YPSILANTI, Mich. – For decades, the 38 acres near Ypsilanti’s historic downtown, known as the Water Street Redevelopment Area, have represented hope and disappointment.
“I am surprised that they have not done anything with that lot yet,” Ypsilanti resident Johnathan Lilly said.
Guy Williams is a former member of the Washtenaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.
Brownfield has land that has been developed for industrial purposes, polluted, and then abandoned.
“One bright spot is the trail we are on,” Williams said. “This connects all the way into downtown and those who are trail-network advocates, we are happy that it is open. It would be great to see the rest of the area fully developed.”
Ypsilanti Economic Development and Equity Coordinator Katie Jones was hired to primarily manage the Water Street site.
“This has a ton of potential,” said Jones.
The city purchased the land between 1999 and 2003. And Jones says that contaminants, such as PCB on the former industrial site, have kept developers away.
Armed with millions of federal and state dollars, the city plans to remediate the land. Excavation is scheduled to begin in the summer.
Jones said she imagines a mix of commercial and residential use on the property.
There is a Family Dollar store, which was controversial at the time of construction, as some residents wanted more upscale development on the site.
Jones said she’s optimistic about the future of the property.
“I think it is finally that moment that there is finally going to become something very cool,” Jones said.
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