Notice of Public Meeting 11/10/2015 Michigan State Fairgrounds and The Magic Plan

by Richard C. Clement

This MEETING IS CANCELED as of 11/09/15

NORTHWEST ACTIVITIES CENTER

18100 Meyers, Detroit, MI 48235

Meet the developers and view the plans for the new Michigan State Fairgrounds by Entrepreneur Earvin  “Magic” Johnson and the Magic Plus Group at this meeting that is open to the public. The development of this area will create jobs and opportunity for many Detroiters old and new. This area will have a movie theater, new homes, and a theater complex that will add to the revitalization of our neighborhood.

Site Plan - State Fairground

This area is in a strategic location in the region for a large transit hub that would handle east west transportation via M1 Rail or High speed bus. Directions from Grosse Point to Wixom, Detroit to Pontiac, and Nationwide Amtrak services with connections to New York, Toronto, Chicago, Ohio and other destinations that can be reached from this location.   Group Member Marvin Beatty is a lifelong Detroit resident that is fully committed to the city and is committed to the hiring dedicated Detroit residents who want a job.



 If you want to see positive change and have knowledge in the future of Detroit, please show your support and gratitude for plan by attending this meeting. There is room for public comment of up to 2:00 minutes.

State Fairgrounds Site Plan Link

Taking Steps to Make Detroit a Better City: The Riverfront Park 2015 Status Report

Riverside Park is being redeveloped with a plan to reopen

One of Councilman Cushingberry’s goals when he got hired by the people was to reopen Riverside Park for sustainable public use.  The announcement of the plans by Mayor Duggan is a culmination of effort with Alicia Bradford Director of the Department of Recreation and the Mayor’s office.

The agreement between the City of Detroit and the Ambassador Bridge Company is summarized as follows:

The Ambassador Bridge Company will give the City of Detroit 4.8 acers of prime water front property and $3 million dollars. Pending MDEQ and Detroit City Council approval, the $3 million will be immediately invested back into the park in our Phase 1 development plan starting fall 2015.

Starting fall 2015 the City will perform the following:

1. Convert an adjacent 3.4 acre parcel into park land.
2. Build a New Baseball Diamond, Soccer field and multi-use play areas.
3. Build a New Riverfront Playscape
4. Install new benches, picnic tables and shelter
5. Improve Waterfront Promenade and Landscaping

Future Plans for Riverside Park

Subject to approval of State and Federal regulators, the City of Detroit will give the bridge company title to 3 acres of undeveloped park land. Upon receiving title to the property the Bridge Company will give the City an additional $2 million dollars for the expansion of the park that includes a 100ft river-walk on the waterfront.  In addition to that, The Bridge Company will demolish the warehouse that is on 5 acre property adjacent to the park and grant development rights to the City of Detroit before the end of 2018.

Starting in 2018, the Phase II step includes the construction of waterfront property into Fisherman’s Overlook that will contain additional sea wall improvements, sidewalks, benches and extended promenade.

Once the Ambassador Bridge Company get additional approvals, the company intends to use the 3 acres to help them build a second span of the Ambassador Bridge next to the old bridge creating jobs, and spurring additional commerce and development in Detroit. Plans include restoring foot and bike traffic on the old bridge and, adding light rail transportation on the new one. The old bridge will be available for special events like parties and gatherings. Special rules will apply so that people will not dance in rhythm while they are standing on the span.

In addition to funding the expansion of Riverside Park, The Bridge Company has agreed to install 1000 windows in the vacant Michigan Central Train Station with an investment of more than $2 million dollars. While there will always be a few who are against the project because of a personal dislike for Mr. Maroun, the new publicly owned bridge should take care of the "Hate Maroun" crowd and, improve the Riverfront Park area at the same time. Given the resounding rejection of Proposal 1 to raise the State Sales Tax to fix the roads in May of 2015, alternative funding methods and business practices have to be considered in the Plan B, C, and D options for paying for a publicly owned bridge.

Contact your elected leaders that includes, President Obama, Senator Stabenow, Senator Peters, Gov. Snyder, Detroit City Council Members and the Mayor’s Offices to voice your support to beautify our City of Detroit.

Transportation Magic on 8 Mile and Woodward creating a new neighborhood in Detroit

by Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.

The Magic Johnson LLC Plus Group Plan for the Fairgrounds (Click Here First, Then Right Click and Rotate Clockwise)

By clicking on this link, you will have a documented plan for the old Michigan State Fairgrounds from the Land Bank Authority.  This presentation will give you the actual 411 for the 157 acre location in Northwest Detroit. I along with the rest of my council members want you to have the actual plan for your records. The Magic Plus LLC group is strongly committed to hiring, training, and educating Detroit residents and like-minded citizens to improve the quality of life in our city. Councilmember Cushingberry is working with State and Federal agencies to construct a new AMTRAK station as an addition to the Magic Plus effort to redevelop the land.  

