Detroiters Not Getting Jobs As Promised In 'Proposal S'
DETROIT (WWJ) - "Crumbs." That's what a committee member overseeing construction of the Detroit Public Schools says Detroiters are getting in the way of jobs.
WWJ's Vickie Thomas reports back in 2009, Detroit voters overwhelming approved Proposal S, a $5 million construction bond to build new schools and modernize existing schools, with the promise of creating 11,000 jobs during the campaign. Companies also agreed to hire Detroiters for 65 percent of the skilled trade jobs.
But the Detroit Free Press reports so far, only 46 percent of them have been hired. Detroit residents have landed 50 percent of the non-construction work, which surpasses that 48 percent goal.
Ten of the 18 projects are expected to be complete by September 6, which is the first day of school this year. All work, including seven brand new schools, is expected to be completed by 2012.
