One of the often reported successes in Detroit as of late is the Detroit Riverfront. It’s quickly becoming a destination attraction for those within and from outside the city.
However, an uptick in residences near the RiverWalk is also bringing to light other issues.
ClickOnDetroit reports that some residents are considering moving out after just moving into the new Orleans Landing development near the riverfront due to noise and a lack of enforcement of the existing 10 p.m. curfew.
Some of the complaints are of late night activity on the public street of Atwater, a public street not controlled by the Riverfront Conservancy.
The noise complaints include loud music, motorcycles, marijuana smoking and drag racing. They’re being made by new and long term residents alike, and they’re saying Detroit Police aren’t responding.
“We’re planning on finding some place else to live,” Sprague said. “It’s that bad.”
Sprague and others said they’re dealing with people who hang out nightly after the riverwalk closes.
“It’s just noise nonstop with motorcycles, music and loud cars,” Sprague said.
On social media, there’s a lot of debate saying the complaints of noise aren’t a big deal or are not appropriate. Although there are various nuances, it breaks down to three general criticisms of the complaints:
- You’re moving into the heart of a city, you should expect noise and if you don’t like it, get out.
- Belle Isle since becoming a state park has felt unwelcome to some city residents, and some of those residents have chosen the riverfront to be their gathering space.
- Detroit has larger problems to address with the murders, school situation, etc. than noise complaints and so-called “New Detroit” has no problem getting heard when long time Detroiters don’t feel listened to.
Whatever side of the debate you land on, as Detroit’s population changes and sees more investment, this debate is going to repeat itself across the city.