Detroit
State: Multiple steps taken after 2012 child death
DETROIT (AP) — The state says it’s taking multiple steps to ensure the safety of children following reviews in the wake of the 2012 stabbing death of an 8-year-old girl by her mother.
The Department of Human Services on Tuesday issued a review of its actions since the death of Tameria Greene. Her mother was sentenced in April to at least 23 years in prison. A court had refused to remove the child from the home despite allegations of abuse.
The department says it reviewed cases in Wayne County; fired two employees in contact with the girl and her family; boosted training; and worked to improve collaboration between prosecutors, police and the courts. Other actions are taking place statewide.
Semeria Greene pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Her maximum prison stay is 50 years.
Detroit
State awards $2M for 3 brownfield clean-up projects
DETROIT (AP) — The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has awarded more than $2 million to clean up brownfield sites in Detroit, Kalamazoo and Muskegon Heights.
The agency announced Monday that $1 million is going to the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. for the Orleans Landing Redevelopment Project, a roughly $55 million mixed-used development including 250 residential units near Milliken State Park and Harbor along the Detroit River.
“The grant will pay for environmental investigations, demolition and removal of contaminated soils and abandoned underground storage tanks, ensuring the safe reuse of the properties,” the DEQ said in a statement about the project, which includes redevelopment of 25 industrial properties.
Another $945,000 was awarded to the Kalamazoo Brownfield Redevelopment Authority to pay for environmental response activities at properties along Portage Creek near Upjohn Park. The work will support the new Health Focused Campus.
The cooperative development between Bronson Properties Corp., Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is expected to bring about $42 million in new investment to the area.
Muskegon Heights has been awarded $100,000. A property will be redeveloped by Versatile Fabrication, a stainless steel manufacturer and includes $2 million in investment. The grant will pay for environmental investigations, removal of contaminated soil and liability protection.
Lansing
Report looks at incarcerated kids from 2003-2013
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — An advocacy group says 60 percent of 17-year-olds charged as adults in Michigan faced trial for nonviolent offenses and 58 percent entering the criminal justice system had no prior juvenile record.
The Detroit News reports the findings are part of a report released this week by the Lansing-based Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency. The “Youth Behind Bars” report looked at incarcerated youth from 2003 through 2013.
The report comes amid debates about prison spending and whether Michigan’s approach to juvenile crime works.
Michelle Weemhoff, the council’s associate director, says the state’s juvenile justice laws present an “outdated approach.”
Republican state Sen. Rick Jones of Grand Ledge chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. He says those under 18 who commit heinous acts should be prosecuted as adults.
