TRENTON, Mich. (AP) - Officials in Wayne County are trying to lure a developer to a foreclosed, 188-acre industrial property along the Detroit River that it doesn’t yet own.
Despite being the third government entity in line to have an opportunity to buy the former McLouth Steel site, Wayne County officials issued a “request for qualification” on April 27, the Detroit News (https://detne.ws/2q270Oy ) reported.
The state declined earlier this month to buy the land for $4.65 million, its fair market value plus back taxes. If the city of Trenton also declines to buy the property, then Wayne County would have a chance to do so.
City Manager Jim Wagner said he’s met with an interested developer and the city has discussed buying the land, but no final decision has been made.
“We are getting a lot of calls,” Wagner said. “We are really looking for the taxes, the jobs, the environment and appearance and it’s doable. Not a pie-in-the-sky plan. We are looking for someone who will do something and some kind of guarantee.”
Bids to Wayne County are due May 31.
Khalil Rahal, the county’s economic development director, said the site is unique because of its waterfront location, three railroad crossings and its 1-million-square-foot plant.
“Ideally, we want to see the property back in productive use that can be a catalyst for other development, investment and jobs,” he said. “It’s almost 200 acres and has great logistical assets that make it an attractive site for industrial and/or logistics development. But we’re open to ideas.”
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Information from: The Detroit News, https://detnews.com/
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