  Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 14209 Registered: 12-2003 |
quote: Braggart! Reality, Heya, I'd give coaching props to Gnome, I'm in the outfield...although I liason with the media when necessary, usually over beers. Cheers | ||
Scottr Member Username: Scottr Post Number: 906 Registered: 07-2006 |
quote: Wow, for some bizarre reason it didn't cross my mind to check that out. (i've been having more and more of these 'duh' moments lately...) Thanks, Aiw! | ||
Digitalvision Member Username: Digitalvision Post Number: 1326 Registered: 11-2003 |
This topic apparently is going to be covered on Detroit Today on Tuesday. Both Joel and a rep from the bridge company will be on. | ||
Busterwmu Member Username: Busterwmu Post Number: 538 Registered: 09-2004 |
You should see all the people who take bridge photos from the river tour boats. Nothing like getting up close and personal... and there's never any problem. I can just see Matty squirming from his penthouse in MC... | ||
Curly98 Member Username: Curly98 Post Number: 48 Registered: 06-2007 |
Hey I'm in. Can't wait to hit a long ball into the restricted area, wonder if it is safe to get it back? | ||
Gnome Member Username: Gnome Post Number: 1928 Registered: 08-2007 |
Starting Line-up: ZRXDoug Curly98 Mortgageking Melocoton PlymouthRes Masterblaster Homer UrbanOutdoors Gannon Soulhawk Gnome | ||
Homer Member Username: Homer Post Number: 335 Registered: 08-2004 |
The letter below has been distributed to many email addresses of persons questioning Matty M. and his bridge. It is so full of lies and crap I can't begin to discuss it. Judge for yoourself. 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 | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 12336 Registered: 10-2003 |
Anyone ask Mr. Stamper what the troll plans for MCS? He spews enough bullshit in that letter. I would love to hear him explain that embarrasment away. | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 12337 Registered: 10-2003 |
Anyone ask Mr. Stamper what the troll plans for MCS? He spews enough bullshit in that letter. I would love to hear him explain that embarrasment away. | ||
Urbanoutdoors Member Username: Urbanoutdoors Post Number: 1082 Registered: 11-2005 |
wow that is a load of bull... "Matty is one of Detroit’s most staunch advocates and biggest cheerleaders" LMAO Something has to be done about this maroun now I am sick of the city just putting up with his shit! Why is it we let our billionaires walk all over us and we can't even get the basic city services that we need! What can we do to stop him and the culture of neglect that he helps breed in the city. this culture has to end and the residents of our fair city need to demand more from the city and its officials. | ||
Leticiaweb Member Username: Leticiaweb Post Number: 11 Registered: 09-2008 |
“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 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. “ If indeed the above is true, how come the Canadian side of his bridge isn’t fenced in and secured? I’m not drinking the Kool-Aid. (Message edited by leticiaweb on September 27, 2008) | ||
Gnome Member Username: Gnome Post Number: 1932 Registered: 08-2007 |
I'd like to see the paperwork that granted sovereign control to Homeland Security over City owned property. | ||
Aiw Member Username: Aiw Post Number: 6733 Registered: 10-2003 |
quote: Because we're a little more relaxed in Canada, that's why.  | ||
Rjk Member Username: Rjk Post Number: 1222 Registered: 11-2003 |
You need to challenge the Iron Coffins to a softball game. Just make sure that tough looking security guard isn't a member of the IC's. If that's the case you might be bringing an ass kicking from the wrong direction. | ||
Billybbrew Member Username: Billybbrew Post Number: 341 Registered: 07-2005 |
I can understand securing the Anchorages for the bridge, but as it has been previosly pointed out. There are parks under the Blue Water Bridges, Duluth Aerial Bridge, and access under the International Bridge at the Soo. Why do we need this here in Detroit. Wouldn't a logical end point/beginning point for the Riverwalk be Riverside Park??? | ||
Fishtoes2000 Member Username: Fishtoes2000 Post Number: 692 Registered: 06-2005 |
Yes, Riverside park is part of the West Riverwalk vision. | ||
Billybbrew Member Username: Billybbrew Post Number: 342 Registered: 07-2005 |
I thought it was, but I wasn't sure. | ||
Bearinabox Member Username: Bearinabox Post Number: 883 Registered: 04-2006 |
