Reasons to pick Detroit to live in
[본 기사는 한글읽기에 어려움이 있는 자녀들을 위해서 영어로도 쓰여졌습니다]
This article is also written in English for our children who have difficulty in reading in Korean.
디트로이트를 비롯한 미시간이 고령화되어 가고 있다. 미시간의 우수한 대학을 졸업한 대학생들이 직장을 찾아 타지로 떠나고 있으며 디트로이트와 미시간이 젊은이들에게 매력적인 곳으로 인식되지 않고 있다는 것이 주요 미디어들의 잇다른 보도다.
하지만 디트로이트를 젊은이들이 커리어를 쌓으며 살아가기에 최적지라고 생각하는 젊은이들도 있다. 그들은 어떤 이유에서 그렇게 생각하는지 알아보았다.
디트로이트 환경국(Detroit Working for Envi-ronmental Justice -DWEJ)에서 Build Up Detroit Program 메니저로 일하고 있는 샌드라 유(한국명 유명제)가 생각하고 있는 디트로이트를 선택한 8가지의 이유와 함께 같은 생각을 하고 있는 친구들의 의견을 종합해 보았다.
첫째, 가장 중요한 것은 디트로이트가 가지고 있는 가치다. 정치인들의 지도력에 문제가 있는 것도 사실이지만 아직도 디트로이트에는 포기할 줄 모르고 헌신적인 주민들, 비영리 단체들, 예술인들, 그리고 기업인들이 있다. 그래서 디트로이트는 지지하고 사랑하고 투자할만한 도시이다.
둘째, 디트로이트는 이민 정신이 살아있는 이상적인 도시다. 1 세기 전, 디트로이트는 이미 유럽과 중동에서 온 이민자들이 33%를 차지했던 국제도시였다. 1915년부터 70년까지 55년간 지속된 대이주 기간동안 미국 남부도시들의 냉험한 조건을 피해 북쪽으로 삶터를 옮기기로 결심한 흑인들이 그들과 자녀들을 위해 보다 나은 삶과 공정한 기회를 얻고자 디트로이트를 선택했다.
지금은 라틴 어메리칸들이 이민자의 주를 이루며 가장 인구 밀도가 높고 역동적인 커뮤니티로 성장하고 있다.
디트로이트는 나태함이나 이기심 또는 특권의식을 부정하는 도시다. 그래서 디트로이트는 창조와 근면함을 지닌 기업들의 도시였다. 모험심과 도전정신이 있다면 당신이 예술가이던 운동선수이던 아니면 농부, 발명가 또는 기업인이던 디트로이트는 당신을 포용할 것이다.
셋째, 전환기에 있는 디트로이트는 젊은 사람들에게 도전과 기회를 제공하고 있다. (이하에서 인용된 의견들이 좋은 예이다.)
넷째, Charter Revision Commission는 주민과 비지니스를 위해 디트로이트를 개선하려는 현명하고 헌신적인 인재들로 이루어져 있다. City Charter 는 계속적으로 개혁되어 가고 있으며 선출된 Revision Commission은 세금 정책, 시장과 시의원장 간의 균형적 파워 유지, 경찰 및 소방서와의 협조, 시의 재정 계획 및 운영에 영향을 미치고 있다.
다섯째, 시의회에 신세대 정신이 주입되고 있다. 시장과 대립하기 보다는 현명하고 합리적인 사고를 가지고 협조하므로써 시정부 운영을 원활하게 하려는 정신이 살아 있다. 2009년 디트로이트 주민들은 디스트릭트 별로 나온 후보들에게 투표를 했다. 그 결과 7개의 디스트릭트 의석과 2개의 광역 시의석이 탄생했다. 주민들은 선거에서 보다 자세한 정보를 가지고 보다 믿을 만한 후보를 선택할 수 있었다.
여섯째, 현 시장은 새로운 참모진들과 함께 도시를 변화시킬 의지와 능력을 가지고 있다. 디트로이트에 진출하기를 희망하는 기업들의 등록절차를 간소화하는 등 ‘중소 비지니스 부양책’을 기획하고 있다.
일곱째, M1 Light Rail을 시작으로 디트로이트 우드워드 로드상에는 미국내 최대 규모의 기차 레일 공사가 시작될 것이다. 하지만 지역 경제를 위해서는 궁극적으로 공공 교통시설이 확충되어야 한다. 오클랜드 카운티와 우드워드를 둘러싼 펀데일, 버클리, 로얄 오크, 버밍햄, 불룸필드 힐즈, 파니액 등 도시들은 지역을 통합하는 교통 시설에 협조해야 한다.
여덟째, 디트로이트는 미시간에서 유일하게 세계적으로 이름이 알려진 도시이다.
