio and
Gallery space?
Highland Park ought to be the
jewel in the crown the "Cool Cities" initiative. There are several
reasons why this beleaguered city would fit this parameter:
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Historical Heritage. The
birthplace of mass produced automobile, Highland Park is a major
historical focal point.
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Housing. Long ignored by the
population at large, the city of Highland Park sports some of the
most beautiful housing in the world available for rent or purchase
at low prices.
-
Studio space. The exodus of
small businesses which pursued the relocated auto industry has
left the city with countless buildings ideal for studio space and
galleries.
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Secure. The Wayne County Police
have made Highland Park a priority, and are here to stay.
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Strategically placed, a major
hub joining three freeways gives commuters easy access.
"Highland Park - the capital
of Detroit"
Kwame Kilpatrick, Mayor of Detroit
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