Family Dollar closer to becoming first development on Water Street in Ypsilanti; 2013 target open date
The Family Dollar is tentatively set to be completed by 2013.
Courtesy City of Ypsilanti
A development project that will bring one of the nation's largest retail discount chains to the long-vacant Water Street property in Ypsilanti is one step closer to reality.
The Ypsilanti City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday to approve a letter of intent from Core Resources, Inc., on behalf of its client Family Dollar Stores of Michigan, to purchase 1.25 acres of the 38-acre site. Mayor Paul Schreiber and Council Member Susan Moeller were absent from the meeting.
Despite the approval, several community members came to the meeting to voice their displeasure about a discount store opening on Water Street.
The property is currently owned by the city and Core will pay $210,000 to purchase the land. Since the letter of intent was approved by council, the property will be effectively removed from the market for three months. The letter of intent is non-binding for both parties, but does signal interest in moving forward with the project.
An example of a Family Dollar located in Nashville, Tenn.
Courtesy City of Ypsilanti
Core Resources Representative Bill Tippman said Family Dollar will invest at least $800,000, not including land cost, in the construction and development of the property. Tippman said the overall investment could exceed $1.2 million.
Barring any issues, the store is slated to open by August 2013 and will employ between eight and 10 people, some of whom will be part-time employees.
The store will be approximately 8,320 square feet and on the northeast corner of the Water Street site, at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Park Street.
Some council members questioned the asking price of the property in light of the fact that when Burger King was interested in being on the property, it was willing to pay $400,000. That deal would have generated an estimated $29,500 in tax revenue annually.
The city has long sought development possibilities for the Water Street. The city started acquiring parcels of the Water Street property in 2001 with the expectation that it would quickly attract mixed-use development. Officials thought that development would add to the tax rolls and pay off the bond issued to fund the purchase, but the development never came.
In 2010, the city council unanimously rejected a proposal from Indiana-based Bravokilo, which owns the Burger King on Michigan Avenue near Ecorse Road, to build a new restaurant on one acre of the 38-acre site.
"The previous asking price was $400,000 and the price was reduced to $375,000 for that corner, which was our starting price," said City Planner Teresa Gillotti.
Gillotti said since Family Dollar is willing to invest more in the property in terms of its aesthetics and functionality, the city was willing to negotiate the price.
City staff will work with Core and Family Dollar to move the current offer into a formal development within that three month period. The agreement would then be brought to council, and a public hearing will be held prior to any formal sale of the property.
"There is a public hearing that is required per city council resolution and it's basically setting up the transaction for the sale of the property," said Gillotti. "After that step, then we get into all the formal approvals."
Council Member Ricky Jefferson said he supports the Family Dollar opening on Water Street.
Jeffrey Smith | AnnArbor.com
Core Resources Inc. and Family Dollar have negotiated the initial terms, including a concept site plan for the property and related building elevations for the potential development based on draft zoning for the Water Street development.
Gillotti, who has worked closely with Core and Family Dollar representatives, said the transaction would be market-rate, with no infrastructure or other costs to be incurred by the city.
Family Dollar will pull required utilities from either Park Street or Michigan Avenue and would not require the development of nearby Parsons Street.
The taxable value for the property is expected to be between $350,000 and $500,000, Gillotti said, and should generate about $30,000 in taxes.
One element of the proposal that concerned council was that Family Dollar is requesting a deed restriction that will prevent other similar discount stores from opening on the entire 38-acre site.
"It’s a large investment on Family Dollar's part," Tippman said. "To be the first in the door, they want to make sure they’re not going to be undercut."
Gillotti said the city will work to put a clause in effect that would stipulate that the restriction would be lifted if Family Dollar were to leave the property.
Council Member Brian Robb said he supports the idea, but he will be looking to make a few changes.
"I think the ultimate thing we have to answer is does this fit what we want," Robb said. "(If) this is what we wanted six years ago… I’d be willing to support starting to negotiate but we will give Ms. Gillotti a long list of things we expect to come out of it."
Since the initial announcement of the possibility of Family Dollar locating on the site, many local business owners and community members have expressed displeasure at the plans. Several of those individuals came to the meeting.
Leslie Leland, co-owner of MIX in downtown Ypsilanti at 200 W. Michigan Ave., said she was shocked to hear about the possibility of the store opening on Water Street.
