Unusually Mild Temps in Detroit today

Detroit River, looking at Belle Isle

No, you're not dreaming, Detroiters...it really is 58 degrees outside right now. And the picture for this post was actually taken this afternoon when I ventured out to the edge of the riverfront on this unusual, but welcomed, mild December day.

Although today's high temp in the D hit 61 degrees, it wasn't high enough to qualify as a record-breaker. According to the National Weather Service forecast office, the Motor City hit 68 degrees one day during December 1998.

One thing I can say about today, though, is if today's weather is any indication of the year ahead for Detroit, I must say: it's lookin' great.

Happy New Year!

Celebrate New Year's Eve at Belle Isle

Ready...set...go!

It's time once again for Belle Isle's annual four-mile run/1-mile walk celebration. Taking place on the afternoon of New Year's Eve for the past 35 years, the event is currently run by Jeanne Bocci, an avid supporter of running events who has been directing the race since it began. (A cool side note: Bocci was the first Michigan woman to run the Boston Marathon in 1974 and she and her husband, Jerry, recently completed their lofty goal of participating in a run/race-walk event in each of the 50 states plus D.C.)

Festivities for this year's event begin on East Jefferson at the U.S. Marine Corps. Armory training center at 3:00 pm., followed by a race warm-up at 3:15 pm. The one-mile walk begins at 3:30 pm, followed by the run at 4:00 pm - the fitness and race-walks begin at 4:05 pm.

Articles in both the Free Press and News estimated that 1,000 runners will come out for the event.
The cost of the race is $25 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under.

Contact (313) 886-5560 for more information.

Have a comment or question about this post?
Feel free to e-mail me at jaime.halaas@gmail.com

Detroit is Serious in Fight Against Blight

Detroit unveiled a promising step in its fight against blight this morning - it announced the creation of a new department whose sole existence is to stop dumpers and neglectful property owners from dirtying the city.

The new action team - named the Department of Administrative Hearings - will open its doors Tuesday, January 4, 2005, and will begin exercising its new authority: hunting down property owners of below-code residences and buildings, as well as the infamous dumpers of the Motor City, and bringing civil penalties against them.

With the power to fine violators up to $10,000 for each infraction, the Department of Administrative Hearings has made it clear that Detroit will no longer put up with blight. Those served with blight notices will be required to attend a scheduled hearing in front of the department sometime 14-30 days after being given the notice. Those violators that choose to ignore notices will then be considered default.

Although the department has yet to open, this article in today's Free Press online edition quoted the department's director as estimating the number of hearings per year at 70,000. Currently, the number of blight violators that are prosecuted is approximately 50 per month, or 600 per year. The current system criminally prosecutes violators and is the responsibility of the Detroit Police Department.

Have a comment or question for me about this post?

Please feel free to e-mail me at jaime.halaas@gmail.com.

Detroit Skyscrapers

Downtown Detroit, 2004

I took the above picture a few months ago when I lived on the 25th floor of an apartment building right in the heart of downtown Detroit. From the far right is the Renaissance Center, and next to it is One Detroit Center, also known as the Comerica Building. One Detroit Center is partly covered by the tall, slim reddish-orange David Stott building. The other reddish-orange building in the back is the Guardian building. The tall, tiered building to its right is the Penobscot. The large building that is sideways in the photo is the Book-Cadillac hotel.

Real Detroit Weekly Recognizes Bookies

Bookies Tavern - my favorite bar to kick back and relax at in the D - is profiled this week in Real Detroit Weekly's, "Raise the Bar" column.

I started frequenting Bookies a few months after its opening in July 2003, and knew that it was destined for Detroit success - so I am ecstatic that its finally getting the nods it deserves.

If you haven't yet been to this 1920s themed bar, I urge you to check it out - its located at the corner of Washington Boulevard and Grand River in the fabulous Book Tower. You can learn more about the venue, as well as nightly specials and live music line-ups in this week's issue of Real Detroit Weekly. Although RD Weekly's website is under temporary construction, you can snag a copy at numerous locations throughout the Metro Detroit area, including most restauarants, libraries, local bookstores and bars. While you're at it, check out the bar's website: www.bookiestavern.com.