Like Johnny, except I've been in the Detroit "burbs" all my life, have seen the decline as the automotive declined here. Detroit is now under 700,000 people, from 1.2 million is 1980. So those pics show half the homes gone as the result. An interesting tidbit I even only recently learned of - there has not been a grocery store in Detroit, like a Meijer, Walmart Yes, even they stay out!), Kroger, etc. for decaeds. The Eastern Market, is the only area to buy produce and such, other than small corner markets. Sad, but they would just get robbed and people shot! So residents must go to the burbs to shop.
In its heyday, Detroit was a "sister" city to Chicago and much like it, other than the dependancy on the auto industry. As the Japanese cars arrived, coupled with a union that got rediculously greedy (higher cost), so sales dropped. So, here we are. Fortunately, people like Mike Illitch, owner first of Little Ceasars pizza chain and now owner of both the Tigers and the Red Wings (gotta love and repect him for that!) are trying to revive the city. He helped with getting the Tigers a new stadium and soon the Wings will have a new arena. The Lions have a fairly new stadium, as well (owned by the Ford family)! Of course, the city also has had to endure a corupt political system (mayor Kilpatric, and a few before him). But looking at all that vacant space, maybe it gets turned around with the right people, police (where's that Robocop dude, anyway?) the city can turn around. Meanwhile, I'll stay in the outskirts and visit now and again!!