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Ypsilanti seeks developer for contaminated land along Huron River

Ypsilanti seeks developer for contaminated land along Huron River

A 38-acre parcel of land in Ypsilanti, Michigan, has been sitting unused for years due to contamination. The land, known as the Water Street property, is located along the Huron River and was once home to industrial and commercial businesses.

The city of Ypsilanti acquired the property in 2003 with the intention of redeveloping it, but faced challenges in finding a developer who would take on the cost and risk of cleaning up the contamination and creating a beneficial use for the community.

The contamination includes heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and petroleum products. The site is also subject to flooding and erosion from the river.

The city has been working with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and other partners to remediate the site and make it more attractive for development. The city has received grants and loans from EGLE and other sources to conduct environmental assessments, demolish buildings, remove debris, install stormwater controls and conduct public outreach.

The city is now seeking proposals from developers who are interested in purchasing and redeveloping the property. The city is looking for proposals that align with its vision of creating a mixed-use development that includes residential, commercial, recreational and open space uses. The city also wants to ensure that the development is environmentally sustainable, socially equitable and economically viable.

The deadline for submitting proposals is September 30, 2023. The city will evaluate the proposals based on several criteria, including environmental remediation plans, financial feasibility, community benefits, design quality and compatibility with surrounding uses.

The city hopes to select a developer by the end of 2023 and begin negotiations on a purchase agreement. The city expects the development process to take several years and involve ongoing collaboration with EGLE and other stakeholders.

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