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Comment by andor436 | Hacker News Reader

One major issue for Detroit, assuming it can emerge from bankruptcy and state management, is how to provide reasonable levels of services to a vastly-reduced population density. Other Michigan cities (like Flint) are facing similar issues.

Check out https://motorcitymapping.org and http://report.timetoendblight.org/ - good ways to see the scope of the problem.

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> is how to provide reasonable levels of services to a vastly-reduced population density.

You don't. Populations shift, and Detroit has clearly lost that battle. Sure, it may be a "rising tech hub", but most people aren't going to move to Detroit for a job if they can avoid it.

Incentivize residents to leave sparse housing for more dense housing near the core, raize the old properties, and explore urban farming. Cheaper then attempting to maintain a vast network of infrastructure for a dwindling population that can't afford it already.

Totally. Their in-the-ground infrastructure was built to serve a completely different kind of population. I'm just thinking even longer term.

This Planet Money episode[1] does a great job painting a picture of the back and forth between residents having their water shut off and finding ways to turn it back on.

[1] http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2014/08/08/338068996/episode-...

> "assuming it can emerge from bankruptcy and state management"

Assuming? http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/12/05/detroit...

Edit: I'm downvoted for pointing out that the exit is all but finalized and thus "assuming" is an unnecessary qualifier?

I didn't downvote you, and your point is valid. Relevant: http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2014/12/governor...

So some good news!

I haven't read much on plans for restructuring the city and the various city services once all the vacant structures are removed. Anyone else?

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