Jade has lived in Detroit’s East Village since 2021. She describes the neighborhood as welcoming and resilient, with a strong sense of community where neighbors are friendly and willing to connect, despite common outside perceptions.

However, frequent truck traffic disrupts daily life. With trucks passing through residential streets multiple times a day, Jade describes constant noise, strong diesel smells, and an environment that feels more like “a highway” than a neighborhood. She also notes safety concerns, especially for children walking or biking near large vehicles on narrow streets.

Jade shared that her sister has asthma and believes ongoing exposure to diesel pollution may be contributing to health issues in the area. Beyond physical health, she explains that the constant noise and presence of trucks affects mental and emotional well-being, making it harder to feel comfortable or at peace in her own home.

What Real Change Looks Like to This Resident

For Jade, real change means keeping trucks off residential streets and enforcing clearly designated truck routes. She believes traffic should be redirected to specific roads that are built to handle heavy vehicles, rather than cutting through neighborhoods.

She also emphasizes that communities near industrial zones have already carried a heavy environmental burden and should not continue to absorb additional harm through residential truck traffic.

Ultimately, Jade believes residents deserve a clear separation between industrial activity and living spaces so that neighborhoods can remain safe, healthy, and livable for families.