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Detroit Relies On Virtual Property Appraisals
/in Detroit /by Tracy WillisThe city of Detroit is using desktop appraisals to determine property values. Desktop appraisals involve looking at aerial photos of properties and information gathered from parcel maps, deeds and permits, in stead of going to look at it in person. They are a quicker way of keeping up with about 71,000 residential parcels that need to be valued each year. Up until 2017, 60 years had passed without Detroit finishing a comprehensive reappraisal of city property values. After playing catch up, the assessor’s office must keep current with a state requirement that 20 percent of properties be reassessed each year. Aerial technology aids the city in keeping up with the huge number of homes over about 140 square miles. The strategy has critics who say that aerial imagery can cause low-value property owners to be in over their heads when their properties are already over-assessed. A shortage of appraisers has contributed to the reliance on desktop appraisals.
Cities Rethink Parking Rules
/in Detroit, National, SE Michigan /by Tracy WillisThe city of Ann Arbor recently voted to remove all minimum off-street parking requirements. Detroit is reviewing its zoning code, possibly implementing new rules regarding how many parking spaces are needed for uses like housing, retail and industrial. Both examples are part of a growing trend in Michigan and around the U.S. as cities rethink their parking rules. Complying with Detroit’s parking requirements is a pain and poses a threat to business growth. Some Detroit-area businesses and organizations think the parking minimums are old-fashioned and block the development of vibrant neighborhoods. Others remain skeptical of entirely scrapping all parking minimums.
Downtown Detroit Receives Grant Monies for Parks and Real Estate Development
/in Detroit /by Tracy WillisDowntown Detroit parks can expect a facelift in the near future. The Downtown Detroit Partnership was recently awarded a $13.74 million-dollar grant by the Michigan Strategic Fund board. This grant is just one of 22 awarded. Metro Detroit’s awardees are the DDP, the city of Ecorse, the Wyandotte Downtown Development Authority, the city of Mount Clemens, and the East Dearborn Downtown Development Authority. Bedrock LLC and Karp and Associates will get some funds from DDP’s pot of grant money with the redevelopment of Gilbert’s Harvard Square Center building and the former United Savings Bank of Detroit building. A total of 8 projects are part of the funding, according to the DDP.