Council member Daniel Vogt was the single vote against the Family Dollar plan.
File photo
"When we started talking about it in our store, the consensus is just absolute negativity," Leland said. "My question is, what has been done to try to recruit other businesses for this area? I think this town can move forward with something more creative and more interesting."
Leland said she would rather see a grocery store on the site.
"Something that would be interesting and that can draw people from around the communities," Leland said. We’re creating a vibrant downtown and I just feel Family Dollar expresses poverty and discount."
Tippman said Family Dollar's target customer base is single mothers who make less than $40,000 per year and for this particular location, individuals who live within a one-mile radius of the store.
Richard Murphy, vice chairman of the planning commission, said he is interested in looking at the long-term prospects for the site.
"When this does come to planning commission, I’ll be interested in seeing the durability and longevity and how it contributes to a walkable street scape," Murphy said. "... The next step I suggest is we need to make clear what our expectations are for the rest of the site."
Dave Heikkinen, owner of Heikk's Decorated Apparel Studio at 133 W. Michigan Ave., said he was disappointed in the decision and believes the Ypsilanti area will be over-saturated with Family Dollars. The Ypsilanti area has two locations already at 1001 Emerick St. and 1821 E. Michigan Ave.
"The face of Water Street is going to be a Family Dollar discount store," Heikkinen said. "I haven’t heard anyone excited about it at all. ... Family Dollar insists on stifling any competition from other potential Water Street businesses."
Council Member Ricky Jefferson said he's received a lot of positive responses to the proposed store.
"The majority of the people I’ve called are glad to see something there that can meet their needs," Jefferson said. "This is a decision not so much settling for anything, but anything that’s coming to us. The financing has not been there for banks wanting to back these types of loans. Most of the developers are looking for existing structures."
Council Member Pete Murdock said the Water Street development is one that the city has been wrestling with for more than a decade.
The city is facing $31 million in Water Street debt and will make annual payments that will grow to $1.3 million through 2031.
"The fact is through all those years, we really only had three actual offers for anything on this property despite everyone saying how valuable this is," Murdock said. "Of all three, this actually fits into the original plan more than the others… Whenever someone and puts (something) out there, a pile of people say it's no good. I’m going to support this project."
Council Member Daniel Vogt, who was the lone no vote, said he received a large amount of feedback from individuals within his ward, who mostly were against the idea. Vogt moved to table the resolution, but no one supported it, so the motion died.
"I don't think the decision is easy," Vogt said. "I'm not at all happy with the price."
Tippman said Family Dollar is on a significant growth path and will continue to open stores throughout the country, and perhaps more in the Washtenaw County area.
"They have announced for the past several years that their goal is to operate five hundred new stores a year," Tippman said. "They have hit and exceeded that number... Family Dollar is maximizing opportunities to serve families in urban markets. That is their focus right now."
Family Dollar has 7,267 stores throughout the country and reported $8.5 billion in annual sales and $388.4 million in net income for fiscal year 2011.
Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com.Reach her at katreasestafford@annarbor.com or 734-623-2548 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
Jonathan Blutarsky
Thu, Nov 22, 2012 : 3:37 p.m.
"One element of the proposal that concerned council was that Family Dollar is requesting a deed restriction that will prevent other similar discount stores from opening on the entire 38-acre site." That kind of sums up what Family Dollar is all about. This coming week I'm calling each and every council person, the DDA, and the Mayor and vocalizing my opposition to this.
brian
Thu, Nov 22, 2012 : 4:28 a.m.
No to the Family Dollar and No to The Rec Center. Take my vision for a tourist location. If not we will tear this place apart again and have to start over. Trust me.
brian
Thu, Nov 22, 2012 : 4:25 a.m.
Has Ypsi City Council even gotten off their buttucks and made phone calls to companies that might fit what will work for that area, or did they just leave it up to that darn sing on the property?
brian
Thu, Nov 22, 2012 : 3:30 a.m.
I still like my idea. Kalahari indoor water park with a few hotels on the river. Bring in some restaurants and some retail space for gift shops and other stores. Build a foot bridge under Michigan Ave connecting Water Street and Riverside Park and hold many more events at Riverside Park both in summer and winter. That's my vision.
dave french
Thu, Nov 22, 2012 : 12:13 a.m.