인용된 의견들
” 디트로이트는 참여를 허용하는 민주적인 도시이다. 진심을 가지고 참여하여 변화를 이끌어 낼 수 있는 곳이다. 디트로이트는 적극적이고 강하게 짜여져 있다. 디트로이트는 역사와 사회 기반 시설와 훌륭한 경관을 가지고 있다. ” – 필립 쿨리, 32 세 Marysville에서 이주, 05 년 Corktown 에서 Slow’s BarBQ 레스토랑 오픈, 2010 년 미드타운에서 두 번째 업소 확장
“디트로이트는 세공되지 않은 다이아몬드 같다” 이곳에는 기업가 정신이 살아 있다. 창업을 하거나 첫 홈을 사기에 적합한 곳이다. 디트로이트에는 평가 절하된 엄청난 가치의 땅이 있다. 캐나다와 근접해 국제적인 도시이며 다양한 문화가 존재한다. – 크리스틴 심스, 28세. 디트로이트 태생. Detroit Fusion(디트로이트 상공회의소의 신세대 프로페셔널 분과)의 창업자이자 Bing Institute Emerging Leaders Roundtable의 프로젝트 메니저
“지금의 디트로이트는 그 어느때보다 살만한 곳이라고 본다” 도시를 재건하려는 움직임이 주민들, 비정부 단체, 비지니스들에서 그 어느때보다 강하기 일어나고 있기 때문이다. 주민들은 주변의 상황보다는 디트로이트의 전체와 미래에 희망을 걸고 있다. 이보다 더 좋은 투자지는 없다. – 제이미 필립, 24세 인디언 어메리칸. 디트로이트 북서쪽에서 성장. 미시간대 사회학과 졸업. Restaurant Opportunities Center 트레이닐 코디네이터. 디트로이트 동남부에 거주
“의사로서 나는 정말 디트로이트에서의 삶을 즐기고 있다. 내가 하는 일이 중요하다고 인정을 받을 수 있는 곳이다. 이곳에서 살기로 선택한 사람들끼리 긴밀한 커뮤니티를 형성해 가고 있다.” – Deepti는 1.5 살 때 미국으로 가족과 함께 이주해 온 26 세의 인도 미국인이다. 그녀와 그녀의 남편은 2010 년 디트로이트에서 집을 장만했다.
* 19명 인터뷰중 지면 관계상 4명만 게재 합니다
Detroit is well known city that loses its young generation to other cities. Many collage students are leaving Detroit after their graduation for jobs or simply the city is not attractive for career build-up. But I have found some young professionals who decided to stay and live in Detroit. I would like to know why these think differently.
Sandra Yu working for ‘Detroit Working for Environmental Justice – DWEJ’ as a Build Up Detroit Program manager mentioned about 8 reasons to pick Detroit and her 19 friends added some quotes.
1. Most importantly, despite the city’s political leadership, which fluctuates in effectiveness, Detroit’s resilient and dedicated residents, nonprofits, artists, and entrepreneurs make this city worth supporting, loving and investing in.
2. Detroit is the ideal city for the immigrant spirit. A century ago, Detroit was 33% foreign-born, mostly immigrants from Europe and the Middle East. During the Great Migration that spanned 55 years from 1915 to 1970, 6 million African Americans fleeing brutal conditions in the South migrated to Northern cities like Detroit searching for a better life and a fair chance for themselves and their children. Now, immigrants from Latin America make up the only growing demographic in the City of Detroit, and have created one of the densest, most vibrant districts in the city. Detroit is not a city that is kind to the lazy, the selfish, or those who feel entitled. It is a city for the entrepreneurial, the creative, the hardworking, the determined. If you are adventurous, engaged and committed, there is a community in Detroit that will embrace you, make you one of their own and give you a say, whether you are an artist, an activist, a farmer, an inventor, or an entrepreneur.
3. People young and old are choosing to stay in and move to Detroit, attracted by both the challenge and opportunity of a city in transition.
4. A Charter Revision Commission that includes people who are smart and dedicated to making the city work better for its residents and businesses. The City Charter is being revised, and the elected Revision Commission is looking at issues including tax policy, the balance of power between the Mayor and City Council, coordinating the city’s public safety departments, and financial planning and managing limited resources.
5. Leadership and new blood at the City Council that is intelligent, rational, and willing to work with the Mayor and the community for a better functioning city government. In 2009, Detroit residents voted for Council by District, which means that residents will vote for 7 district seats and 2 citywide seats. Residents will be able to make better, more informed choices among a smaller pool of candidates, and be able to hold their representatives more accountable.
6. We have a new mayor, with new executive staff who are ready to work hard and make changes in the city. Of particular interest is that the city is creating the new position of “Small Business Advocate” to streamline the permitting process for businesses that want to locate in Detroit.
