Bulldoze the Ghost Burbs - Return them to nature

[katty]

more:
http://www.alternet.org/environment/140629/intriguing_plan_in_michael_moore%27s_home_town%3A_bulldoze_the_ghost_%27burbs%2C_return_them_to_nature/

By Tom Leonard, The Telegraph (UK). Posted June 13, 2009.

Concept of razing post-industrial "rust belt" empty neighborhoods draws interest in Detroit, Philadelphia, Baltimore and other cities.

The government looking at expanding a pioneering scheme in Flint, Michigan, one of the poorest US cities, which involves razing entire districts and returning the land to nature.

Local politicians believe the city must contract by as much as 40 percent, concentrating the dwindling population and local services into a more viable area.

The radical experiment is the brainchild of Dan Kildee, treasurer of Genesee County, which includes Flint.

Having outlined his strategy to Barack Obama during the election campaign, Mr Kildee has now been approached by the US government and a group of charities who want him to apply what he has learnt to the rest of the country.

[TrogL]

1. We're having enough trouble getting one building torn down

never mind a whole neighbourhood.

[Fovea]

2. Burb salvage

will be the attractive growth industry of 2010.

[Stuckinthebush]

3. Give them to the homeless?

Just a thought.

:shrug:

[subcomhd]

4. you beat me to the punch

[The Hope Mobile]

5. Yeah, I don't really understand the thinking behind this at all.

Beautificaton? Less homeless people = more beautiful on many levels IMHO

[caraher]

6. A big problem is upkeep

If you're not from SE Michigan it may be hard to fully appreciate the way automotive culture and white flight have combined to create neighborhoods with lovely houses that are essentially unlivable. Sure, you could give away houses, but unless you have some steady income you can't maintain them, and the lack of jobs, grocery stores, etc. in many decaying urban areas make life more difficult and expensive than in the newer suburbs.

There may be houses, but even if you gave the homeless houses there's a lot more required to make them good homes.