Detroit Plans to Change Industrial Areas Near 29-Mile Greenway Path

City officials want to transform 18 industrial sites that sit along the Joe Louis Greenway into spaces for shops and mixed development. The main focus falls on spots near I-75 and Six Mile Road in District 3.

"We want jobs in the city...but we also don't want anything that's blowing toxic things onto the Greenway," said Chris Goluck, deputy director of the City Planning Commission, at a community meeting on October 7, as reported by Bridge Detroit.

The new plan would switch heavy industrial spots to three types of zones: general business areas, mixed-use spaces, and light industrial sites. Current buildings range from a post office to a junkyard, with a church and restaurant mixed in.

When finished, the 29-mile path will connect parks from Six Mile down to the water's edge. Workers have built six miles so far. The whole project should conclude between 2030 and 2035.

Scott Benson from District 3 started pushing for these changes after neighbors spoke up about dust coming from the Kronos concrete plant. While current businesses can stay as they are, the new rules would stop big factories from moving in later.

At the October meeting, many people brought up issues with the Kronos site, which Crown Enterprises runs. This plant makes up to 200,000 tons of concrete each year on land set aside for heavy industry.

When Jahdante Smith questioned why Kronos wasn't part of the changes, Goluck pointed out they're just dealing with places right next to the path.

Yousef Alagi, who started Holy Bowly restaurant last year, supports the switch. "I think the rezoning is a good idea for the bike lane to make it more attractive to anybody who's going to be riding their bike to go sightseeing, bring families, and something for the community," he said at the meeting, as per Bridge Detroit.

Each zone change takes between four and six months to complete. Staff must study the area, talk to neighbors, and hold public discussions before any votes happen. The City Council gets the last word.

So far, planners have met with local groups 263 times. They'll hold a public meeting about the District 3 properties in late 2025 or early 2026.

"This is maybe a half-mile. We have 58 more [half-miles] to go," Benson said at the event, according to Bridge Detroit, showing just how much work lies ahead for the greenway project.