Confusion Mounts in Detroit Police Housing Plan

Feb. 15--An aide to Mayor Dave Bing told the Detroit City Council today that the incentive plan to lure police back to the city by offering rehabilitated homes for a $1,000 down payment will eventually be available to all city employees. But that message was quickly clarified by the mayor's office.

"There are other funding sources available for city residents who are looking for housing assistance," Karla Henderson, head of the project, said from New Orleans, where she and Bing are researching that city's relocation plans. "Project 14 is specifically for police officers."

Some council members were elated when Kamau Marable, the mayor's liaison to the council, said Bing's office plans to offer all city employees incentives that are "similar" to those offered to police: up to $150,000 in federal funds to rehabilitate abandoned houses.

"We are not neglecting that population," Marable said of all city workers. "We believe there will be money for more rehab."

Bing's office said no such funding has been identified. The next plan, the mayor's said, is to find funding to extend the incentives to firefighters.

Some council members also criticized Bing's plan because it takes housing assistance money from long-time city residents.

Councilman Kenneth Cockrel said a constituent told him Project 14 "is a slap in the face" and "Where's my reward for living and staying in Detroit?"

Cockrel responded: "I think it's a valid question."

The council plans to hold a special meeting to address concerns with the plan, including why it's only available in two neighborhoods -- Boston-Edison and East English Village.

"There are still unanswered questions," Councilwoman Brenda Jones said. "My office is receiving a lot calls. Why are there just two communities. Why is it just the police officers and not all city employees?"

Defending Project 14, the mayor's office said the idea is to deter crime by moving police back to the neighborhoods, a common request of residents since a state law in 1999 banned residency requirements of municipal employees.

Mayoral spokesman Dan Lijana also said tens of millions of dollars are available for financially struggling residents.

"There are incentives for people who are determined to be eligible," Lijana said, pointing to the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Fund that offers housing assistance for lower-income residents. "We aren't ignoring anyone."