PETITION TO REMOVE THOMAS M. COOLEY HIGH SCHOOL FROM THE DEMOLITION LIST AND PRESERVE IT FOR COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT

 

 

To: The Governor of Michigan, Michigan Legislature, Detroit Public Schools Community District, City of Detroit Officials, and Relevant State and Local Agencies

 

    We, the undersigned residents, alumni, community members, business leaders, and supporters of Detroit, respectfully petition the State of Michigan and all relevant governmental entities to remove Thomas M. Cooley High School from the demolition list and preserve the historic campus for redevelopment and community use.

Thomas M. Cooley High School is more than a vacant building. It is a landmark that has educated generations of Detroit residents, served as a source of neighborhood pride, and remains a symbol of opportunity, resilience, and community identity. For thousands of alumni and residents, Cooley represents memories, accomplishments, and a shared history that deserves preservation.

 

    We recognize the challenges associated with maintaining aging facilities. However, we believe demolition should be the last option—not the first. Once this historic structure is demolished, it can never be replaced. We urge state and local leaders to work with alumni, community organizations, nonprofit organizations, developers, philanthropists, and private-sector partners to explore adaptive reuse opportunities that can transform the site into a community asset.

Potential redevelopment opportunities include:

 

    Community and recreational facilities

Workforce development and training centers

 

Health and human services programs

Senior services and housing

 

Youth mentorship and educational programs

 

Small business incubators

 

Arts, culture, and community gathering spaces

 

Mixed-use economic development projects

 

    We further request:

An immediate suspension of any demolition plans.

 

A public community engagement process to gather resident input.

 

A feasibility study examining redevelopment alternatives.

 

    The establishment of a public-private-community task force dedicated to preserving and repurposing the site. The allocation of state, federal, philanthropic, and private funding sources to support redevelopment efforts. The Cooley campus represents an opportunity to invest in Detroit neighborhoods rather than erase a significant piece of the city's history. We believe that with community collaboration and innovative partnerships, the property can once again serve as a catalyst for education, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization.

 

By signing this petition, we stand together in support of preserving Thomas M. Cooley High School and creating a new vision for its future.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Chet M. Pitts Sr.

 Cooley High School Alumnus Community Advocate

https://www.gofundme.com/f/savedetroitcooleyhighschool​  

Www.metplus.org​ 

www.metpluscrc.org 

 

 

Call to Action

SAVE COOLEY HIGH SCHOOL

📍 Detroit, Michigan

"We are not asking for a handout. We are asking for an opportunity to preserve a historic landmark and allow the community to participate in creating a new future for the Cooley campus."

 

P.S, 

If you are interested in discussing ways to save the school, you can reach me at cpitts@metplus.org . 

 

Thank you