I'm looking forward to their grand opening. I'm just hoping Ed Koryzno, Meghan Gibb and Nathan Voght are there too. But I doubt it. They've moved on to choicer jobs and left this mess for us. Thanks. Thanks alot.
bill
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 10:52 p.m.
There was a previous comment about ANN Arbor being over crowded , while I disagree we do see communities like Saline, Dexter and Chelsa growing and supporting strong viable businesses. Do these places have a major university? Do they have a large plot of property in the middle of town waiting to be developed? Are they 15 min. from a major U.S. airport? The answer is of course no. What they do have is a city goverment and a population of people who want to see progress not decline. There is a large population of people who are not single mothers earning (sic) $30,000 a year. We have disposable income but spend it outside Ypsilanti because the options to shop here are limited. For some reason when this city makes decisions they seem to forget that Ypsilanti begins on the west end of Washtenaw. The focus the city seems to take city is on the east end of Michigan Ave and Ecorse Rd. I live in Ypsilanti because it is convient for work. I wish I could do more than sleep here, but the city, outside of Depot Town offers very little. Hold out for better and bigger growth, don't sell out for a quick DOLLAR store
michael Limmer
Thu, Nov 22, 2012 : 1:04 a.m.
Ypsilanti has one of the lowest average incomes of all the cities in the county. THAT is why we cannot grow and support strong viable businesses. The other towns want progress, and so do we. But we are a declining middle class town, struggling to make ends meet. The amount of disposable income is limited here, and the incoming businesses recognize this fact and will build accordingly.
r756
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 7:01 p.m.
Everyone commenting here complaining that Family Dollar is opening is welcome to purchase property and build whatever they want. There is NO ONE ELSE offering to buy this land and pay taxes to the city. There are at least three apartment complexes within a mile of the store. They may not be commenting here but there are plenty of potential customers within walking distance. Family Dollar knows this or they wouldn't be investing in another store in the area. I am grateful that someone is willing to invest in my community. That vacant lot is threatening to bankrupt the city.
Dave H
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 6:55 p.m.
The gentleman from Family Dollar also said that they own land near West Michigan and Ellsworth and that they plan to put another one there as well, bringing the total number in the Ypsilanti area to FOUR. They are like locust, swarming in and establishing these discount places everywhere there are lower income people. It is very disconcerting. Again 61 to-date per their web site in SE Michigan.
ypsi-investor
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 6:52 p.m.
Ypsilanti is on the horns of a classic dilemma. On the one hand Family dollar may not set the correct one for the rest of the development but on the other hand bank financing for Water Street is extremely limited and bankers are not very interested in this project, except to express opinions. So at the moment, its Family Dollar or nothing. We cannot reasonable expect the economics of the City to improve dramatically in five or even ten years hence. It's going to take time. If I was looking at the Family Dollar issue I would try to balance the following factors: a. Tax revenue generated vs bond debt to pay b. Can the County Rec Center continue to lift the tone for other Water Street projects once the Rec center is built. c. Can we depend on the City Planners, the staff, the Planning Commission and the City Council to demand a level of architectural standards that will set a reasonably good tone even if not a perfect tone. d. Will killing the Family Dollar project send out a strong message to other potential investors that the City is unreasonable, unrealistic and difficult. e. Are real estate values going to continue the downward spiral. After all, Burger Kind was willing to spend double the money for the land just a few years ago. That's lost tax revenue. There's probably many other material factors to consider, but on balance I think the project should cautiously proceed, demand something extra from Family Dollar Corporation, and hope that other retailers and investors will then consider this site worthy of investigation. Don't hold the current Mayor and Council 100% accountable for the apparent failure of Water Street. This disaster has been in the making for at least ten years. This Mayor and this Council has to deal with the consequences of past decisions. Water Street cannot be and will not be as advertized. Those dreams are dead. Finally, there will be no saviors. No Bill Gates, no Bill Ford's or Dan Gilbert's. Good luck.
ypsi-investor
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 7:36 p.m.
