MDOT I-375 Community Meeting
Michigan Department of Transportation
Transportation
3434 Russell St Detroit, MI 48207 (Directions)
The Eastern
Project webpage: https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/projects-studies/special-construction/i-375-reconnecting-communities-project
Project background: Through the I-375 reconnecting communities project, MDOT plans to convert the existing freeway into a street-level boulevard with signalized intersections from Gratiot Avenue to Atwater Street, build a safe, modern interchange at I-75, and develop more street-level connections from neighborhoods to Easter Market, Greektown and downtown. The project includes numerous community enhancements including upgrading mobility and access for walkers, bikers, rollers, and vehicles, improving environmental quality for neighborhoods, and taking an equitable approach to incorporating the history of Black Bottom and Paradise Valley neighborhoods that were removed for urban renewal and construction of the freeway.
This meeting will be livestreamed: https://www.youtube.com/live/dq24aIc2js0
Reporting
Edited and summarized by the Detroit - MI Documenters Team
Note-taking by
Crystal N. Mitchell
MDOT and city officials introduced the I-375 Neighborhood Framework, a process running through August 2025 in which stakeholders work together to design and draft a land use plan for the $300 million highway development project.
Live reporting by
Meghan Rutigliano
MDOT and city officials introduced the I-375 Neighborhood Framework, a process running through August 2025 in which stakeholders work together to design and draft a land use plan for the $300 million highway development project.
MotorCityMegs
@MotorCityMegs8
Good evening, Detroit! At 5:30pm I’ll be live-tweeting the MDOT I-375 Community Mtg on behalf of #DETdocumenters. @DetDocumenters media partners: @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit
04:09 PM Dec 3, 2024 CST
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit I am flagging that MDOT has published 2 different stop/start times. On their website, it says the meeting runs 5:30pm-7:30pm. Now I’m on the livestream link and it says 6:00pm-8:00pm.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit I had planned to go in person but thought I would miss some of the meeting if I was running closer to 5:35 so I'm a bit miffed. oh well. We will find out together what time the meeting actually starts. ;)
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Here's the discrepancy btw the publicly posted meeting times.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet, what say you about this?
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet The public is invited to attend in person or livestream via Youtube. The in person meeting is taking place in person at The Eastern in Eastern Market at 3434 Russell St. Detroit, MI 48207. The Youtube live stream link is here: youtube.com/live/dq24aIc2j…
youtube.com/live/dq24aIc2j…
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet There WILL be space allotted for public comment. From MDOT's website: Questions for the project team via livestream can be submitted online. Here's the link: pima.michiganoutreach.org/public/event-r… but this just looks like registration for the meeting. So, it's confusing.
pima.michiganoutreach.org/public/event-r…
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet And here's more background about the topic of the meeting, the "I-375 Reconnecting Communities Project." Outlier has covered the matter here: outliermedia.org/i-375-redesign… and here: outliermedia.org/i375-detroit-f…
outliermedia.org/i-375-redesign…
outliermedia.org/i375-detroit-f…
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet As a 4-year resident of Lafayette Park (which used to be a part of Black Bottom), I care deeply about the outcome of this redesign and I'm eager to participate in the discussion.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet IMPORTANT: If you believe anything in the coverage today is inaccurate, please email us at documenters@outliermedia.org with "Correction Request" in the subject line.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet Aaron Mondry: "The I-375 highway, one of the shortest in the nation at a little over 1 mile long, connects the I-75 highway to East Jefferson Avenue. The city and state laid the groundwork for and built the freeway from the late 1940s through the early 1960s with federal help."
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet (continued) "To prepare for the interstate, the state demolished Black Bottomand Paradise Valley, a vibrant neighborhood and business district that had large concentrations of Black residents and businesses."
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet From a @detroitnews article by Melissa Nann Burke & Riley Beggin:
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Ouch. Recent criticism of the plan has been that it lacks imagination, that it included too much space for cars, and too many lanes. The public outcry against the plan prompted MDOT to reimagine the layout, removing the median and decreasing lanes.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews The project is set to cost around $300 Million. MDOT received funding from the Dpt. of Transportation to the tune of $104.6 Million. Construction is slated to begin in 2025.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews For your visualization: Here's the area in question. michigan.gov/mdot/-/media/P…
michigan.gov/mdot/-/media/P…
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews OK, now it's just irritating. Still no livestream. I logged in at the posted start time, which was 5:30pm. MDOT has 41 others waiting too. While I believe in the good in everyone, this isn't a great look.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Antoine (Last name?) is introducing himself. Says they are mostly going to focus on what's going to happen to the land after the reconnection aspect. People are there representing the Joe Louis Greenway, from MDOT, and other city officials.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews The team is talking about their work in September 2024, went on 8 stops to engage with community members. Introduced neighbors to the project and heard different views. Contracted with Progressive Design Team. Says it's "early contractor involvement".
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews There will be 30+ acres of land as a result of the construction of the boulevard. How does it connect back to the communities? That's the question they hope to address.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews John Civils (sp?) is giving an overview. The goals are to discuss the vision, introduce the teams, and introduce the FRAMEWORK. How do we begin to activate the space, the 30+ acres?
