Letter from Dan Stamper

September 26, 2008
Joel, while it is clear that you have an axe to grind with Matty Moroun, it is still incredible how grossly misinformed you are regarding what is going on with Riverside Park.  While you are certainly entitled to your opinion about what goes on in Detroit, I would hope that as a former journalist, you just might do a little more research and be a little more objective with what you present.

Here is a little information that would hopefully alter some of your misguided notions regarding the operations of the Ambassador Bridge (AB) and Riverside Park.
After 9/11, AB officials were approached by Homeland Security to work in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to enhance security around this border crossing.  This resulted in the security of the AB’s infrastructure being the responsibility of bridge officials.  In order to secure it adequately, AB officials were given permission to create a security buffer around the bridge in this most vulnerable area in order to protect the infrastructure as best it could.

The reality: both private and public security officials assessed the area to create an adequate perimeter necessary to secure the infrastructure, as a direct result of the charge given from Homeland Security. Yes, both private and public security can and do work together to secure our border crossing and despite their necessary efforts to adequately secure this important international crossway, almost 90% of the park is still open for public use.
These “goons”, as you have described them, are protecting the people of two nations and the billions of dollars in commerce that tracks everyday across one of Michigan’s most precious assets.  To characterize them as non-essential henchman carrying out the work of some grim overlord is a little over the top.
The fact of the matter is you were encroaching upon a sensitive area of one of the world’s busiest international border crossings, which in a post-9/11 world is a serious matter.  The security staff you encountered do indeed work with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, (CBP), Border Patrol, FBI and the equivalent agencies in Canada.  Had you respected his authority and stuck around long enough, you would have found that out.
As for the use of Riverside Park, did you ask your City officials sources, what were their plans for the park?  Unfortunately, Riverside has been in decline for well over a decade and was closed by the City long before the security fences were installed with City permission.  The closest residential area to the park is almost 10 blocks away.  For several years now the City has steered all athletic activities to neighboring parks such as Fort Wayne and Clark.

It wasn’t too long ago that the City stopped using the incinerator adjacent to Riverside as a part of the City’s old dog pound operations.

As additional evidence of the lack of visitors and investment of Riverside, you should take a glance at a comprehensive study conducted by the University of Michigan and the National Wildlife Federation that stated: “While the park’s unique riverfront location offers views of the Detroit River and the Ambassador Bridge, it has become an undervalued and neglected public space.”  The study went on to conclude that: “Feelings of a lack of comfort emerged as a major barrier to park use. This lack of comfort stems from perceptions that the park is neglected, unsafe, and incompatible with users’ physical needs.”

Yes, I think everyone would agree that Riverside Park is a great public space that has awesome potential.  However, the stark reality is that this area along the riverfront has been in transition for quite some time.

The reality: Riverside Park is one of the City’s least used parks and the City officials have made a commitment to do something else with it as a part of its future neighborhood and riverfront development plans.  To assert that the lack of visitors and use of this park is due to necessary security efforts is a stretch.  Also, you should be aware that the Ambassador Bridge is working with and is on their Board of Directors of the Riverfront Conservancy and will help them accomplish their goals of bringing back the river front to the public.

Joel, it is clear that you are a strong booster of Detroit, and so I can appreciate your zeal in telling others about the things that are important to you.  However, this City has enough fighting going on as is, so it’s baffling that you would want to add to that negativity.

Why do you, in your own words, want to engage in a ‘bout with Matty Moroun?’  I don’t know your history with Detroit, but I don’t think any of us can ever question each others love and devotion to this city.  Matty is one of Detroit’s most staunch advocates and biggest cheerleaders, as I assume you are.  I think your time would be better spent focusing on the positives and our commonalities as opposed to setting out to stir up unnecessary trouble and instigating negative sentiments.

If you are going to have a baseball game, the Ambassador Bridge would be pleased to supply soft drinks for the participants.  Please let my office know of the exact time and estimate of the number of people that will be present.
Dan Stamper