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June 03, 2009

Last-ditch effort to save Tiger Stadium

Following yesterday's surprise decision by Detroit's Economic Development Growth Corporation to demolish the remaining section of Tiger Stadium, the Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy sent out this email:

The Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy is shocked and dismayed that a decision was made by the Economic Development Corporation to demolish the Navin Field portion of Tiger Stadium without consulting the Conservancy. The Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy has made considerable progress to move the redevelopment of this property forward by securing millions of dollars in earmarks, grants and tax credits, as well as state approval of historic designation.

Plans are well underway to redevelop this property into a viable and self-sustaining commercial property, a much-needed venue for supporting local youth and amateur sports, and a usable and attractive community green space as exemplified by similar preservation efforts by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. The Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy project will be a major contributor to the economic development of the City of Detroit, connecting southeast Michigan to the state and the entire region.

With a new administration in place, we demand that the City not be shortsighted in its vision for the future. We ask that development officials stop demolishing our heritage and instead, develop mixed-use opportunities that promote economic vitality, cultural tourism and healthy green spaces that interlink and sustain neighborhoods. By demolishing, the City loses $22 million in credits and earmarks and adds another vacant lot in the City of Detroit. Apparently, the policy is to save the City by demolishing it.

We encourage citizens to contact the Mayor's office as well as Detroit City Council to voice their concerns.

The Honorable Dave Bing, Mayor, City of Detroit, Executive Office, Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48226, 313-224-3400

Thomas W. Linn, President, Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy, http://www.savetigerstadium.org

According to local news reports, demolition is set to begin as soon as a contractor can be found. Though the EDGC may consent to marking the site with a small plaque.

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