The nearest residential area is 10 blocks from Riverside Park? There are houses on the Boulevard in the first block north of it, and the residential area on the other side of the Fisher is 3 blocks north. If you count Jefferson (which runs into the park and really isn't a cross street), Fort, both service drives, and the Fisher itself, it's still only five blocks. It seems as though Mr. Stamper either doesn't know what a residential area is, or he never learned to count. | ||
Realitycheck Member Username: Realitycheck Post Number: 641 Registered: 08-2004 |
Here are two reasons why developments reported Friday night by DigitalVision and Homer are refreshing reminders of what we aging ex-Flower Children called Power to the People: 1. Powerful slingshot: A lone blogger typing at home earns action within a few days from (1) Natural allies here; (2) Detroit Today host Craig Fahle and his WDET producer; (3) Bridge company's president, who recognized an urgent need to respond publicly and lengthily. In other words: One guy poking Goliath electronically gets attention from the community, a broadcast outlet and the giant himself. That's what I call online empowerment. G'bless this InterTubes thingy. 2. New media landscape: The Detroit Public Radio segment, which could awaken interest by News Hits in Metro Times and maybe others, shows it IS possible to generate heat from the long, slow burn about Matty smoldering among many of us. Sure, the incredible shrinking (and shirking) dailies have let him skate and the city generally lets him slide . . . but Joel found a vulnerability that clearly resonates. This may be the start of something worthwhile, perhaps thanks to a new administration. Power to the People, 2008-style -- Right On!  (Message edited by RealityCheck on September 27, 2008) | ||
Homer Member Username: Homer Post Number: 336 Registered: 08-2004 |
Below is a response sent to Dan Stamper by a concerned citizen. Dear Loyal Ambassador Bridge Employee Dan Stamper, I don't think you, Dan, want to go there, attempting to defend how the Ambassador Bridge Co. has behaved over the last 25+ yrs. I know what the company (that writes your paycheck) has done to our SWD Community and not done for our SWD Community and City. If I took the time to compile all of the unjust, deceitful, and destructive activities of the company you work for and defend, it would be shamefully revealing and you would find yourself spending more time than I trying to defend a company that you could not possibly begin to repair the damage of it's reputation or it's owner's reputation, Manual Maroun. You may not have been around in the company you for example when Eddie Robinson worked for Maroun back 25+ yrs. ago. He was in prison prior to working for Maroun for land fraud. Mayor Coleman Young who was college buddies with Maroun sent out notices on City of Detroit Letterhead that were scare tactic letters of impending City Condemnation to our community homeowners on WGB, 25th St., 24th St., 23rd St. and beyond. Then a real estate company in the Ambassador Bridge's disguise named Mexicantown Real Estate went door to door making offers and purchased those homes. After some of those owners moved out of their homes they left their neighbors and years of memories behind. The Bridge Co. did not take responsibility for the dwellings they purchased. Each and every one of those empty homes were stripped and then conveniently, set on fire. Each and every one of them thus, became burnt out hulks and less costly for the Bridge Co. to demo. This scare tactic was used over and over again, causing the next-door, occupied homeowners to become absolutely terrified, and caused their property values to plummet. Mr. Maroun's greed and hunger to monopolize our community's land and destroy the fabric of our community continues today in many, many ways. The Ambassador Bridge Co. is in the top 10 list for the Hall of Shame when it comes to Companies in the City of Detroit and SWD! The litany of your company's wicked deeds and lies are boundless and I could go on but I don't want to waste my time. Maroun should seriously reconsider the Legacy he was contemplating accomplishing a few years back when Doug McIntosh who once was working on interior design on Manny’s home in Grosse Pointe Shores. It was Doug who sparked a glimpse of light onto the subject of the old Michigan Central Train Station and kept asking Manny, "What will be your legacy"? Ask Mr. Maroun if he wants to be remembered as the callous, deceitful, troll under the bridge or the billionaire that finally did something extremely positive and unforgettable by transforming and renovating the most historic, visible structure in our City, where many of our forefathers came to America. They came to find a better way for their families, to build our great City, to prosper, to lead with integrity, to work and achieve their American Dream. Sincerely, | ||
