How many citizens were evicted from Poletown?
According to one source’s scorecard, the city evicted 4,200 residents of 1,300 homes, as well as 140 businesses, six churches and one hospital. Isn’t that one hell of an economic development program?
How did Michigan change the rule established in the Poletown case?
In 2004, the Michigan Supreme Court reversed its Poletown decision (County of Wayne v. Hathcock), ruling that taking property for developing a business or technology park did not constitute a valid public use under the state’s Constitution.
How did the court justify the Poletown case?
The court believes that such a benefit has been demonstrated. In a strong dissent, Justice Ryan claims that this is a case of bad means being justified by (maybe) good ends. Conclusion: The majority finds that the taking of land is constitutional and upholds the trial court’s decision.
When was Poletown built?
History. Poletown was settled in the 1870s when the first waves of Polish and Kashubian immigrants came to Detroit, and served as the heart of Detroit’s Polish community for many years. The nucleus of the community was the St. Albertus Roman Catholic Church, which opened in 1871 and closed in 1990.
Is GM still in Detroit?
In February, 2019, General Motors (GM) announced that production of the Chevrolet Impala and Cadillac CT6 would continue at Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly until early 2020.
Are any cars still made in Detroit?
There are three active /potential vehicle assembly plants within Detroit’s city limits . Several more assembly plants are found in nearby suburbs. They are all owned by either FCA, GM or Ford . GM’s PoleTown plant in Detroit is currently operational but will be deactivated within a year.
When did GM close in Detroit?
2014
The factories were demolished in 2014, having occupied the location since 1917. While some residents protested, others supported the efforts to build the new plant.
Why is it called factory zero?
About Factory ZERO Straddling two cities – Detroit and Hamtramck, Michigan – is Factory ZERO, GM’s first fully dedicated electric vehicle assembly plant. The name Factory ZERO reflects the significant role the facility plays in advancing our vision of a world with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion.
When did car manufacturers leave Detroit?
The spread of the auto industry outward from Detroit proper in the 1950s was the beginning of a process that extended much further afield. Auto plants and the parts suppliers associated with the industry were relocated to the southern U.S., and to Canada and Mexico in order to avoid paying higher US-based salaries.
Why did GM leave Detroit?
The Big Three were able to build cars better and cheaper and put nearly every smaller competitor automaker out of business. While this corporate concentration was taking place, the Big Three were shifting their production out of central Detroit to escape the auto-union wage requirements.
What happened to Poletown in Detroit?
A portion of residential area known as Poletown became the General Motors Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly plant in 1981 with those residents relocated by General Motors and the cities of Detroit and Hamtramck which claimed eminent domain in order to make way for a new automobile plant.
What happened at the Poletown sit-in in 1981?
A 29-day sit-in ended early the morning of July 14, 1981, when SWAT teams raided the church and arrested twelve people. A group of Poletown residents won a temporary injunction when they challenged the law’s constitutionality, but the Michigan Supreme Court ruled in March 1981 that the “quick take” provision was valid.
What is the Poletown Plant?
The plant was built at the boundary of Hamtramck and Detroit as a BOC factory ( Buick – Oldsmobile – Cadillac) and became known as the “Poletown Plant”. Coleman Young, Mayor of Detroit, used eminent domain to seize the portion of Poletown.
Why is it called GM Poletown?
But to GM’s eternal annoyance, neighbors, the media, and employees have always called the plant “GM Poletown,” after the Detroit neighborhood—1,500 homes, 144 businesses, 16 churches—that was bulldozed to build it.