A very wise investor once told me that time is money. And to ignore time is to lose money. Dave, is there time for a new vision, new creativity and a new burst of funding. The Governor couldn't care less about this project, he has his hands full in Detroit. This project was a big government mistake, and has let down the citizens of Ypsilanti. But that cannot stop the City from getting the land back into reasonable uses, even if they are not perfect uses. I would love to see a beautiful urban environment constructed, but we will wait forever for that to happen. There's far easier land to develop in Eastern Washtenaw County. Go forward cautiously and see what happens. The public needs to stay involved, but be honest with ourselves about this land. There are no white knights.
Dave H
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 7:08 p.m.
Make no mistake, this is 100% the City Council's fault, certainly not all the 2012-2013 version of City Council, but the collective set of City Councils since the day this property was bought. Now this City Council is showing almost disdain for the property ... there is no vision, limited effort, and very little creativity coming from the current collective government to deliver what was originally sold to us. So they need to get with it and go back to the drawing board. Create a team of residents, business people, EMU, the City, the County and the State to help make something happen down there. Get the Governor to come down, see the property, hear the vision and then ask for his help. Do something else!
Katrease Stafford
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 6:11 p.m.
Here's a bit more information I didn't place in the article that readers might find interesting: Core Resources representative Bill Tippman said although Family Dollar already has two locations in the Ypsilanti area, there are no plans to close either of them. If the project continues to move forward and receives all of the necessary approvals, there will be three Family Dollars in the Ypsilanti area.
harry b
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 5:56 p.m.
Leland said. We're creating a vibrant downtown and I just feel Family Dollar expresses poverty and discount." Mr Lelean is exactly right.
Lovaduck
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 5:32 p.m.
This is always a tough one. I am happy to welcome business there, but I am aware of the image of Family Dollar for Ypsilanti. I too wish they could have had a market, but (for example) a Whole Foods would make upper middle class people feel good, it would be "whole paycheck" to many of the people living nearby. It's hard to balance the needs of the poor with others' desire that a community begin to gentrify and "improve". This often happens at the expense of the poor who live nearby. I wish it weren't Family Dollar, but almost anything is better than nothing at that location.
tdw
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 4:57 p.m.
To all the people that are saying this or that would be good there then why hasn't it happened ? If you are going to thumbs down me could you at least reply.
Forest City
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 4:04 p.m.
Dear Ypsilanti, You are not too good for a Family Dollar store. What do you think you are, Ann Arbor? For people waiting for the long term vision of Water Street - I am selling property on cotton candy clouds in fantasy land. You can move there cheap. If you still want to wait for something better, how about bankrupcy?
Lovaduck
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 5:33 p.m.
I hope this was intended to be ironic! (I'm sure it was).
Zhuk
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 3:55 p.m.
Hooray... we are turning a vacant lot into something worse. Im not saying that everything in Family Dollar or other Dollar stores is poison ridden crap made in china... just most of their products.
PattyinYpsi
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 3:32 p.m.
I hope that those residents who can take a longer view of the city's future will remember how their council members voted on this disaster in the next election. This thought-free action represents a huge step backwards for a city that has been moving steadily forward.
Garden Goddess
Thu, Nov 22, 2012 : 1:26 a.m.
Yes I vote and pay attention.
Judy
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 3:25 p.m.
How about the offer of Washtenaw County to build a park along the river and rec center? then, how about a Joe Randazzo Fruit & Vegetable Market like the one I go to on Newburgh and Warren Rds, in Westland where you can pay half the price for the best fruits and vegetables??? This makes the most sense to me. The market would draw people from all around the area (you should go and see the business that place brings in) and I wouldn't have to drive all the way over to Westland.
dading dont delete me bro
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 2:48 p.m.
thank you mr.vogt. "Do you think Family Dollar should be the first development on Water Street? " -no, nor should it be the second, third, fourth...(you get the idea) waterstreet will resemble the east township corridor of ypsilanti township. a chance for 'hip'silanti to create it's own unique thumbprint just went down the drain.
Ben Petiprin
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 8:13 p.m.
"a chance for 'hip'silanti to create it's own unique thumbprint just went down the drain." Good. The Corner Brewery does not represent Ypsilanti, the Ugly Mug does not represent Ypsilanti, Beezy's etc does not represent Ypsilanti. All this hip stuff serves only to make this a more expensive place to live. Despite all this talk of growth, there are still no worthwhile jobs here. Therefore, efforts to gentrify can't do anything but economically force out people who have lived here all their lives.
Linda
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 2:27 p.m.
A very sad day for Ypsi.
