DETROIT — Belle Isle could soon become Michigan’s 102nd state park, under a planned partnership between the City of Detroit and the State of Michigan. The signed lease, a 30-year term with two 15-year renewals, will relieve City financial pressures, revitalize the island park and improve the quality of life for City residents.
“One way to revitalize Detroit is by revitalizing Belle Isle; one of Detroit’s most iconic places,” said Gov. Rick Snyder.
The lease was signed by Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr, Director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Keith Creagh and Director of the Michigan Department of Transportation Kirk Steudle on Monday, and then by Gov. Snyder on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
The lease was then transmitted to the City of Detroit. Under Public Act 436, which is the law governing emergency managers, the city council has 10 days to approve, or disapprove the lease. If the council rejects the lease, it has an additional seven days to advance an alternative that would save the same amount of money, or more, as the lease would have.
Detroit’s current financial condition prohibits the City from investing in the much-needed restoration of Belle Isle.
Under the lease terms, the City will maintain ownership of Belle Isle, while the Michigan DNR will assume responsibility for managing Belle Isle, according to the standards of other Michigan state parks.
The Recreation Passport, which offers access to all Michigan state parks and recreation areas across the State for an entire year, will be required for entry into Belle Isle, beginning Jan. 1, 2014. The Passport, which currently costs $11 for Michigan residents, is a per-car charge. It does not apply to individuals. Pedestrians, bicyclists and those using public transportation can enter the park for free and will not need the Passport.
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