The nine-member body representing Detroit residents is asking for $40 million in requests from General Motors and Bedrock as part of the legally required process for developers seeking major tax breaks.
Bedrock officials during the public meeting on Tuesday told neighborhood advisory council (NAC) members they only had received the document detailing the requests three hours before the meeting, and were not ready to comment on potential commitments.
Bedrock’s Steve Ogden told the body they would work to get a response quickly. The developers said they will give a formal response to the NAC’s requests at the next meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
The Community Benefits recommendations were developed through a review of over 2,800 survey responses, including 75 unique additional comments, together with 900+ unique insights gathered through community meetings, workshops, stakeholder discussions, and other engagement activities, members said.
GM and Bedrock are planning to demolish two of the five Renaissance Center towers and turn the other buildings into more office space, new housing and hotel rooms. The plan also features a riverfront attraction with amenities for families and adults.
Some of the requests were sent to developers on the first meeting, said NAC member Teron Haynes, who has been critical of what he says is a lack of public participation.
He said uninterrupted access to the riverfront is one of the promises developers made at the beginning of the process.
Jermaine Dickens, the chair of the NAC, said the document presented Tuesday was the result of hours of work by board members. He said the project should bring delivers long lasting value to residents while protecting workers, businesses and public access.
“Through this document, we sought to extend housing stability, home ownership, local hiring, living-wage jobs, workforce training, small business growth, accessible transportation and wealth-building opportunities,” Dickens said.
One of the requests from the NAC is to honor Detroit’s Black history.
The NAC is calling on the City of Detroit, historians, cultural organizations, and residents to ensure the RenCEn redevelopment authentically reflects, honors, and carries forward the history, culture, and legacy of Black Detroit, with particular emphasis on Black Bottom, Paradise Valley, the Underground Railroad, and Mayor Coleman A. Young.
Residents are also asking developers to establish a phase-by-phase 5-10 year master schedule, coordinate with major events and nearby projects, and help residents and businesses plan while maintaining public access throughout construction.
NAC members also asked for the following:
$6M to assist skilled-labor training and apprenticeship programs.
$7.5M to a Community Wealth and Anti-Displacement fund to advance economic inclusion, shared prosperity, community ownership, and long-term neighborhood stability.
Free parking for Detroit residents.
40% or more of the project’s goods and services be from Detroit-based businesses, and 15% from women-owned businesses.
$2.5M in the ongoing preservation, capital improvements, ‘maintenance, and long-term viability of the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater.
$3 million grants for Detroit small businesses
Recurring programming for youth, seniors and families, including senior-specific programs and a replacement for youth attractions lost when the Midway on Monroe St. closed.
A minimum of 100 paid internships and year-round youth employment opportunities, with mentorship and pathways connecting participants from schools and training programs to employers and permanent careers.
Dedicated space for local artists to create artwork, murals, installations, public art commissions, exhibitions, and other creative opportunities throughout the project area.
You can see the full list of requests here