Grosse Pointers Tout Diversity, Sense of Community in WDET Forum

Grosse Pointers are proud, supportive and neighborly—traits that mesh to create a true sense of community, they said Wednesday in a community forum hosted by WDET 101.9 FM. 

The community forum is part of a larger project called Crossing the Lines in which WDET is reaching out to the communities it serves and facilitating conversation. The format of the forum is open yet anonymous to spur honest opinions and sharing of information. 

A wide variety of residents attended the forum, including young and old; parents and non-parents; new residents and lifers; elected officials and random residents; community volunteers and those less involved in the community.

Two topics repeatedly surfaced Wednesday: diversity and the sense of community.

The residents who attended said they wanted people from outside of the Grosse Pointes to understand the community is diverse. It is a common misconception by those who do not live in the community that the Grosse Pointes are not diverse. However quite the opposite is true, and furthermore, residents want others to know they are open to and welcoming to diversity. 

The other topic—the sense of community—is part of what makes the Grosse Pointes, the residents said.

Neighborhoods have an identity and close relationships among the residents are easy to establish because the Grosse Pointes are free from major roadways or other physical barriers. One man talked about his learning curve on block parties since moving to Grosse Pointe Park. 

Other topics that were discussed include:

• Schools of Choice
• Small businesses
• Affordability of living and the misconception of it being only for the wealthy
• The importance of the parks, which only add to the sense of community
• Consolidation and dwindling municipal budgets 
• The commitment to Detroit, which some considered to be a part of the community and others said they wanted to see more coordination between efforts in Detroit and the Grosse Pointes

The conversation among residents was positive, honest and thoughtful even when sensitive topics arose. Residents left the forum on positive note.