GREG O’NEAL – CHAIRMAN MEMBERS: DORIS EWING, FRANK HAMMER, KIM TANDY, CRAIG VANDERBURG State Fair Advisory Committee Public Meeting Feedback
Background Community Meeting to Gather input on Proposal for Development of State Fairground When: November 15, 2012 at 6-9 pm Where: Northwest Activities Center- Detroit, MI Facilitators: Greg O’Neal, Kim Tandy, Frank Hammer, Craig Vanderburg Staff Present: Ryan Bridges, LARA, and Jill Robinson, Michigan Land Bank Attendees: Approximately 300, representing adjacent communities as well as communities throughout Southeastern Michigan
Background (cont’d) Community Meeting Agenda : Advisory Committee Background Overview of Submitted Proposals (Detroit, LLC, ICARE, Magic Plus) Meta Expo Presentation Detail of Magic Plus Proposal Public Comment and Q&A Adjournment
Summary of Feedback Attendees were pleased that there are plans for the development of the State Fair Property Development of property represents a major, one time, opportunity for fairgrounds, City of Detroit and Southeastern Michigan Important to maximize opportunity and “get this done right” Take necessary time to evaluate/explore feasible possibilities Development project enhancements presented by META Expo were well received (details follow)
Public Comment Examples The plan as presented lacks a central theme. i.e., wants to see green energy components and walk ability Plan needs to allocate and incorporate land for multi-modal regional public transit Development needs to be accessible to existing businesses and residents Developers should consider collaboration with other development plan ideas Playground should be considered in green space plans Safety of patrons should be considered in plan, huge concern
Public Comment Examples (cont’d) Magic Plus’ plan needs new and or innovative ideas. Big box stores and parking lots duplicate the Northland Mall More big box stores do not enhance community value Parking standards/requirements should be addressed Development needs to be community oriented rather than strictly retail oriented. Needs to create sense of place. The historic Grant House needs to be relocated to a safe location. Needs to collaborate with community on final development plan.
Favored Elements of Magic Plus Plan Magic Plus Theatre/ Entertainment Complex Housing-- Single and Multi- Family Office Complex Facility Additional Retail Options for Community Retention of Designated Historic Structures
Examples of Recommended Enhancements “Green Design Concepts” (e.g., LEED certified structures) Modify design to emphasize “place making” (e.g., accessible green space for outdoor activities) Play scape for children Pedestrian and bike trails Incorporate multimodal transportation hub (i.e., bus, rail and light rail) Discourage more “Big Box” Retail Readdress placement of structures within development (e.g., housing next to rail line, relocating of Grant House) Address parking accessibility related to all phases of development
Recommendations from State Fair Advisory Committee Modify plans as recommended by community and include them in future development decisions. Ensure open lines of communication with community. Ensure all technical elements of development are addressed. Still a lot of unanswered questions (taxes, abatements, revenue allocations). Ensure terms are communicated as appropriate.