SWDEV volunteers improve Detroit's environment

By LINZIE VENEGAS

Staff Writer

Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision was formed in 1991 with the goal of improving the quality of life in southwest Detroit by initiating conversation between residents and businesses. Organization members believe this dialogue will help eliminate conflict and thus promote a healthier environment for everyone in the community.

Detroit, of course, once served as the hub of the United States’ automobile industry. As industrial needs expanded, however, companies moved to the suburbs, leaving hundreds of abandoned buildings. This economically and environmentally devastated Detroit. Not only were these businesses no longer profitable, but they also became dumping grounds and targets for vandals. Worse yet, residents began to accept these dismal conditions as normal.

However, new businesses are again being drawn to the city. Industrial sites are being cleaned up and proactive initiatives are being implemented to rebuild dying communities. The program encourages businesses to help revitalize surrounding areas and improve their environmental conditions.

COURTESY PHOTO   Volunteer Impact volunteers and SWDEV members paint a garage door near Harms Elementary.

The latter is SWDEV’s expertise.

SWDEV’s four main objectives concern land-use issues, redevelopment of contaminated sites, improvement of air quality and the education of people on current environmental conditions. It also actively seeks private and corporate donations and volunteers.

SWDEV’s most important accomplishment last year probably was informing the public of the site on which the new Beards Elementary School was going to be constructed. The land was polluted, so SWDEV developed a community plan of action. In order to ensure the safety of children and school workers, they implemented increased monitoring and public oversight of the school grounds.

Currently, SWDEV is actively preventing and cleaning up illegal dumpsites; helping make abandoned industrial land valuable by aiding in redevelopment; working with government and industry to improve air quality; and building a greener vision for southwest Detroit.

SWDEV member Anthony Puente, 37, is proud to contribute his time to the organization.

"This is where is grew up until I was 12," Puente says. "My family moved to Redford like many other people. My father was looking for a better life for his family. Many of my relatives still reside in the community. I am involved because I want to see Mexicantown become a safe and prosperous city."

Puente notices the change within the city since SWDEV has been started.

"I have been a member for eight years, and I have noticed that the city is safer. The community is looking better. Since businesses have relocated to the city, more money has been spent to help clean up local communities. Businesses do not want their employees to be afraid to come to work or go to lunch because they may be mugged."

Puente says that participation to help clean up southwest Detroit is a win-win situation.

"I have noticed that areas that are cleaned up stay clean. Newly built houses remain in good condition. When old buildings are renovated, there is no graffiti."

He explains that many community members are poor because the area had experienced an economic crisis for so long. They thus cannot afford cars, preventing them from commuting to where good jobs are plentiful. However, with the new empowerment zones, new job opportunities have opened for them. The money they locally earn through these jobs is spent in the area in which they live, thus boosting the economy.

"They now have funds to support families, buy clothes, go to dinner – and a need is presented to businesses to fulfill their wants."

Southwest Detroit is beginning to rebuild, creating a more prosperous life for residents – residents who will soon not accept what has been viewed as commonplace environmental problems. They will want change and SWDEV will be there to help. Already, it is taking the necessary steps to make Detroit a better city.