Michigan Central reopens; Detroit chosen for Sustainable Cities Challenge and more – WDET 101.9 FM

On the latest episode of the Detroit Evening Report, we cover the grand reopening of Michigan Central Station; Detroit being selected to host innovation challenges as part of the Toyota Mobility Foundation’s Sustainable Cities Challenge; Oak Park Farmers Market reopening this month and more.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Michigan Central reopening concert

Diana Ross, Eminem and Big Sean were just a few of the big names that performed during Thursday’s grand reopening at Michigan Central Station. The party continues through June 16 as Ford welcomes the public to attend an open house at the station to see firsthand its revitalized first floor. The open house will include a bunch of exhibits, entertainment, art and more.

After this open house period, the station will begin a phased reactivation of the building over the next several months. Expect restaurants, retail shops and other commercial businesses trickling in during those months.

For more information go to michigancentral.com.

Detroit chosen to host Sustainable Cities Challenge

Detroit is among three cities around the world selected to host innovation challenges as part of the Toyota Mobility Foundation’s Sustainable Cities Challenge. The other two locations selected are Varanasi, India, and Venice, Italy.

The goal of the $9 million global initiative is to help cities accelerate toward sustainable mobility for healthier and safer environments. Detroit has put out the global beacon for innovators to transform freight in the city’s Eastern Market district.

The three locations were chosen from a pool of 150 cities from 46 countries that entered the challenge in June of 2023.
Detroit’s Eastern Market is the largest open-air market and in  the U.S. and is at the heart of Detroit’s Challenge. Detroit is looking for local and international innovators to propose bold solutions to remove Barriers to adopting clean freight technologies, reduce fossil fuel use and improve market vendor operations.

For more information about the Sustainable Cities Challenge, visit sustainablecitieschallenge.org.

City recommends reduced water usage during storms

The weather is looking a little dicey going into the weekend. Thunderstorms started on Wednesday and may last through Saturday. The city of Detroit says it has the capacity to handle the expected flows into the system. However, things could change, so city officials recommend reduced water usage during heavy rain to help relieve capacity.

The city also recommends cleaning off debris on your street leading up to drains. This will help Detroit Water and Sewerage Department crews continue to clean the city sewer system. Lastly if your basement is flooded, do not enter if the water is above electrical outlets and or the fuse box.

To check out more tips go to detroitmi.gov/basementprotection. To report flooded streets use the Improve Detroit App or call 313 267 8000.

Oak Park Farmers Market returns

The Oak Park Farmers Market will open for the season on Wednesday, June 26, running 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday through Sept. 25.

Founded in the summer of 2018, the market will be doubling in size from last year after overwhelmingly positive feedback from residents, the city reported. This year, the city is offering special Sunday Market Days to residents who aren’t available during the weekdays. Those special days are scheduled for July 21, Aug 18 and Sept. 15, from noon to 4 p.m. For more information on the Oak Park Farmers Market, please contact the oak park recreation department at 248-691-7555.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.