City of Detroit reminds residents of final major push to collect flood-damaged items The City of Detroit Department of Public Works (DPW) is making a last call and final push to clean up neighborhoods of storm and flood-related debris. Now through September 3, residents should place flood-damaged items only at the curb of their residence. On September 4, bi-weekly pickup resumes, along with enforcement for putting bulk out more than 24 hours in advance of regular bulk collection day.  So far, more than 60-million pounds of bulk storm and flood related debris have been removed from neighborhoods. If citizens have flood-damaged items they can't get to the curb by September 3, they may call (313) 876-0004 or use the Improve Detroit app under Bulk Pickup to request curbside pickup. Quick facts residents should know: Now through September 3, DPW will sweep through the city to remove remaining bulk debris. Beginning September 4, enforcement of bulk restrictions and fines will begin. Bulk items should be no more than 1,000 pounds and not exceed two cubic yards in volume. All items must be placed curbside of the residence they were removed from and NOT at any other location. All doors must be removed from appliances prior to setting them out for collection. Construction debris, household hazardous waste, flammables, explosives, paint, batteries, fuel, oil, tires, car parts, needles, radioactive materials and chemicals are NOT considered bulk items. After Sept. 3, residents must call (313) 876-0004, or use Improve Detroit App under Bulk Pickup to request curbside pickup. To read the full release, go here. Correct way to to dispose of bulk debris Incorrect way to dispose of bulk debris  Open Meetings Act restrictions issued due to rise in COVID-19 cases Detroit Chief Public Health Officer reinstates OMA order through December 31, 2021, in order to slow the transmission of COVID-19 In response to the growing risk to public health posed by a rise in cases linked to the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19, Detroit's Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair issued an emergency public health order reinstating restrictions to the Open Meetings Act. This order, in effect beginning September 1, 2021, is aimed at reducing transmission of COVID-19 and all variants. The order states public meetings of governmental bodies subject to the Open Meetings Act will be held remotely until December 31, 2021. The order states that action is necessary to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and to protect the public’s health in Detroit, citing the following facts and findings: Detroit’s community vaccination rate is currently at 42 percent, well below the 70 percent level required to achieve community immunity that is considered necessary to limit spread of the virus. This remains a concern as the spread of COVID-19 is resulting in emerging and more dangerous variants, such as Delta, becoming higher proportionally through the interactions of vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, all of whom can become infected with COVID-19. The City of Detroit currently is experiencing a substantial rate of transmission of the COVID-19 virus, up from moderate. A copy of the order can be found here. City recommends indoor masks for everyone including those fully vaccinated to mitigate the spread of the Delta variant The city of Detroit's level of community transmission for COVID-19 has increased to substantial from moderate.  Therefore, the Detroit Health Department is recommending that everyone - - including those who are fully vaccinated - - wear a mask indoors in order to maximize protection from the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19. Detroit is experiencing a rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. The new guidance on mask-wearing from the Detroit Health Department follows similar guidance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Free COVID-19 Testing Still Available Free drive-through COVID-19 tests are available at the Joseph Walker Williams Community Center, 8431 Rosa Parks Blvd., Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. for Detroiters and residents of Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland. No appointment is necessary. Online Appointments Now Available Residents also may schedule vaccination appointments using their mobile device directly from the Detroit Health Department website: www.detroitmi.gov/health. Mayor Duggan announces James E. White as his selection for permanent Detroit Police Chief Mayor Mike Duggan announced James E. White as his selection for permanent Chief of Police for the Detroit Police Department, pending a final decision by the City Council. Chief White has served as Interim Chief since June 1, 2021. “Anyone in the city who has watched the way James White has handled himself in the last two months feels very good about where the Detroit police department is headed,” said Mayor Duggan. Chief White said he is extremely honored and humbled to have been nominated, and thanked the community for its continued support. White, born and raised in Detroit, is a 24-year veteran at the Detroit Police Department. He served as Assistant Chief since 2012 and in leadership positions for most of his tenure. “Our community deserves excellence in policing,” said White. “We’re experiencing a 20-percent overall crime reduction and are on the right path to eradicating some of the violence we’re seeing.” Follow the link to watch the press conference: Mayor Duggan's Chief of Police press conference. U-M Economic Forecast shows Detroit’s employment recovery from COVID exceeding expectations The City of Detroit, in partnership with the University of Michigan, released its Economic Outlook for Detroit through 2026, which looks at employment, unemployment and wage trends and projections. The forecast predicts a stronger recovery in Detroit than statewide, supported by several large development projects. According to the study, which looks at data through June 2021: Unemployment among Detroiters has already recovered to approximately 3 percent below its pre-pandemic level. Detroit’s unemployment rate, which spiked to more than 38 percent in May 2020 and averaged 22 percent for a year, has declined dramatically. By contrast, Detroit’s unemployment rate so far this year has averaged 9.9 percent and registered at 8.5 percent in June. Detroit’s unemployment rate is projected to average 9.5 percent this year and to decline gradually to 6.9 percent by 2026. Review the study here. Mayor Duggan and community celebrate $2-million transformation of 78-acre O’Hair Park Nearly 80-acre park in dense residential area transformed from largely open land into multi-use park with new sports fields, shelters, walking path and other amenities Project has been years in the making with extensive community input O’Hair is largest of more than 150 neighborhood parks City has renovated since 2014 One of Detroit’s largest neighborhood-based parks has been completely renovated thanks to a $2-million investment by the City that was driven by several years of community input and engagement. Residents in the O’Hair Park community are rejoicing after a multi-year plan took their 78-acre neighborhood park from desolate to developed, with an array of sports fields and courts, new shelters and equipment, as well as new site amenities. The park, which was largely underutilized open land, now boasts the following amenities for residents in the surrounding community to take advantage of:  8 soccer fields 2 softball fields 2 Detroit Pistons basketball courts 1 baseball field 1 Mile Walking Path 2 Picnic Shelters Fitness Equipment 40-car parking lot New comfort station Playground enhancement Other site amenities include benches, picnic tables and bike racks See more of the efforts that went into the renovation of O'Hair Park at: The Community Driven Transformation of O'Hair Park  Read the news release about O'Hair Park improvements here. Before After