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Framework to take place over a year from September of 2024, which is when it began, until August 2025.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Here are the elements of the Framework:
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Here's what they say they've heard so far:
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Now they are doing some "table setting" around how they want people to make their way around the room in person. For follow up:
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews They're back. Q: Are we willing to restore the names of the demolished streets? Example: Hastings Street. A: Yes, it will be "M375" because it will no longer be a part of the interstate system. They will take that into consideration, the name suggestions.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: Why isn't the first priority NOT to restore Black Bottom and Paradise Valley because they were destroyed by a racist government. A: It IS a priority. We are taking it seriously and want to re-create with you.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: Is there consideration being given to green spaces? A: Yes, part of tonight's discussion is about understanding land use and the balance between open space and development.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: What about quality of life for existing residents? A: Yes, particularly with neighborhoods to the east. We are taking into consideration all of this and to understand the impacts.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: How will you ensure that walking through these new spaces/blvds will be safe and attractive to people of all ages and abilities? A: Use of streets for people is important to us. We need to address the urban condition that ppl will be walking through.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: What is relationship between this plan and the plans for the Renaissance Center redevelopment? A: We have no authority over Ren Center. We are focused on the M375 project. In best case scenario, we will be working together.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: Is it possible that you will lose funding? Do you have the $$ in the bank? A: Yes, project is fully funded. We have federal and state grants.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: Will you evaluate the value of homes adjacent to I375 like Lafayette Park? A: Yes, this will be a part of the conversation. Typically there will be an increase in property value.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: When did Detroiters vote on this project? A: Project went through conceptual design back in 2016/17. Was also explored in 2014. East Riverfront Framework did analysis of the corridor. What would a surface blvd do? How could developing a sense of place go in future?
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews (continued) We see this as transformative. (They did not answer the question, tbh)
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: What about historical markers about Black Bottom and Paradise Valley? A: Yes, we will explore best placement for those. We are engaging with community about how we tell the history.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: Someone likes DDP design for 2 roads? Can we do that? A: We can't implement everything. The problem is there's a road that goes through the Crain's site/Brewery Park. We want to serve a strong connection into downtown. Need to serve the large employers.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: What about transit riders? How will the project address the disruption in the public transit? A: We will, during construction process, communicate definitively about the changes to service.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: What is construction schedule? A: Major work will take place from 2026-2028. (Oh boy! I'm imagining how stressful this will be for me and my neighbors.)
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: Why do you keep saying that new land is being created? There's already land used today, just inefficiently. A: 30 acres of surface land will be created. Right now, it's a sunken, divided highway. We need to consider how the NEW, surface-level land will be reimagined.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: Are you considering future of transit? example: EV, railways A: There's not a standard right now to build in reference to. We're not able to implement the technologies right now. We are working with SMART and RTA.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: We are a design city. How will future-forward designs be folded into thinking about what's constructed on the roadway. A: We are not considering this at the moment. Detroit has standards that govern zoning, scale, materials, etc.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: Do we get our slice of the pie? (LOL) A: We heard from many, many people about their opinions. We had 130 people here/175 could have been here. We will continue to ensure an inclusive process.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: How do we make sure this is not another Jefferson Avenue? (i.e. it's too big and wide for pedestrians). A: We want to make sure all users (peds, bikes, cars, etc.) feel safe.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: What kind of zoning? I want to see pop up shops. Local activations. I have to go to burbs for that experience. A: This process is about understanding what's appropriate.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Comments: -Please include Green Spaces, educational walls and spaces -Opps for artists, music, activities -Develop an inspiring vision and clear principles to guide the framework and road design -Historical marker is not good enough for young people. You have to make it better.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: How do you justify the costs for 30 acres. A: It's about space, history, art, culture. It's not able cost justification. It's analysis. A process that will last through August 2025.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: What will be done to mitigate flooding when freeway is gone? A: We have a solid plan for diverting water to Detroit River. When we have a large rain event, likelihood of stormwater overrun decreases in this area. Increase capacity for stormwater to be diverted.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews Q: How do you have 30 acres of created land with no plan for it? It's prime real estate. A: This is part of the effort and why we're here. This is for us all to collectively develop the plan. We want to build TO the shared vision for the future of the land.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews That's the end of the meeting. 7:49pm. Project team will be sticking around to answer questions and chat.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews And just like that, the livestream is gone! ;) I wish I would have been there in person but at the same time, I was able to capture more of the Q & A this way and without any distraction.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews They made mention of another community meeting to be held in FEBRUARY 2025. I don't have a date for that but stay tuned to Outlier/Documenters for more information and the source website here: michigan.gov/mdot/projects-…
michigan.gov/mdot/projects-…
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews This concludes my coverage of the I-375 Reconnecting Communities Project community meeting.
@DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @MDOT_MetroDet @detroitnews For more meeting coverage check out . documenters.org
documenters.org
Agency Information
Michigan Department of Transportation
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is responsible for Michigan’s 9,669-mile state highway system, comprised of all M, I, and US routes. MDOT also administers other state and federal transportation programs for aviation, intercity passenger services, rail freight, local public transit services, the Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF), and others.