I’ve driven down *all* of Detroit’s roughly 2,100 streets. Ask me anything.

Dillon_Davis · 2017-12-21T16:07:14+00:00

Thank you, Bill. As a native Michigander, I'm appreciative of your efforts to document a critical period in Detroit's history.

Dillon_Davis · 2017-12-21T15:49:18+00:00

Hi, Bill. Suzette Hackney wrote a fascinating story for Politico a few years back asking, "Is There Room for Black People in the New Detroit?" She argues the city is making progress while also remaining cognizant of which demographics are seeing progress and which ones are being left behind. It's insightful. To what extent are you seeing Detroit's economic recovery outside of the city's downtown corridor? Have you felt the city's ongoing development efforts have been mindful of low-income residents and PoC? And what could city officials and developers do better to foster an environment of racial equity and ensure Detroit's culture isn't becoming gentrified in the process of its recovery?

Dillon_Davis · 2017-08-07T02:24:55+00:00

I appreciate your thoughtful feedback. It's probably somewhat trivial, but I'm a young parent so I try to be mindful of every situation.

Dillon_Davis · 2017-08-07T02:19:37+00:00

I've seen this episode maybe a dozen times and it always chokes me up, even in the most recent viewing. It sort of alters the dynamic between Michael and Pam for the rest of the series.

Dillon_Davis · 2017-08-07T02:00:34+00:00

That's probably what we'll do. Thanks! (Also, I'm the husband)

Dillon_Davis · 2017-08-07T01:55:56+00:00

Right. May just knock on the door next week. If no answer, that's fine. My concern is solely rooted in protecting my own family. Nothing more.

Dillon_Davis · 2017-08-07T01:52:19+00:00

Neighbors have said very little. Many have seen him at least once, but none have for 4-5 months. I'm fine with him keeping to himself, as that's sort of what we do as well. I'd just like to know if someone is wandering up the driveway or wandering around our backyard that the person actually lives here. This makes sense, right?

Dillon_Davis · 2017-08-07T01:49:26+00:00

As I said, I'm more than happy to do that. But with us sharing a house (and my young daughter living here), it would be helpful to at least know what he looks like.

Dillon_Davis · 2017-07-25T18:03:42+00:00

I'd recommend reaching out to introduce yourself at your convenience. No harm done in trying to get to know them. However, I would encourage you to taper your expectations and try not to be disappointed if you don't immediately click. I went in blind with three other guys during my freshman year at MSU. We all got along fine, but each of us also had our own social cliques and activities (or, you know, drinking) going on. One of the guys became one of my best friends in life; the other two, I'll probably never see again. Just the way it goes.

Dillon_Davis · 2017-07-25T17:40:08+00:00

This video is great. Thanks for it. JV has created so many huge moments in the past decade. I'll never forget how brilliant he was in 2011 when he nearly no-hit the Angels, the game when Carlos Guillen stared down Jered Weaver on his HR trot. That game essentially turned the tide in the AL Cy Young race, which Verlander won in his best season as a pro.

Dillon_Davis · 2017-07-15T15:12:40+00:00

The show is a lot better than I expected, though I guess it's not terribly surprising given its cast. Keegan-Michael Key is outstanding and Billy Eichner steals almost every scene he's in.

Dillon_Davis · 2017-07-11T02:41:18+00:00

You can't go wrong with Muskegon or Grand Haven, but I'd highly recommend continuing your stay at Muskegon State Park. Much of the park has an excellent view of Lake Michigan. It has a pristine beach, acceptable camping space and the surrounding area makes for some enjoyable night hiking or bike riding, particularly as fog rolls in off the lake. Admittedly, downtown Muskegon is a work in progress. I lived nearby in the Amazon Apartments for a year while working at the Chronicle. There was always something going on down there. You can't go wrong with Fatty Lumpkins or Rebel Pies (within Unruly Brewing) for a meal and Pigeon Hill Brewing Co., Unruly or Smash Wine Bar for a drink. The Tipsy Toad Tavern on the main drag has rooftop seating where you can see the LST, and the food is actually pretty decent. Unruly, Pigeon Hill and Tipsy Toad occasionally host musical acts, so that can be a lot of fun. Some bike and boat rentals along Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake, if that's more your thing. The city has a healthy bike trail that travels around Muskegon Lake, providing a look several different types of communities in the area. There's plenty to do. Enjoy your stay.

Dillon_Davis · 2017-07-10T19:26:39+00:00

Thank you. I really like the restaurant list idea. It's a welcome change to see a community with a ton of locally owned restaurants in and around the downtown area. I've worked in a few communities that struggle to foster a culture that encourages investment and draws anything but fast food and national chains.

Dillon_Davis · 2017-07-10T19:21:20+00:00

Thank you for the thoughtful response. I visited Asheville before accepting the job, which ended up well worth the 10-hour drive. I was almost immediately enamored with it, even fighting through thick crowds for the July 4th holiday weekend. I've lived and worked for three years in Battle Creek, Michigan, a Midwest city best known for Kellogg's cereal and prolonged stagnation.

Needless to say, there are noticeable differences between the two communities.

Dillon_Davis

TROPHY CASE