Ross
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 2:25 p.m.
Ugh, this is so depressing. Letting this store build here will further devalue the remaining water st land, pretty much rendering it permanently useless (just my opinion). The rec center, while not adding tax revenue, brings a positive, healthy vibe to this area. This proposed dollar-garbage store is the EXACT OPPOSITE. This stretch of Michigan avenue really does represent the future growth of Ypsilanti. if you let this store build here.... well, we're simply giving up. NO, CITY COUNCIL. NO!
Ron Granger
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 2:03 p.m.
Absolutely awful. That is a brand and structure which brings down the entire city. I feel for the people who have invested in Ypsi and hope the city will become more than that. Nothing says "low ball", "dive", "depressed" and other terms like those types of discount stores.
Garden Goddess
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 2:03 p.m.
Mr Vogt has my vote, oh that's right he does not represent me. We need a good grocery store and better stores. This is a great opportunity to do something good, not more crap! I work and am not a yuppie, I do not shop at Whole Paycheck.
PattyinYpsi
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 3:30 p.m.
Mr. Vogt does represent me, and I was one of his constituents who replied to his e-mail request for opinions on this issue. I want to thank him for representing his neighborhood and the future of the city so well. Too bad the other council members were so eager to grab a very small tax payment that they didn't bother thinking it through.
Ryan
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 1:57 p.m.
DaveH, Nice Demetrios Ypsilantis reference, I enjoyed it. It is very sad indeed that yet another Dollar store is coming to Ypsilanti. It's not like you can just drive down Michigan ave and find another a few miles away.. oh wait, you can. It's Dollar General though so I guess that's different. On the way to Dollar General you pass Value World and several pawn shops and liquor stores. There is also a Dollar Tree over by Vonn's off Holmes rd. Ypsi needs another dollar store like it needs a hole in the head. Is this what we want Ypsilanti to become? A city of nothing but Dollar stores, cash advance spots, and liquor stores? We're already halfway there. I personally believe that so many opportunities have been allowed to slip through our fingers that city council is now desperate. Desperation breeds bad decision making and this has all the hallmarks of a bad decision. Rec centers and Dollar stores do not bring much tax revenue to our city and we truly need to find new revenue sources or we may end up like Pontiac or Flint.
r756
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 7:13 p.m.
Exactly which opportunities that have slipped through our fingers?
Goofus
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 1:46 p.m.
Why does this article show a Family dollar store from Tennessee as an example when there is already a functioning and long-open example about one exit east on I-94 from this proposed store, that is, in Belleville at Rawsonville Rd? That is, there's already a Family Dollar about 2 miles from this new store...
Katrease Stafford
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 1:53 p.m.
Goofus, I was trying to convey the design of the proposed store on Water Street. Core and city officials said the design will be slightly different from others in the area, so I used a picture of a store that looked a bit closer to the initial sketches I've seen.
SMAIVE
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 1:39 p.m.
If the overall investment is $700,000 and $1,000,000, good luck on "aesthetics", split face block and metal trim .
SMAIVE
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 1:40 p.m.
Sorry, meant "between" not "and" in terms of investment.
jns131
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 1:36 p.m.
Recall the council. This is horrible. We need something better then this.
Idiocracy
Thu, Nov 22, 2012 : 2:58 p.m.
The Mayor wasn't even at the meeting! I know it wouldn't have changed the outcome but what a cop-out. I tried to get my council member changed but enough people voted to keep the same old problems in office.
Dave H
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 1:06 p.m.
As I voiced at last night meeting, it was a very sad, even a depressing night for the future of Ypsilanti, though indeed the deal is not yet done. But the City Council did just punt on the Water Street property. As Dr. Farmer stated in one of her comments during audience participation, a real concern is that Family Dollar will devalue the remaining property on Water Street. The City already is basically giving away 15-20% of the land to a non-tax paying recreation center and now the other corner, a main corner will feature a business which stated the following in the presentation: 1) Family Dollar's target customer is single mothers who make under $40K per year. 2) Family Dollar's target market is one square mile. 3) Family Dollar's insists on stifling any competition from other potential Water Street businesses. 4) Family Dollar wants the prime corner or nothing at all 5) Family Dollar already has two locations in Ypsilanti and plans to build at least two more (Water Street and West Michigan Ave/Ellsworth), to add to the 61 in roughly a 30 mile radius from Ypsilanti. 6) Family Dollar works to undercut even Wal-Mart prices, but how and at what cost? 7) Family Dollar is being given a discounted price for the land. 9) Family Dollar will only generate 8-10 jobs and roughly $30K in City taxes per year. If General Demetrius Ypsilanti had this City Council on his war staff, they would have forced him to surrender and they all would have been killed. It was indeed a sad night for the dreams and future of Ypsilanti. We get what our leaders give us, which hasn't been much. So now it is time for hard working citizens of Ypsilanti to rise up once again, contact their City Council representative with their opinions and force the City to work harder to find better proposals that will help Ypsilanti grow. Having a Family Dollar on Water Street, well it is just plain embarrassing and it will generate zero growth.
