The City Council on Monday rejected Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr’s agreement with the state for the lease of Belle Isle, Christine Ferretti reports in the Detroit News.
Instead, the council adopted an alternative lease with a shorter term and more safeguards, and that will be sent to the state’s Emergency Loan Board, whose three Gov. Rick Snyder appointees have 30 days to determine which plan is the most reasonable.
The six-member body unanimously turned down the Orr plan, citing a lack of clarity and other concerns. It approved the revised proposal by a 4-2 vote, with members Brenda Jones and JoAnn Watson dissenting.
Among the changes being recommended are a shorter lease term of 10 years, Councilman James Tate said.
President Saunteel Jenkins noted the council’s proposed lease has “more definitive plans,” among them ensuring the state follows through with funding upgrades.
Monday marked the deadline for the council to accept or reject a proposal that calls for a 30-year lease of the island as a state park. The plan also allows for two, 15-year renewals and is expected to save the city about $4 million each year.
The deal, announced by Orr and the Snyder administration on Oct. 1, calls for the state to lease the 985-acre island park from Detroit and take over the operation of recreational activities, roads and policing. The state also plans to seek grants to invest $10 million to $20 million in the park’s infrastructure. Detroit would continue to cover the $2 million in water and sewer bills for Belle Isle.
A proposed 90-year lease of Belle Isle to the state was blocked prior to Orr becoming emergency manager when the council refused to vote on the lease. Snyder withdrew the offer.