7. M1 Light Rail. It is only the beginning, but Detroit will finally join the rest of the nation’s biggest cities with the construction of light rail down Woodward Avenue. However, in order to truly impact the regional economy, we need regional mass transit. Oakland County and the Woodward Corridor cities – Ferndale, Berkley, Royal Oak, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Pontiac – need to support regional transit.
8. Detroit is the only city in Michigan with international name recognition. It has an industrial history and architectural legacy unmatched by any other city in the state. The fate of Michigan is tied to the fate of Detroit.
Quotes
“Detroit is a democratic city that allows all to participate. It is easy to get sincerely engaged and make a difference. The community is strong, active and tight knit. We are a city that is in transition and has the possibility to be environmentally conscious, socially just and fiscally sound. The history, infrastructure and landscape are incredible.” – Phillip Cooley is 32 years old and originally from Marysville, Michigan. He opened Slow’s BarBQ restaurant in Corktown in 2005, and expanded to a second location in Midtown in 2010. He is a co-chair of the Mayor’s Advisory Task Force for the Detroit Works Project.
“Detroit is a diamond in the rough that people are starting to become drawn to again. It has all the resources that any entrepreneurial spirit needs, whether starting a business or purchasing a first home. And Detroit has a tremendous but devalued asset – its international proximity and multicultural residents.” – Christianne Sims is 28 years old, and was born and raised in Detroit. She was the founding director of Detroit Fusion, the Detroit Chamber’s young professionals division, and is now project manager for the Bing Institute Emerging Leaders Roundtable.
“Detroit is worth living in now more than ever! There is a growing spirit of community-based initiatives coming from neighborhoods, NGOs, and businesses. People care not only about their own neighborhoods, but about the City as a whole and its future. What better place to invest?” – Jaimie Philip is a 24-year-old Indian American who grew up in Detroit’s Northwest side. She is a graduate of the UM Social Work program, and now works as training coordinator for the Restaurant Opportunities Center. She lives in Detroit’s lower east side.
“As a doctor, I really enjoy being in Detroit. It makes it feel like what I do counts. There is also a really good sense of community among people who live here.” – Deepti is a 26-year-old Indian American who immigrated with her family to the US when she was 1.5 years old. She and her husband bought a home in Detroit in 2010.
“I was drawn to Detroit by people who I met who were doing incredible things, and by a sense that this was a city where young creative doers were embraced and could find plenty of ways to be engaged, challenged, and useful. I didn’t move for a job. I actually have no ties to Michigan at all, but in a sense, I was drawn by inspiration. Since I arrived in July, I’ve been continually humbled by a community of entrepreneurs, activists, and plain-old Detroit lovers who have welcomed and supported me and my small fledgling business in a way that makes this feel more like a small town than a big city. This seems like a place on a cusp and as a young person, my thoughts and actions seem to matter. I’m still a newcomer and I have a lot to learn about Detroit, especially its vibrant, sometimes heartbreaking, history, but I’m excited to learn and to eventually play a role in the new chapter that’s being written here every day.”
– Jess Daniel, 25 originally from Fullerton, California. She is a 2005 graduate of Stanford University, has worked for Google, and moved to Detroit July 2010. Within weeks of moving to the city, she launched a noodle business.
“I believe Detroit is the most exciting city in the world because of the opportunity and challenges it presents to artists, entrepreneurs and thought leaders.”
– Mike Han is a 26-year-old second generation Korean American born in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is the founder of Street Culture Mash and co-Publisher of I Am Young Detroit. He plans to move to Detroit in 2011.
My family moved to Detroit from the Philippines via Canada a few years after the rebellion of ’67. Even then, Detroit represented an opportunity for social and economic mobility that wasn’t possible “back home.” As a first-generation Asian American and native Detroiter, I represent a legacy of resistance, justice and hope. Despite Detroit’s history of violence, corruption and abandonment, there are still those of us that refuse to give in to the apathy, self pity and hate that seeks to defeat us. For me, living in Detroit enables me to enrich the lives of others and give back to a community that has given me so much in return.
– Shane Bernado is 38 years old, and grew up in Detroit. He is a graduate of the Center for Creative Studies, Coordinator with the Detroit Asian Youth (DAY) Project and Vice-chair of the Michigan Alliance of Timebanks.
“For me as someone who didn’t grow up in Detroit, there are as many reminders and shadows of the bustling, booming city and its neighborhoods that once were as there are beacons of hope and possibility for what the city and its neighborhoods will be. That dynamic is so motivating–I think the city calls to people who have a desire to find balance between honoring and building from the past and contributing to a bright future. For a variety of reasons, this is Detroit’s opportunity to really decide what it wants to be and how it can become a leader and a model of a 21st century city.”
