DETROIT – Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says he will support businessman Matt Moroun's controversial plan to twin the Ambassador Bridge.
Duggan joined with Moroun Wednesday during a press conference announcing a partnership to improve the city's Riverside Park and Michigan Central Train Depot. As part of the arrangement, Detroit will give the Morouns three acres near the Ambassador Bridge and the Morouns will give the city five acres at a location farther west.
"The Morouns are transferring the money and the property to us, and they're taking the chance that they're going to get state DNR approval," Duggan said. "I've committed that we're going to be fully supportive of them in that process, and that I will be fully supportive in their efforts to get the second span."
Duggan said Moroun approached the city a year ago, looking for ways to build a stronger relationship together. They came up with a six-point plan.
"This agreement is a huge commitment of trust," Duggan said. "It's an unusual deal for Detroit. We get everything we want up front and the developers trust us to back them at the end."
Riverside Park isn't currently operational and Duggan said the city hasn't had the money to reopen it.
Here are the points of the agreement that will go before City Council next week:
- The windows of the Michigan Central Train Depot -- 1,050 of them -- will all be replaced by Dec. 31, 2015
- A land swap will occur as the city will hand over 3 acres surrounding an area for the proposed second span in exchange for five acres further west
- Detroit will keep waterfront control of the three acres it swaps
- Detroit will commit to keeping three acres for park purposes
- The Morouns will immediately pay $3 million for upgrades at Riverside Park -- which will include a new picnic area, soccer and baseball field, fishing
- Detroit will commit to support Morouns' effort to win approval to build a second span for the Ambassador Bridge. If the twinned bridge is approved, the Morouns will invest an additional $2 million toward Riverside Park development.
"Great waterfront parks are complimented by inspiring bridges," Moroun said. "My family and my business is proud to be investors, not only in the bridge, the new bridge, but this magnificent park. It will give dividends for the city and our business and our family for years to come."