Urbanoutdoors Member Username: Urbanoutdoors Post Number: 1085 Registered: 11-2005 |
Great response Homer. Lets remember to listen to Detroit today in the morning and see what is said on this issue. | ||
Billybbrew Member Username: Billybbrew Post Number: 344 Registered: 07-2005 |
I don't believe "Homer" actually wrote the letter. I do know the person that wrote it as I was one of the recipients of the letter (it was CC'ed) to a list of people. I also received the original letter from Dan Stamper, although it came from his assistant's email. I also spoke with Joel earlier this evening. Rest assured, this is far from over and alot of people are paying attention to it, people who can make a difference, including every one of us who stands up for our rights. | ||
Urbanoutdoors Member Username: Urbanoutdoors Post Number: 1087 Registered: 11-2005 |
thanks for the correction Billy Guess I need to read a little more carefully. | ||
Billybbrew Member Username: Billybbrew Post Number: 346 Registered: 07-2005 |
easy mistake.....for all I know "Homer" could be the person who wrote the letter, but I doubt it, lol....Alot of us here are pretty secretive about our real life names. | ||
Barnesfoto Member Username: Barnesfoto Post Number: 5472 Registered: 10-2003 |
Got a copy of the letter too. Dan Stamper is to Manny Maroun what Adrian Paunescu was to Nicolai Ceaucescu: (A whore who writes saccharin verses praising the vampire) The letter brings back memories of a friends grandmother who was reluctant to sell the house that she had lived in for decades to Maroun, Vampire. She was the last on her block to leave. She was rewarded with houses on either side of her being left open and abandoned, while the rest of the block was demoed. Even a couple decades ago, a pattern was apparent: If you see a building with no windows in the vicinity of the Ambassador Bridge, you know that it belongs to Maroun. Now that Maroun's paid stooge, Kwame Kilpatrick, has slunk off in disgrace, what a great time for citizens to stand up to the vampire and his thugs! I deeply regret being thousands of miles away, which limits my participation in this action... (Message edited by barnesfoto on September 30, 2008) | ||
Homer Member Username: Homer Post Number: 337 Registered: 08-2004 |
OK all set for Wed. 4:00 wish you could be here Barnefesto we will try to hit one out of the park for you | ||
Leticiaweb Member Username: Leticiaweb Post Number: 13 Registered: 09-2008 |
I'm on the left coast and sooooo wish I could be there too. I do have a visit planned in May. | ||
Realitycheck Member Username: Realitycheck Post Number: 642 Registered: 08-2004 |
Wait'll you read this latest open letter. Joel responds with finely sharpened skewers that prick holes in last week's screen of subtrefuge . . . and that stick to the Big Issues, which go beyond Doug, softball and let-them-sip-water. Our boy knows how to play hardball, and he smacks it over this fence.  Enjoy: Dear Matty . . . From: Joel Thurtell, Former Journalist To: Matty Moroun, Billionaire Dear Matty, I want to thank your assistant, Mr. Dan Stamper, for being so kind as to send me a letter criticizing me for defending the City of Detroit’s formerly public Riverside Park, parts of which you have seized. Mr. Stamper also takes the park itself to task for not being more inviting to people who might want to use it as a public park, though he denies what I believe to be true, which is that people stay away for fear of being hassled by your guards the way one of them harassed me. I must say, Mr. Stamper was very perceptive in his letter when he referred to me as a “former journalist.” Based upon my observations of the REAL journalists, as in staff writers for the two Detroit dailies, if I were one of them and not a former journalist, I never would have written my story last week headlined, “Please don’t look at these pictures!” REAL Detroit journalists don’t have time to write about you, Matty. I understand that their reporters are “too busy” to write about you. But my status as a journalist or not isn’t the reason I’m writing to you. I’m writing to you because I assume that whatever Mr. Stamper put in his letter to me reflects what you told him to write. I thought I would eliminate the middle man. First, despite your claim that you