detroit. that is a scene from the documentary detropia. 1930 detroit was the fastest growing city in the world. a mecca for industry and innovation, a metropolis of more than 1.5 million people. now, 82 years later it is the epitome of decline, fastest shrinking city in the country. in just ten years, from 2000 to 2010, detroit lost nearly a quarter of its population, dropping to about 713,000. left behind, abandoned buildings, shuttered factories and empty land. so many vacant lots you could fit the entire city of paris in them. and there is no sign of the trend being reversed. according to the detroit free press, the city issues ten demolition permits for every one new construction permit. the mayor of detroit promised to demolish 10,000 homes during his four-year term will the goal of downsizing detroit into a denseble city. also detroit native mark, author