Central City Alliance

Central City Survey Results

Sep 22, 2001

Here's what business/property owners are saying about their community!

Surveyed business owners indicated that when the Renaissance Zone tax incentives are granted that:

-289,600 square feet of commercial space will be renovated or expanded;
-$755,000 will be spent on building improvements;
-$3,142,000 will be spent on businesses expanding their facility;
-$2,240,000 will go towards the purchase of new equipment; and
-1,170 jobs will be created by existing businesses in Central City.

Business/property owners identified the business climate of Central
City:

1. Lacks skilled workers
2. Zero labor base
3. No on site training programs by businesses
4. Decline in employment opportunities
5. No job pool
6. Lack of minority/women owned businesses
7. Business growth obstructions
8. Zero networking
9. Lacks economic opportunities
10. Not enough tax incentives
11. Lacks support from the City of Detroit
12. Central City is labeled a "Dead Zone"
13. Lack of community self-sufficiency
14. Leakage of retail dollars (over $19 million)
15. Zero technology
16. Lack of human services

Survey results indicated that there are over 70 viable businesses
in Central City's business district.

Of those viable businesses, over 10 generate more than $5 million in annual revenue

Survey respondents expressed extreme concern regarding the security and safety of their property and well being.

-Environment Issues (30 responses):
The business/property owners responded that the greatest environmental assets of Central City are the availability of land for green space and land for development/reinvestment. However, respondents also sited that illegal dumping, garbage and vacant lots are causing a major problem towards their health, safety and the prevention of new development projects from occurring.

-Commercial Neighborhood (29 responses):
Respondents said that the business community of Central City is not very attractive. Yet, only 12 participated in a community activity in Central City. Respondents also stated that road conditions/graffiti/litter were a major problem.

-Goods and Services (32 responses):
Respondents stated that they either brown bag it or have lunch outside the vicinity and rarely/never shop in New Center Area. Several also cited that the following goods and services are under represented in Central City:
1. Groceries
2. Entertainment (restaurants, theaters)
3. Business Services
4. Office Supplies
5. Household Goods (furniture, appliances)

-Neighborhood Security (47 responses):
*Respondents cited that they feel very safe walking in the daytime in their surrounding area and not at all safe walking at night.

*Break-ins, vandalism to property, auto theft and auto vandalism have been perpetrated against their property, personnel, and/or themselves in the last 12-months.

*Respondents stated that police did not show up in a timely manner or did not respond at all when called.

*Respondents stated that they would like to see more presence and involvement from the police and would be very interested in private security patrolling in the area from 6pm to 6am.



Copyright 2001 Central City Alliance