Detroit Board of Water Commissioners Rescheduled August Meeting The Detroit Board of Water Commissioners will have its rescheduled August monthly meeting on Thursday, August 26 at 2:00 p.m. at the Water Board Building. View the presentations and other meeting documents here.  Detroit Board of Water Commissioners August Meeting Thursday, August 26, 2021 @ 2 p.m. 735 Randolph Ave., Detroit, MI 48226 Mask and social distancing required.   Public Comment on August 26, 2021 You may provide your public comment in-person at the meeting. We respectfully request that you maximize your three minutes by sharing all your comments/questions at one time. You will only be called upon once for public comment during the meeting. Once the chair closes public comment, there will be no other comments from the public for the duration of the meeting.

Biweekly District 5 Virtual Meeting  - Tuesday, August 24th at 5:30 PM

Join Zoom Meeting

https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/j/87898914341

Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, conference, huddle, and training rooms, as well as executive offices and classrooms. Founded in 2011, Zoom helps businesses and organizations bring their teams together in a frictionless environment to get more done. Zoom is a publicly traded company headquartered in San Jose, CA. cityofdetroit.zoom.us

Meeting ID: 878 9891 4341

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Covid Vaccinations - 3rd Shot

https://detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-health-department/programs-and-services/communicable-disease/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine | City of Detroit Scheduling Opens for 3rd Dose Pfizer & Moderna Vaccinations after CDC Approval Detroit residents with compromised immune systems may get a third dose at TCF Center drive-thru only by appointment. Examples of those eligible includes: Those with organ transplants Those with diseases affecting the immune system Those taking medications affecting the immune system Others with compromised immune ... detroitmi.gov

Scheduling Opens for 3rd Dose Pfizer & Moderna Vaccinations after CDC Approval

Detroit residents with compromised immune systems may get a third dose at TCF Center drive-thru only by appointment. 

