The following is a statement from George Jackson, president and CEO of
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, and the text of the letter he sent
to Philip Caruso, Chevrolet Promotional Manager, who offered support to
build a youth baseball diamond on the City's development site on
Michigan Avenue between Trumbull and Cochrane Streets.
George W. Jackson, Jr., president and CEO of Detroit Economic Growth
Corporation said, "We appreciate the support that General Motors has
demonstrated for the city of Detroit. The simple fact is that the site
on Michigan is one of the few large pieces of property in Detroit that
is ready to develop and close to freeways and downtown. It simply does
not make sense to develop that site for a youth baseball diamond when
there are many other sites throughout the city that would benefit from
Chevy's offer. We look forward to working with the City and Chevrolet
to find one of them where the company can invest in youth baseball."
TEXT OF THE LETTER
Philip Caruso
Chevrolet Promotional Manager
Mr. Caruso,
Thank you for your interest in supporting the revitalization of
Detroit. Considering Chevrolet's strong association with baseball and
Americana, I can see that the idea of playing ball again on the field
at Michigan and Trumbull would have a lot of appeal to you.
However, that site has great potential for a comprehensive economic
development that could bring a substantial investment and new jobs to
Detroit. In fact, it is one of the largest development-ready parcels
near downtown that the City owns. Committing control of it to a third
party for a single use would be a significant obstacle to any other
developer able to undertake a large-scale project. We have serious
objections to placing any new obstacles before developers; we have
plenty of perceived ones as it is.
For that reason, we are not recommending the EDC or City of Detroit
enter into any agreements regarding the site until we have identified a
qualified developer with a sustainable financial plan for a
comprehensive use of the site that brings clear economic benefits to
the City. The EDC did conduct a review of proposals earlier this year,
and although none of the respondents submitted plans that met the EDC's
requirements, it continues to be receptive to well-conceived projects
from qualified developers.
I appreciate the generosity that Chevrolet has shown with its offer to
create more recreational opportunities for Detroit youth, and would be
pleased to meet with you to discuss other locations in the City where
it would be accepted gratefully.
Please contact my executive assistant to arrange for a convenient time for our discussion. I look forward to talking to you.
Regards,
George W. Jackson, Jr.
President and CEO
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
END OF LETTER
Media Contact
Bob Rossbach
313-402-9831
Bob@Rossbach.tv |