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State Fair Advisory Committee Public Meeting Feedback. Greg O’Neal – Chairman Members: Doris Ewing, Frank Hammer, Kim Tandy, Craig Vanderburg. Background. Community Meeting to Gather input on Proposal for Development of State Fairground
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State Fair Advisory CommitteePublic Meeting Feedback Greg O’Neal – Chairman Members: Doris Ewing, Frank Hammer, Kim Tandy, Craig Vanderburg
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 communitiesthroughout 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.