grazing

Except for the possibility of being attacked by roving packs of feral dogs, it might just work: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130925/METRO01/309250124/1409/METRO/Detroit-considers-using-sheep-goats-mow-vacant-lots

A place alone

September. It's a time that evokes change and rolling up the sleeves and back to work. It's a weird time in Detroit. Arson declines, the streets becoming a little more empty than they already are and the stillness and isolation of certain neighbourhoods becomes more evident.  There is a certain mood that begins to seep into the city. It makes Detroit feel even more Detroit.

Three hundred and thirteen portraits (313)

Lots (lots!) has happened over the last few months in Detroit. The most obvious is the city has gone bankrupt. The writing has been on the wall for a long time. There is no other exit strategy. However, the fallout will be tremendous and the ones who will ultimately feel the pain are Detroiters themselves. Check back soon for some exciting news on the second part of "The Detroit Project". 313 portraits of people in the city. The real D.

brewing storm?

Today is the start of uncharted territory. The State government has appointed an emergency city manager to oversee the next steps in trying to get Detroit righted again; or at least to stop the civic down slide. The city council doesn't know if it's relevant anymore, the citizens are unsure of what's next and in fact some people, Jesse Jackson, the most vocal, have called for civic unrest and revolt. The next month or so promises to be interesting and possibly a volatile time in the city's history. Stay tuned.

winter

Just got back from a quick, yet intense visit. Had a winter storm which always offers a unique perspective on the city landscape. Things become noticeable you never noticed before and other things become cloaked in a cover of snow and disregard. More photos soon.

back at it

discarded

It becomes immediately evident crossing county lines into Detroit how much garbage there is. Many parts of the city have become dumping grounds for all manner of unwanted stuff. Clothes, tires, boats, cars, paper, shoes, furniture and sometimes, as above...even animals.