Examples of those eligible includes:

• Those with organ transplants
• Those with diseases affecting the immune system
• Those taking medications affecting the immune system
• Others with compromised immune systems

Individuals who are unsure should call their doctor.

Here’s how it works:
1) Call 313-230-0505 to make an appointment
2) Residents will get a 3rd dose of the vaccine originally received, whether Moderna or Pfizer.  Johnson and Johnson are not approved at this time.
3) Individuals won’t need a prescription from a doctor but should let the scheduler know they’re getting the third shot for the compromised immune system
4) $50 Good Neighbor program is still in place
5) City plans to expand locations for third shots in the next week or two

WE ARE HIRING!!!

Please visit the link below to look for and apply for jobs with the City of Detroit.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/detroit?department[0]=General%20Services&sort=PositionTitle%7CAscending

HPTAP Applications:

The City of Detroit announced Homeowners Property Tax Assistance Program (HPTAP) application approvals will be made on an on-going basis, eliminating the previous deadlines. The final 2021 deadline is December 13. 

Due to COVID-19 the following changes have been applied:

• No notary required for 2021
• The City will accept 2020- and 2019-income tax return
• The City will accept unemployment decision as proof of income

https://detroitmi.gov/government/boards/property-assessment-board-review/homeowners-property-tax-assistance-program-hptap

Homeowners Property Tax Assistance Program (HPTAP) | City of Detroit The Detroit Tax Relief Fund is a new assistance program that will completely eliminate delinquent property taxes owed to the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office for Detroit homeowners who have received the Homeowners Property Tax Assistance Program (HPTAP) and the Pay As You Stay (PAYS) program.Call (313)244-0274 or visit the website to apply for financial assistance today! detroitmi.gov

As part of a broad campus redevelopment vision for land around the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, there is a community dog park proposed for the corner of Woodward and Trowbridge.

The Cathedral is inviting community members to offer input to the church and to the Archdiocese (which owns the land.)  If you are interested in this project, please attend a stand-up, outdoor input session at the site Tuesday, Aug. 17th, 5-6 pm.  Interested neighbors will gather at the proposed site which is the NE corner of Woodward and Trowbridge for an update on the project and an informal focus group.

Please extend this notice to other interested humans but no dogs yet until the area is properly fenced.

Follow the City of Detroit on Facebook, Twitter, or NextDoor to get the latest news on what's happening across the city and in your neighborhood.

Cleanup Assistance Available

Volunteers and City of Detroit employees will help senior or disabled residents who need assistance clearing flood-damaged materials from their home. Residents should indicate if they are seniors or persons with a disability on the online form at detroitmi.gov/waterdamageclaims or when calling DWSD at 313-267-8000.

Quicken Loans is assisting the City by providing employees to handle flood calls from residents.

Helping Neighbors

In addition, the City is looking for volunteers to work four-hour shifts to help move debris from the basements of elderly or disabled residents. The City will provide protective gear.

The schedule of volunteer gathering centers will be set later this week for different neighborhoods. To sign up as a volunteer, go to detroitmi.gov.

Process of Filing a Claim

Residents with property damaged by flooding may be able to get reimbursement by filing a claim with the Detroit Water & Sewerage Department (DWSD). Those claims also may be filed with FEMA if a presidential declaration of disaster is issued.

For most people during this historic flood event, a DWSD sewer defect is not likely the cause of the damage. But filling out the form will get residents a head start on federal assistance.

Losses should be documented with photos of the flood damage and receipts related to cleaning and repairs. Homeowners should file a claim with their insurance company immediately. Under state law, residents have 45 days to file a claim with DWSD. The deadline is August 10.

Fill out the claim form at detroitmi.gov/waterdamageclaims or call (313) 267-8000 for assistance.

City, State Officials Explain Emergency Declaration and FEMA Process

On June 26, roughly 5.77 inches of rain fell in Detroit overwhelming the region’s storm water system. Detroit got almost two months of rain in one day, mostly within five hours. The average rainfall for June is three inches.

