Senator Tom George Introduces Detroit/Wayne Redevelopment Authority Legislation
George continues with his Fix Michigan campaign
Senator Tom George (R-Kalamazoo) announced today the introduction of legislation that will create a Detroit/Wayne Redevelopment Authority.
“This initiative will give the city of Detroit and Wayne County the tools to needed to establish a cohesive strategy to stabilize and redevelop tax-reverted properties, said Sen. George. “It provides critical new measures beyond the options currently available.
In August, Sen. George met with Detroit’s Motor City Blight Busters, a non-profit organization devoted to rehabilitate blighted homes and properties, where he discussed his plan to establish a Detroit/Wayne Redevelopment Authority. Today, he returned to Motor City Blight Busters to share with the organization and the public the legislation that will help achieve Sen. George’s initial proposal. While in Detroit, Sen. George also met with officials from Mayor Bing’s office and from Wayne County.
Senate Bills 978 and 978 have been introduced and sponsored by Sen. George and Sen. Jason Allen (R-Traverse City). Leading the way with this effort, Sen. George is also working with Sen. Tupac Hunter (D-Detroit), Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom (R-Muskegon), and state Rep. Bert Johnson (D-Detroit) who also chairs the Detroit Caucus.
With the creation of this new Authority powers may include the investment in infrastructure such as lighting, curbing, and landscaping. In addition to the two bills already introduced, Sen. George expects that the rest of the bills making up this proposal will be introduced soon.
“By giving local officials the option of creating a redevelopment authority with broad powers that includes an expanded tax capture mechanism this proposal is an important step in rebuilding metropolitan Detroit,” said Sen. George.
This initiative is another example of Sen. George’s plan to help Fix Michigan. Earlier this year he introduced a package of bills to make health insurance accessible and more affordable for Michigan's uninsured. Sen. George has also introduced another proposal to Fix Michigan's broken budgeting process.
To learn more about Tom George’s Fix Michigan campaign, go to www.georgeforgovernor.com.
Posted: 11/10/2009