Mike Eller for Ypsilanti City Council: Ward 3

Water Street

The City of Ypsilanti is not in the business of real estate and they should get their hands out of this immediately.  In order to move forward and right a wrong, you must be willing to admit that you made a mistake!  The Water Street Project was wrong from the start and we have been suffering the consequences ever since.

Kicking taxpaying land owners and businesses off their private property for the supposed benefit of "redevelopment" in order to fulfill the "vision" of a few elitists and generate more tax revenue for the city is wrong.  It sends the message to private property owners and business owners that we don't care who you are, or what your business does; we have a better vision for your land, so its time for you to go. 

Well, those that were the "architects" of the Water Street Project are now gone, moved on to "greener pastures" and not the least bit interested in Ypsi.  The city's elected officials made a big mistake - now we must move on and fix it.

Here's a thought: do the necessary homework to find a solid, reputable developer.  Give the developer 10 acres, getting the property back on the tax rolls immediately.  Remove all the restrictions, and let the developer figure out what works best.  Let the developer do the studies, and the clean up as well. 

Giving away the 10 acres enables the developer to maximize the opportunity and profits.  Not only do we get immediate revenue from taxes, but as the developer progresses, instant and increasing value would be added to the remaining parcels.  We could then consider an option on the remaining land at a negotiated price based on future value as things develop.  This is just an idea, but it is the kind of "shot in the arm" approach that is needed.  Anything less will sputter along at the very best.