– Jane Tigan is 26 years old and originally from St. Paul, Minnesota. She graduated with her Masters in Urban Planning from University of Illinois at Urbana Champagne and moved to Detroit in 2009 to be a planning and technical program manager with Community Legal Resources.
“After living in Europe for several years I came back to Michigan because of Detroit. I saw it as a place where I, someone who wasn’t middle-aged or mid-career or wealthy, could make a difference and play a role in shaping the future of a great American city. While It obviously frustrates me at times, Detroit more often than not, inspires me. It is a diverse and vibrant city full of do-ers, acting out of desire or necessity, who are shaping the community around them.”
– Sean Mann is 30 years old, was born in Kansas and grew up in Livonia, Michigan. He has worked for the British House of Commons, the Michigan House of Representatives, and is the founder of the Let’s Save Michigan with the Michigan Municipal League. He lives in Southwest Detroit, and is also the founder of the Detroit City Futbol League.
“I love cities, and Michigan deserves the best big city it can get. One reason I care, (and the reason I believe everyone else should too) is that metro Detroiters and Michiganders will not succeed in the long run if Detroit is not a healthy and dynamic place to live, work and play. There’s no way around it, so we might as well get to it.”
– Francis Grunow is 36 years old, and finishing up a law degree at Wayne State. He grew up in Detroit and after graduating from Cass Tech High School, majored in Urban Studies at Columbia University. He and his wife moved back to Detroit several years ago and opened the Bureau of Urban Living, a home goods boutique on the ground floor of their Midtown loft in 2007. Francis is a senior policy analyst at Community Legal Resources.
“There are great cities in the world that are not on the knife’s edge of collapse or resurgence. Detroit needs every single one of us right now in a way Paris or London or New York does not. This is a definitive moment in Detroit’s history.”
– Vince Keenan is 37 years old and grew up in Detroit. He attended the University of Detroit Jesuit High School, and as a UM student 15 years ago created Publius, an international award-winning statewide online voter guide. He is a resident of Corktown.
“I find Detroiters are passionate about making this city better, in new and creative ways around a myriad of issues – from immigrants’ rights, food accessibility, workers’ rights, and fight for public transit, Detroit is incubating countless community activists and leaders working to make Detroit livable, sustainable and democratic.”
– Sally Kim is a 27-year-old Korean American, and was born in Incheon. Her hometown is Cornwall on Hudson, NY and she has lived in Southwest Detroit for the last year and a half.
“It’s an exciting time to be a Detroiter. Change is going to happen. To be a part of bringing about that change is a great challenge and reward. That is why I live, work, and invest in Detroit. I’ve lived here now in the city for 12 years. I grew up in the suburbs of central New Jersey and was educated there before moving to metro Detroit in the early 1990s.”
– Sheu-Jane Gallagher is Asian American, works in Tech Town at WSU, and lives in Indian Village. Her husband, John, is a writer for the Detroit Free Press.
“I had a job lined up in Honolulu, but I chose to move to Detroit because it is such a unique place – not just in Michigan or the United States, but in the world. The people who live here see potential in the city where outsiders see detriment. People make a city and anyone who takes the time to understand will find that Detroit is thriving because of the people who believe in the potential that lies here as well as the beauty in what is happening.”
– Jessie Fullenkamp is 26 years old and originally from Dayton, Ohio. A University of Michigan MSW, she has lived in Ghana and Micronesia, and moved to Detroit’s lower east side in 2010 to work as Youth Program Coordinator for the Ruth Ellis Center.
“I like Detroit because of the people, the music, the architecture, the sense of community, and the potential for the future.”
– Leor Barak is 30 years old and grew up in Farmington, Michigan. He is a musician, a graduate of Wayne State Law School, board member of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, and Pro Bono Program Manager for Community Legal Resources.
“In my opinion, Detroit has a competitive advantage in space: space to create, space to experiment, space to challenge and space to grow. There is a freedom here that cannot be found elsewhere, resulting in part to an amazing cultural infrastructure and in part to a leadership vacuum in various civic arenas.”
– Matt Clayson is 30 years old, lives with his wife in a beautiful old home they are restoring in historic Indian Village. He is the director of the Creative Corridor Initiative, and recently accompanied the Mayor on a learning trip to Turin, Italy.
“I moved back to Detroit for three reasons. First, I want to live in a place where I can make a difference and be apart of the city’s growth and development. Second, Detroit is the birthplace of the middle class, as Detroit goes so goes the nation. Last, you bet on what you know. I bought Ford Stock at $2.00 because I believed in it and I sold it for $14.00. I used the profits from that investment to buy my home in Detroit.”
– Adam Hollier is 25 years old, and was born and raised in Detroit. He is a graduate of UM’s Planning school, and is Chief of Staff for State Senator Bert Johnson.
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