Gateway Marketplace Development On Woodward And 8 Mile May Be In Jeopardy

September 19, 2011 11:17 PM

Site plan for Gateway Project. (WWJ: Mike Campbell)

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DETROIT (WWJ) – The Gateway Marketplace at Woodward Avenue and 8 Mile Road in Detroit may be in jeopardy.

About a dozen neighborhood association representatives that are opposed to the project based on design and tenant concerns could stand in the way of City Council approval of a brownfield redevelopment plan.

Without the timely approval of that plan, the project could stand to lose $6-million in federal funding, without which an Economic official told the audience the project would be dead.

The objectors were undeterred, delivering a litany of ‘wishes’ including architectural changes, covered walkways, a children’s play area, enough green space, or a water feature.

“There is nothing in your contract that says that 500 Detroiters will be employed, those people could be from Royal Oak, those people could be from Ferndale, those people could be from Warren,” said one objector to the plan.

Developers say the project’s detractors are asking for a “Partridge Creek” — a reference to a pedestrian mall in the suburbs — which they say is not realistic in Detroit right now.

Marvin Beatty and his partners say they have been courting national retailers for 8 years, and short of paying for tenants, they can’t get upscale stores.

Some residents near the proposed project have said they’d prefer the corner of the State Fair grounds remain vacant rather than have a Meijers, Marshalls, K&G Fashion and others locate there.

Margaret Bailey

I have no idea if the Gateway Marketplace is a good idea, since I have moved from the area, but these are probably the same dozen neighborhood association people who opposed the taking down of the 8 mile bridge at Woodward a few years ago. The taking down of the bridge was a great idea, supported by the businesses, and would have opened that very major intersection to development, and readied it for modern transit. Instead the refurbished bridge stands there, a major issue for the development of modern transit up Woodward, and not desirable at all for ‘upscale’ business development. Unfortunately since the leadership lacks vision and courage, they will probably listen to the dozen protesters.
Berkley

I agree with Margaret. As well, what’s this about the 500 who would be employed? They want them to only employ Detroiters? How many jobs in Royal Oak, Ferndale and Warren are Detroiters employed in? Plenty I assure you. What’s the difference who is employed in those jobs. It’s bringing retail to Detroit, isnt that the point. I guess those few objector’s would rather see a run down old State Fair ground. What a lovely entrance into Detroit. Come on people, get with it.
http://detroitchristianradio.com/?p=4636 Gateway Marketplace Breaks Ground In Detroit, Will Host Meijer And Marshalls Stores – Huffington Post | Detroit Christian Radio

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