Detroit: Homosexual neighborhoods can rejuvenate the city
FERNDALE, Mich. - One of Detroit's biggest developers has been advertising vacant lofts in local gay publications, taking a lesson from the economic rejuvenation of this nearby suburb and trying to lure gay residents to move into the city.
''It's very true that Ferndale hit its stride because of the positive influence of gays,'' said David Farbman, president and chief executive of the Farbman Group, a real estate corporation that advertised the lofts. ''In order for Detroit to expedite what it can become, it has to have a strong gay community.''
Since the riots of 1967, Detroit has tried several strategies to revitalize its downtown, including riverfront development and a new mass transit system. City leaders continue to hope that General Motors' move downtown in 1996 will bolster the city's comeback.
Now, some leaders are hoping that an influx of gay residents will help revitalize Detroit....