In response, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an emergency declaration and will submit a request for Presidential declaration of emergency along with documentation to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

From there, FEMA will visit the area and evaluate whether disaster conditions exist. The President will then make a determination of disaster.

If a major disaster is declared, FEMA funds are unlocked and can be used for payments to help offset residents’ losses.

However, a disaster declaration takes time. After the August 2014 flooding in Detroit, President Barack Obama declared a major disaster about a month after the flood event.

Left to right: DWSD Director Gary Brown, Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, Mayor Mike Duggan and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer discuss historic flooding, State emergency declaration and FEMA process at a news briefing June 28.

City to Assist Homeowners with Health Hazards; Pick Up Flood Debris

Residents are encouraged to clean and sanitize basements immediately unless there is an immediate health hazard. In those cases, the Detroit Water & Sewerage Department (DWSD) will send City or contractor crews to those homes. Residents should indicate the hazard when completing the online form at detroitmi.gov/waterdamageclaims or calling (313) 267-8000.

Residents should place debris at the curb. The Department of Public Works (DPW) crews will provide continuous bulk pickup service in flood-affected neighborhoods. Ticketing is suspended in those neighborhoods until the removal is complete.

City Offers At-Home COVID Vaccines to Eligible Detroiters

The City of Detroit is now scheduling at-home vaccinations for any Detroit resident age 12 and up. 

The at-home vaccinations are the latest in the City’s ongoing efforts to provide residents with the COVID-19 vaccine.  Those efforts included visiting homeless shelters, senior buildings and other assisted living facilities, as well as providing access for disabled residents and those without their own transportation and doing door-to-door outreach and education.    

To schedule an at-home vaccination appointment, call (313) 230-0505. 

Detroiters Identify Neighborhood Rebuilding, Tackling Poverty and Improving Public Safety as Top Priorities for American Rescue Plan Funds

City of Detroit officials asked for residents’ input on how to spend funds through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and Detroiters have spoken.

Under ARPA, Detroit will receive $826 million, with $400 million designated for COVID-19 relief funding to restore the City’s budget. Residents were asked to weigh in on the remaining $426 million. A total of 3296 residents attended 60 in-person, conference calls or zoom meetings to hear the ARPA presentation in May and June, with 584 residents taking the survey.
Learn more about the survey results.

Detroit Health Department Issues Violations to Church's Chicken

The Detroit Health Department has issued numerous violations to a Church's Chicken restaurant in Detroit for failure to comply with the requirements of the Michigan Food Law. 
Learn more about the health violations.

City of Detroit Presents Vision for Gratiot/7 Mile Neighborhoods as Part of Strategic Neighborhood Fund

The City of Detroit’s Planning & Development Department (PDD) present its vision for bringing millions of dollars in investment to the Gratiot/7 Mile neighborhoods, the 10th and final Strategic Neighborhood Fund plan to be completed. 
Read about the vision for Gratiot/7 Mile neighborhoods.

City of Detroit Extends Emergency Order Aimed at Reducing Transmission of COVID-19

In response to the public health emergency and the risk posed by a resurgence of COVID-19, Detroit's Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair issued an emergency public health order extending the restrictions in place for Open Meetings Act until July 31, 2021.
Read the news release.

Good morning Community Leaders, 

Below is important information regarding the flooding that happened over this past weekend. Please share with your member and neighbors. Please open the additional attachments to this email regarding the flood. 

https://detroitmi.gov/departments/water-and-sewerage-department/dwsd-customer-care/dwsd-damage-claims-sewage-backups

DWSD Damage Claims & Sewage Backups | City of Detroit Did you experience an overflow or sewer backup from the rain event on June 25-26, 2021? If you have water damage due to the severe flooding resulting from the rain event on June 25-26, 2021, complete this online form to begin the damage claim process, as well as alert the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department in order for Field Services staff to be dispatched to severely flooded areas. detroitmi.gov



Did you experience an overflow or sewer backup from the rain event on June 25-26, 2021?