Future plans include the extension of the M1 rail line to 8 mile road and, construction of an east and west connection with the development of a M102 rail line going all the way from Lake St. Clair and points west to Livonia, Novi, and Wixom. It is high time for a regional rail system and places like the State Fair property and the old Northland Shopping center will make great hubs for regional transportation. This project will create 3 to 4 times more jobs than the current Meijer/Gateway project and, bring untold revenue to the County and City. Whereas we do not support the META group’s plan for the fairgrounds because it is rife with duplication of the Magic Plus group and does not serve the best interest of the City. 

Mayor Coleman Young always felt that the best thing for the City is working at a well-paying job with the City Services to match. Now that City employees and retirees can purchase property at %50 less than others, we want to encourage the re-investment by carrying it forward. Group purchase of homes on a block and people in them working in our Schools, Firehouses, and Police Precincts will contribute to the renaissance of Detroit.

Rapid Transit on Grand River and Gratiot will enhance the region’s growth and two bridges on the Detroit River will only add to the mix. Suggesting that a passenger light rail track be built on the old or new Ambassador Bridge may be a peace offering to settle the dispute with Mr. Maroun and everyone. Connection with DDOT and, VIA is a strong possibility if the details can be worked out. In the end it is time to stop bickering and start putting shovels in the ground to create jobs and prosperity for everyone to get the job done.

State Fair Property Blight Removal Project in District 2 Magic Plus LLC/REDICO and the Land Bank Authority

By Richard C. Clement

Meet the Developers of the old Michigan State Fairgrounds Land and the Detroit Land Bank Authority to view the plans to turn the area into a retail and transportation hub for rail and bus transportation. The plans also call for a new residential neighborhood and, educational complex that will serve the entire region. Make sure to get there so that you can be a witness to progress.

Magic Plus LLC/Redico group is committed to hiring and training people who live in the community to achieve a better quality of life. Council member Pro Tem Cushingberry supports this project as it will be a major job and revenue creating enhancement for District 2, the City of Detroit and, the Tri-County region of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties. The plans call for an Amtrak station with service to Ann Arbor all the way to Chicago.  The completion of this project will eventually spread development all the way between 8 Mile Road to Mc Nichols, between Woodward Avenue and John R. For more information please attend this meeting:

Wed. March 18th 6-8:30 pm

Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority / Fairgrounds

Cadillac Place (old GM HQ)

3022 West Grand Blvd (room 150)

Detroit, MI  48202

The team of Redico, Beatty, Ferguson and Johnson are fully committed to the future of Detroit’s growth. Between Dan Gilbert and Roger Penske, these gentlemen will work together to make a great city. To stay updated with the progress of this project please click here. Otherwise If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to call  Councilmember Pro Tem at his office (313) 224-4535 or cushingberryg@detroitmi.gov

Councilman Cushingberry Supports The Re-Development of the Old Michigan State Fairgrounds.

By Richard C. Clement

Conceptual Design from the Magic Plus Group

Councilman Cushingberry supports the efforts of Mr. Beatty, Mr. Ferguson and, Mr. Johnson to create jobs and revitalize Detroit through the development of the State Fair Property.  Community Input Regarding the State Fair Project by the Magic Plus Group was taken on June 26^th, 2014 at the Northwest Activities Center.  Suggestions from the community were collected on cards for review by everyone involved to be incorporated into the final plan.  The Magic plus group has an Amtrak station in the plans that will be a vast improvement over the current AMTRAK station in Midtown Detroit. Currently, the AMTRAK station in Midtown has NO parking available and is a total embarrassment to the City of Detroit.

Preliminary Design Plan

The meeting gave everyone time to present their ideas, like preserving something that was the old State Fair like the Band Shell.  The meeting allowed the leadership to decide what type of housing will be placed there.  The City of Detroit has lots of land and empty homes right now that need to be redeveloped and rehabilitated.  The REDICO/Magic Plus Group is responsible for only 157 acres of the City.

There is no monetary commitment from Michigan Department of Transportation and, the Regional Transportation Authority to enhance the current Transportation situation. This attitude will change when the AMTRAK part of the property is re-designed. This will force the enhancement and upgrade of the current bus and rail situation at the Fairgrounds.