took over parts of Riverside Park and blocked access to its This chain-link gate blocks access to the former public boat ramp at Detroit's Riverside Parak. The fence was placed there by Ambassador Bridge owner Matty Moroun. Joel Thurtell photo. This chain-link gate blocks access to the former public boat ramp at Detroit's Riverside Parak. The fence was placed there by Ambassador Bridge owner Matty Moroun. Joel Thurtell photo. formerly public boat launch at the behest of the federal Department of Homeland Security, I understand from city officials that you closed the park several months after 9/11 and without authority from the federal government. I would be interested in seeing the orders or authority you received calling for closing off part of the park. can’t find anyone in Homeland Security who knows anything about your closing of Riverside Park. Second, your long description of how poorly maintained the park is, and how few people use it, is a tip of your hand, Matty. It tells me that you have some other use in mind for the park and plan to take over more of it. You have already proven that you can block public access to the basketball courts in Riverside Park Extension and to the boat launch at the main Riverside Park, and the city won’t object. What’s next? What does a billionaire want with a little park in a city full of people who can use every scrap of green space they can find? Add to that the beautiful view you get from the actual river side of Riverside Park, and I’m at a loss as to why you would want to take that away. You know what? I think you secretly agree with me. I see a hint of altruism in Mr. Stamper’s letter to me. The altruism I see is your offer of free bottled water to people who plan to play softball in Riverside Extension Park at 5 p.m. Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at 23rd Street a block south of Fort. I know my real journalist friends will accuse me of being a naive former journalist. But I believe I sense in that offer of free bottled water a sign of your own desire to give something back to the community. Oh, sure, it’s only bottled water, and some will say the offer itself is meant as a big raspberry to the organizers of the softball game, and to its players. But I can’t believe that someone as wealthy and powerful as you are would have such an insatiable appetite for taking over other people’s land that you wouldn’t stop and reflect that maybe now is the time to quit doing that. Maybe now is the time for you to give something real and tangible to the people of Detroit. Instead of delivering bottles of water, why don’t you send some workers to dismantle that fence at Riverside Extension Park? Send some trucks to relocate the gravel so people can play basketball again. Send guard to unlock those padlocks at the entrance to the boat ramp. You would actually be fooling people, if that is what you like to do. You would be doing something that is totally unexpected. You would be giving the park back to the city before they can sue you to take it back. They will be astonished if you do that. But you could astound them even more. How about — with the city’s permission, of course — giving that ball diamond a do-over, maybe even setting up some bleachers? How about building a decent bathroom with running water and flush toilets so people wouldn’t have to use that porta-john? How about re-paving the boat launch and putting some nice new docks in? How about donating some picnic tables and maybe some charcoal grills, too? Be a billionaire with heart, Matty. What do you say? Yours truly, Joel Thurtell, Former Journalist | ||
Gnome Member Username: Gnome Post Number: 1945 Registered: 08-2007 |
Remember Dan Stamper, Bridge President and Joel Thurtell, on-line journalist will be going head-to-head on Craig's DETROITTODAY on www.WDETFM.com. The show starts at 10 AM, but I have no idea when the bridge discussion will start. Still have spots open on the starting line-up for Wendesday softball game | ||
Realitycheck Member Username: Realitycheck Post Number: 644 Registered: 08-2004 |
A thought on behalf of the former journalist who started this: Drop Joel "a nickel," as he puts it, to show we value online journalism and the kind of civic activism 2.0 that gets attention from the bridge company, us, WDET and perhaps other mainstream news outlets eventually. He has a handy PayPal button at joelontheroad.com, which I just used after reading this there: quote:Do it now, if you can. Softball players/fans: Donate what you'll save by not having to bring water to Wednesday's game. |
