Detroit's woes are largely rooted in the collapse of the auto industry. Other local businesses that serviced Gen Motors, from ad agencies and accounting firms to newsstands and shoe-shine outlets, also have been hurt. (what? shoe shine outlets??)
The city's 22.8% unemployment rate is among the highest in the U.S.; 30% of residents are on food stamps.
30% on food stamps?????Hundreds of buildings were left vacant by the nearly one million residents who have left. Thousands of businesses have closed since the city's population peaked six decades ago. Navigating zoning rules and other red tape to develop land for big-box stores that might cater to a low-income clientele is daunting. (put all of those on food stamps to work clearing those empty lots and plant/raise your own food.....
The lack of grocery stores is especially problematic. A 2007 study found that more than half of Detroit residents had to travel twice as far to reach a grocery store than a fast-food outlet or convenience store.
Ok I'm no genius, but I think this is where that quote "give a man a fish, feed him for a day, teach him to fish, feed him for life applies..... hire some new government there while you're at it. Your city planners obviously suck.(thank you for listening, just had to comment...)
