A survey conducted by Mitchell Research & Communications took the temperature of Michiganders and Detroiters on their thoughts toward a proposal to turn Belle Isle into a “special economic zone,” described as a “high-density area within Detroit that is accessible to all Detroiters, Michiganders, and the world.”
Watch Evan Sery’s video report:
Detroiters weigh in on survey over ‘economic zone’ concept for Belle Isle
The survey, commissioned by Belle Isle Freedom City and conducted last year, included more than 600 statewide voters and more than 190 Detroit voters.
The proposed project includes high-income, mixed-use housing, entertainment and a retail district with a population of 50,000. In this project concept, Detroit would reportedly receive a $1 billion payment from sponsors and $50 million each year, and residents would be given unique tax advantages.
“It would be, as far as we know, potentially the largest privately funded project ever in the United States of America,” Belle Isle Freedom City Chairman Rod Lockwood, said. “The economic zone would become a community of up to about 50,000 residents, over 100 restaurants, office retail, so forth and so on.”…