GRASS, SNOW AND FIRE

As Detroit continues to lose population and taxpayers, Mayor Dave Bing has been struggling to control a budget deficit in the hundreds of millions of dollars. He cut roughly $100 million in spending from his latest budget, but tried to avoid cutting into city services such as grass cutting and street cleaning, which tend to shape people's perceptions of neighborhood quality and safety.

A article in the Wall St. Journal recently profiled some Detroit residents who have taken helping out the city into their own hands. Mowing lawns and clearing weeds, they are trying to help with the upkeep of their neighbourhoods.

Is this just prolonging the inevitable reclamation of urban prairie?

"Mr. Edwards and his neighbors say it has been several years since the city provided many maintenance services on their far East Side block. In the winter, he also pays out of pocket for snow removal for most of his tiny block. Another neighbor has agreed to cover the rest of the block. That keeps residents from being snowed in at home, neighbors say."

Although it's a noble concept and a community rallying point; taking pride in one's surroundings increases the "social investment" of residents. The bigger question is; "is this a precursor to other elements of urban life that will transition from city service to community driven?

How far off would volunteer fire services be?

With the intended contraction of the city and the redeployment of neighbourhoods, the complexion of the city will take on a more rural feel and just like in rural areas, services and communities tend to become more insular and services become more inverted. What is next for Detroit?