During the recent fight over City Council’s approval of hundreds of millions of dollars to downtown developers, the Charlevoix Village Association was a presence at council meetings. The media in Southeast Michigan took notice.
Gilbert’s Bedrock seeks council OK for major tax breaks, Detroit News
Public comments on the project were split about the potential deal. Several union officials whose members would get jobs and members of a neighborhood advisory committee for the developments praised the deal. Others urged the council to deny approval.
“This is a very creative way of not going to the general fund because the money is coming straight out of workers paychecks and to the billionaire,” said Allison Laskey, a member of the Charlevoix Village Association neighborhood group.
Detroit council approves $250M tax breaks for Bedrock, Detroit News
Some residents decried the incentives Tuesday as an unfair benefit for the wealthy. Others praised Bedrock as a partner, telling council the approvals will help bring jobs and upgrades to city communities.
Allison Laskey, a member of the Charlevoix Village Association neighborhood group, urged council to hold off on approving the plan during public comment.
“There hasn’t been enough time for due process,” said Laskey, who is worried about budget implications and job creation. “This is a very important piece of legislation, and it’s taking place on a short-time frame. Why rush this through City Council between the election and the Thanksgiving holiday?”
Detroit City Council approves $250M in taxpayer money for Dan Gilbert, Metro Times
Several residents like Brian Silverstein of the Charlevoix Village Association spoke during public comment and charged that council members wouldn’t have supported giving a billionaire $250 million if the vote took place before this month’s election. Silverstein called the proposal “grimy and unpalatable.”
Charlevoix Village Association 
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