Coleman A. Young Talks with the Native Detroiter Magazine (1989)

2015.010.030
http://detroithistorical.pastperfecto...

VHS tape containing an interview between mayor Coleman A. Young and a group of interviewers from Native Detroit Magazine. The camera primarily stays on Young during the interview. The shoot begins with an informal discussion of a recent rally, before Young is asked to provide insight on plans for Detroit in the 1990s. Young lists development projects on the city's east side including the expansion of City Airport; the new Chrysler Jefferson Plant; the Pepsi plant near Eastern Market, and housing developments linking Mount Elliot to Indian Village and in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood around Greyhaven. On the west side he discusses new port, rail, and trucking facilities on the west side to capitalize on the Canada–United States Free Trade Agreement. He also states that his focus is on redeveloping the Ambassador Bridge's plaza to increase the crossing's efficiency rather than building a second span. Continuing the theme of the west side as a transportation hub he speaks of redeveloping Michigan Central Station as an international trade center. Rail is also a priority; he talks of plans for high speed rail between Detroit and Chicago, and commuter rail along Woodward Avenue, and Gratiot Avenue into the suburbs. He also discusses the redevelopment of a hotel at Cass Avenue and Temple Street--presumably the Hotel Fort Wayne--as well as one in Greektown. The impending completion of the Madden Building, Hines' plans for the future Millender Center, plans for a second tower for the Pontchartrain Hotel, the future John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, and the Brush Park housing development are mentioned. Young lists several shopping malls in the works along major roads. He also talks of the expansion of churches in the community as a sign of the city's health.

Prompted by the interviewers, Young also discusses renovating old houses and gentrification, mentioning Detroit's population loss, homelessness, and scrappers as related issues. Referencing the troubles of the 1980 census, Young expresses the need for an honest count in the 1990 census. The interviewers also ask for the mayor's thoughts on President George Bush's September 5, 1989 speech on drugs, and about issues of racial tension and tension between citizens and the police around the country.

The video is on a 3M T-60 tape with handwritten labels on the top and side.