A new Bridge to Canada located in Delray (New International Trade Crossing - NITC) can be an opportunity for the entire border region and the local community to create truly win-win development. This international project will have environmental justice impacts on the Delray community that is 69% minority and poor. The area is already host to the only oil refinery, in Michigan, a tri-county wastewater treatment plant, the largest rail yard in the State, three major highways, and multiple heavy industries. Despite these issues, Southwest Detroit is the most vibrant and diverse community in Detroit with a flourishing retail sector and strong neighborhood organizations. Hundreds of residents and stakeholders formed a Community Benefits Coalition in support of a new publicly-owned bridge with benefits to the community for a sustainable development and better quality of life.

Impacts of the project:
  • location of a 160-acre customs plaza behind Southwestern High School
  • 693 residents (257 dwellings) will be relocated
  • 43 businesses and 5 churches will be relocated; 685 employees will be affected
  • truck traffic is projected to increase 128% by 2035, increasing the amount of diesel emissions
  • 50 trucks per peak hour drive on some residential streets, which could increase to 100 in peak hours

Our Vision  

 Potential Investments for Win-Win Development

The coalition supports a public bridge to provide greater safety, transparent public-oversight, and the ability to address impacts into the future. A Delray bridge would be a direct link to Canadian freeways which would reduce congestion and emissions for the region. However, emissions around the plaza will increase in the local neighborhood and air quality must be addressed for successful development that benefits all.

The community has been working with MDOT for over five years and created a vision for revitalization. With MDOTs assistance the community was just awarded nearly $2-million in federal funding to build 26 new houses in Delray, so relocating residents have the option of new, energy efficient homes at no cost to them. Residents are eager for this positive development in their gateway neighborhood. More progress is needed. Proposed investments do not yet go far enough to address community impacts and provide for sustainable development. The community is seeking these investments for success:

Jobs, training, and economic development: Job training and guarantees for local hiring. A plan to attract logistics and supply-chain industry. Business retention and incubation strategies. English as a second language programs.

Housing and sustainable neighborhood: Adequate compensation for homes acquired and support for legislation to address increased taxes. Build affordable green replacement housing to allow all families who desire so to remain in the neighborhood. Designate new trucks routes to improve the quality of life, and improve and maintain area roads and sidewalks.

Air quality and health: Ongoing air and health monitoring. Air filtration at nearby schools. Idle-reduction and diesel reduction support for truck fleets to reduce emissions exposure.

Green development: Create new Delray parks and green spaces to cleanse the air. Incorporate alternative energy for a self-sustaining bridge and plaza.

Governance and Sustainability: Include community representation in bridge oversight. Provide a fraction of tolls for a fund to address concerns and sustainable development into the future.