The deal was announced more than five years ago, by then-first term Mayor Mike Duggan: The Moroun organization would give $3 million in cash and land for a four-acre parcel of city-owned land under the proposed span of a new Ambassador Bridge. They need the parcel to complete their vision for a second bridge, which would run parallel to the old one.
Ambassador Bridge (Photo: Michael Lucido)
The city planned to use the money to demolish a building and fund the rebuild of Riverside Park. But as the final cash installment of $2 million is set to arrive, 6th District Councilmember Raquel Castañeda-López is saying: Not so fast. In a Zoom committee hearing last week, Castañeda-López -- whose district abuts the bridge -- raised objections to the deal.
“It’s the same concerns about truck traffic activity, air quality issues, sound pollution etc. The lack of engagement and the lack of being good corporate neighbors,” said Castañeda-López.
She does have some support as a long line of Detroiters joined her in speaking out against the deal.
If there's a delay, it could thwart the completion of the new Riverside Park, said Bradley Dick, who oversees the project for the city.
