Magna responds to transit center rejection

Manager: 'I recommend we reduce footprint, employment level in Troy'

TROY, Mich. – The day after the city of Troy rejected the transit project, a project some people in the city have been waiting to see for years, an international auto supply company has fired back.

Magna International, whose headquarters are based in troy, sent a letter to the Troy Chamber of Commerce and expressed their disappointment with the cities decision.

Part of the letter reads: "The City of Troy seems to have governing legislators who are ill advised and certainly narrow minded when it comes to the future of Troy. ... the City of Troy has a Mayor who is not there to advocate for the future growth of the city and the betterment of the resident but who's narrow view only speaks to her personal agenda and discriminatory practices."

Mark Miller, the Director of Economic and Community Development said he's not surprised by the company's reaction.

"The city development department will to our best to continue to work Magna and their sub companies to keep business in the city of Troy," said Miller. "All I can is moving forward is going to be a challenge and I plan to talk to Mr. Ervin and try to mend some fences."

Magna International is so disappointed with Troy leaders that manager Frank Ervin stated in the letter he is recommending their company no longer consider the city of for future job creation.

"I have also recommended that where ever and when ever possible we reduce our footprint and employment level in Troy in favor or communities who act in the best interest of both the residents and business …," Ervin wrote.  

The letter from Magna International to Troy Chamber of Commerce President Michelle Hodges reads:

Michele,

First of all we at Magna would like to thank you and your team for all of your efforts and enthusiasm on behalf of this issue. We are quite disappointed that the City of Troy seems to have governing legislators who are ill advised and certainly narrow minded when it comes to the future of Troy and the future of Southeastern Michigan. It is also sad to see that the City of Troy has a Mayor who is not there to advocate for the future growth  of the city and the betterment of the resident but who's narrow view only speaks to her personal agenda and discriminatory practices. The only positive thing to come from all of this is the recognition that Troy has a strong Chamber of Commerce and a strong and principled person leading the organization. Thank you for that!
After watching the disappointing behavior of City Council and being exposed to some of the individual actions such as those of the Mayor and Councilman Fleming this morning I am drafting a memo to all Magna group presidents and our Magna corporate executives strongly recommending that Magna International no longer consider the City of Troy for  future site considerations, expansions or new job creation. I have also recommended that where ever and when ever possible we reduce our footprint and employment level in Troy in favor or communities who act in the best interest of both the residents and business and not simply use their public position to advance their own private agenda. Michele, once again on behalf of Magna and the over 1000 employees we have based in Troy I would like to truly express my appreciation for all of your efforts, your professionalism and your commitment to the business community of the City of Troy. I hope that you and yours have a great Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Sincerely,
Frank W. Ervin III

The city of Birmingham withdrew from the project earlier this year.


Supporters of the project said the planned transit center would be key in improving mass transit in the area.
Opponents called the center a waste of tax dollars.