Ross
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 2:21 p.m.
Spot on, Dave H. This is a truly sad outcome.
jns131
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 1:37 p.m.
Boycott family dollar. We need something better then welfare stores. I was hoping for a better class of stores on this site.
amazonwarrior
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 1 p.m.
Just what we need, an overpriced junk store, with a parking lot that will turn into a hangout for teens who have nothing else to do. I'd rather see a Burger King or Aldi's. What happened to that great "Master Plan" we've been hearing about for years??
tdw
Thu, Nov 22, 2012 : 3:12 a.m.
Ann..Wayside was torn down YEARS before Farmer Jacks was built ( 1997 )
Ann English
Thu, Nov 22, 2012 : 12:36 a.m.
It would be convenient to have an Aldi grocery store where Farmer Jack was on Washtenaw Avenue, especially right now; the Aldi in western Ann Arbor is only accessible from one road, while the other road it's usually approachable from is closed for resurfacing, right in front of the store. The next nearest Aldis I know of are in Wayne County. Wayside Theatre was torn down to put that Farmer Jack store in its place. Farmer Jack did business there for only seven years. Now it's been sitting vacant for six years.
amazonwarrior
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 1:59 p.m.
tdw...definitely like your idea of Aldi's moving into the old Farmer Jack's. I'm also concerned about the selling of the property for a great deal less than the original asking price. I realize the city wants to DO something with this property, but I didn't realize they were holding a "fire sale" for it, which is only going to attract more junk stores. I'm surprised we haven't heard from ole' "Bunky's" wanting to move back into the area.
tdw
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 1:17 p.m.
amazon......You kinda answered your own question when you said " for years " it ain't working.Burger King was shot down and if Aldi's wanted to be there they would be by now.Heck Aldi's must not be interested in the former Farmer Jacks on Washtenaw, which would make much more sense
tdw
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 12:45 p.m.
Waiting for the people living in fantasy land who think there will a bunch of yuppie type businesses move in.Water street has been vacant for YEARS yuppie business don't want to be there.My bet that MOST comments will come from people who are not from Ypsi much less know anything about Water street or the area.Open it Ypsi needs the taxes
tdw
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 4:47 p.m.
Here I'll answer my own question.It's because pretty much no one has interest in it
tdw
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 4:44 p.m.
Patty...Then could please explain why nothing, nadda has been done there for the last 10+ years ? how long should it remain vacant ?
PattyinYpsi
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 3:27 p.m.
You are dead wrong, tdw, as so many people who post about Ypsi but don't know the first thing about it are. I know a lot of the posters on here, and they are from Ypsi, including myself. The short view is "Build it. Ypsi needs the taxes." The long view is that downtown development in Ypsi is moving in a different direction and the third Family Dollar in Ypsi doesn't fit with what has been happening over the past two years. Also, there haven't been any sightings of yuppies in at least two decades.
Robo
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 12:42 p.m.
BOOOOOO! This is unreal. Please god no.
murph
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 12:34 p.m.
Katrease, I think the headline is a little inaccurate (optimistic?) -- as you note within the article, there are still several steps in the process before this can be considered a done deal.
Katrease Stafford
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 1:26 p.m.
Thanks, Murph. I have updated the headline.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 12:28 p.m.
I thought the vision for this site was New Urbanism? How does a single use, one story building add vibrancy and intensity to the downtown area? Where is the multi-use, multi-story building going to be if not in Water Street?
harry
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 5:50 p.m.
Ypsi is desperate. They have no choice. They're not doing so well .