If you have water damage due to the severe flooding resulting from the rain event on June 25-26, 2021, complete this online form to begin the damage claim process. This also alerts the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department in order for Field Services staff to be dispatched to severely flooded areas. State law requires you file a written claim with your local water utility, DWSD in this case, within 45 days of when the overflow or backup was discovered.

Read the DWSD Fact Sheet regarding the June 25-26 rain event.

Claim Form Instructions:

• Download the DWSD Damage Claims Form and complete on your computer or mobile device and submit online, or print and sign to send via mail, or print and complete by hand.
• The claim form must be completed in its entirety and supporting documents must be attached. Failure to provide the required documentation will bar your claim.
• If you need step-by-step instructions, view this file.
• Mail the claim form to:

  Office of the General Counsel

  735 Randolph, Suite 901, Detroit, MI 48226

District 5 Virtual Community Meeting will be on Tuesday, June 29th at 5:30 PM. Please see the link and call-in number below. 

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/j/89877737899

Meeting ID: 898 7773 7899

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In Solidarity,

Melia Howard

District Manager - District 5 

Mayor's Office

Department of Neighborhoods

howardm@detroitmi.gov

313-236-3528

"If Not Me, Then Who; If Not Now, Then When"

Michael E. Duggan, Mayor

Social Media Links for our office: Please "LIKE" theses pages for the latest updates

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DONdistrict5

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/detroitdistrict5

COVID-19 guidelines have been updated for the State of Michigan and as such, we are able to increase the outdoor capacity for the next two concerts and have made MORE TICKETS AVAILABLE!

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Donations for the musicians and to support the Historic Boston-Edison Association are still being accepted.

The Historic-Boston Edison neighborhood presents the 11th year of music concerts in the homes of our neighborhood.

We are happy to welcome you to our community for the 2021 edition of our house concert series featuring three performances with world-class musicians across multiple genres. The concert series is presented by the Historic Boston-Edison Association and Michelle May, Music Director of the Sounds of Music House Concerts™ organization. Tickets are $25. The address for the concerts will be given following ticket purchase.

RAIN DATE SUNDAY JUNE 13, 2021 12:30 - 1:30 PM (access to the backyard begins at noon) - Classical Concert with Eliot Heaton, violin, and Nathaniel Pierce, cello.

SATURDAY, JULY 24, 2021 7 PM - 8 PM (RAIN DATE SUNDAY JULY 25 7 PM - 8 PM)- Jazz Concert with the Vincent Chandler Quintet.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021 7 PM - 8 PM (RAIN DATE SUNDAY AUGUST 15, 7 PM - 8 PM) - Blues Concert with Thornetta Davis.

In order to comply with the current health and safety guidelines, the following measures will be used for these concerts--please note updated guidelines:

• These will be one-hour concert events. You will be allowed to enter the backyard beginning 45 minutes before start time.
• There will be limited tickets available.
• Tickets are only available in advance; no ticket sales "at the door".
• NO food or drink will be provided, although you can bring your own, picnic-style. You must clean up and take your trash with you (don't forget trash bags).
• NO entering the homes (not even for the bathroom, so please plan accordingly--there will be no outdoor bathroom facilities).
• PLEASE NOTE: COVID-19 guidelines have been updated for the State of Michigan and as such, masks are no longer required for outdoor activity. You may still wear your mask at your own discretion. We have limited seating; if you have your own chairs, please feel free to bring them.
• Concerts will have a rain date; there will be no "under-the-tent" seating.

For information on our featured artists please visit the Concerts in Boston-Edison page on HistoricBostonEdison.org

During the May board meeting the Historic Boston-Edison Association directors recently elected the following officers:

• President-Dianne Bostic Robinson
• Pierre Haden-1st Vice President
• Patricia Pickett-2nd Vice President
• Katherine Allen-Treasurer
• Deniera Davis-Secretary

Congratulations to these officers and many thanks to all directors, both past and present, for their service to both the association and greater Boston-Edison community.

For more information on how you can be elected to an officer position and for a list of current HBEA board members, please visit the current Board of Directors page.