| The City Council today passed a resolution calling for the emergency demolition of the Michigan Central Depot and then going after billionaire owner Manuel "Matty" Moroun to recoup the costs.
Mayor Kenneth Cockrel Jr. has already put the demolition in his request for federal economic stimulus funds and vowed to go after the building's owner to be reimbursed.
However, council members want to expedite the process.
"We can't wait any longer," said Councilwoman Barbara-Rose Collins, who sponsored the resolution. "It's been an eyesore for too long."
Cockrel had asked for $3.6 million for the demolition. Collins said that money could be used for the neighborhoods.
Chimed in Council President Monica Conyers: "He has billions."
The City Council passed the resolution by a voice vote; the opposing tally was from Councilwoman Sheila Cockrel. Councilwoman Brenda Jones, who is hospitalized with a pulmonary embolism, was absent.
The law department will present a report on how the resolution can be enforced when the City Council returns from its spring recess on April 28.
Dan Stamper, a spokesman for Moroun and his companies, did not immediately return a call for comment.
Kenneth Cockrel's press secretary, Daniel Cherrin, said the mayor is proceeding with his plan. He was unsure of a timetable to raze the train station, but said any stimulus project must be shovel-ready in 120 days and completed within 18 months.
"This would happen very soon," he said.
The building has been vacant since Jan. 6, 1988, when Amtrak discontinued using it for rail service. It was purchased by Controlled Terminal Inc., owned by Moroun, for back taxes.
At times, Moroun has said it should be used as a casino and a replacement for Cobo Center, and at one point former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick said he had selected the fenced-off compound as the city's new criminal justice facility.
Article courtesy of The Detroit News |