A monetary commitment from the US Department of Transportation will foster the development of a regional transportation hub.  A rail system similar to the City of Miami Florida would tie in Amtrak, DDOT, SMART,  M1, M2, M8, M102, M3, and M5 on a regional rail system funded with Transportation revenue from creating and growing alternative fuel energy.  Solar Panels, Wind Turbines and, growing fuel like Industrial Hemp and other plants will redefine the energy needs for a region and a nation. 

The Obama Administration has two years left to serve and can leave a lasting legacy at the old State Fair property with a construction project to assist in the re-development.  This is possible if the people vote at the ballot box to re-direct the leadership this August and November 2014 in Lansing, Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties. The RTA is an organization with NO funding or public financial support.  The alternate proposal by the META Tech Expo Group is based on the area being bigger than the size of Downtown Royal Oak Michigan.  Detroit is much larger than Royal Oak and, the size issue is a totally insignificant fact. The need for regional rail is clearly demonstrated when you drive the Lodge Northbound at 5:30pm Monday through Friday.  This is an issue that has to be addressed at a State and Federal level.

The next meeting regarding the State Fair Project will be posted in the near future. 

Restoring the Revenue: Seminar on How Medical Marijuana Provisioning Centers and Certification Test Facilities can benefit municipalities

 The Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.

and

The Exploratory Committee to Elect George Cushingberry Jr.

as Detroit City Council President

Presents

 

The Seminar Agenda for Sat. December 21st

 

Hosted By

The Exploratory Committee to Elect George Cushingberry Jr. as

President of Detroit City Council in 2014

How the Medical Marijuana Provisioning Centers and/or Certification Test Facilities in Michigan can benefit municipalities with the adaption of HB4271 – Provisioning Centers Act in Lansing.  How the new leadership in Detroit City Government can maximize the full potential of an agribusiness revolution that Industrial Hemp and Cannabis can provide.  Also defeating Senate Bill 660 that will outsource caregiver operations to the Canadian based firm of Prairie Systems for exclusive growing rights in Michigan. This bill will effectively remove the caregiver function from the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act of 2008.  

Links  (HB4271)  (SB660)

Meet some of Michigan’s premiere activists and, get one on one consultation with Attorneys and leaders in Government.

Donation: $100.00  

Location:  Marijuana Ranch Café, 2627 John R. Detroit MI    48201

Tickets:   313 422-5281/ PayPal / Maximum Capacity of 30 people.

Sounds of Music Provided by DJ Skojak / Licensed Security Guard on site

Emcee for the Evening:   The Weed Warrior

Buffet style Dinner served for guests. Waitress/Hostess Service

 

Doors Open @ 4pm

4:00 – 6:00   Social Networking Hour with activists and friends.

                Medication Station will be located on the terrace for level.

6:00 – 6:45   Speakers List:

Atty. Michael Kormorn, Atty. Matt Abel (Michigan NORML), Activist Adam Brook, Activist Tim Beck, and City Councilman George Cushingberry Jr.     

6:45 – 10:00 Buffet Served with Question and Answering Session/Basic Networking

Your Food Menu for the Evening...

 Shrimp Cocktail Bowl

 Sausage Cheese Trays

 Deviled Eggs

 Hummus & Pita Chips

 Crudities'

 Smoked Salmon Tray

 Tossed Salad

 Smoked Brisket Sliders

 Ranch Baked Beans

 Mac and Cheese

 Christmas Cookies

 And a fine selection of Beverages

Reasons to Elect George Cushingberry Jr. as President of Detroit City Council on January 6th, 2015

By The Friends of George Cushingberry


    If George Cushingberry is fortunate enough to be elected as president of City Council by his peers, the following steps will be taken, upon agreement with fellow Council Members, Mayor Duggan and, the will of the people. 

1.     Will Create a Committee on Appropriations that will be responsible for accountability  and transparency of the City of Detroit Finances.

a.       Development of a real time display of the City’s balance sheet on the website.

b.      Garbage Truck Tracking(GPS) iPhone app for City Residents who stay at home and want to know if the truck has passed their home or not.

2.     Will look into alternative ways to finance the City’s debts using sound fiscal management theory and methods. Mr. Cushingberry was the Chairman for the State of Michigan appropriations committee in the House of Representatives 2008-2010.

3.     Taking the lead in reinvestment into the City and Regional infrastructure with the expansion of the People Mover System to the Tri-County Area.

4.     Blight Removal and land revitalization through the redevelopment of idle land into homes, allowing people to build bigger homes of selected tracts of land

5.      Reaching out to low to moderate income individuals to help correct their low to moderate income status. Education is essential in the areas of carpentry, electricians, electronics, truck driving and, auto repair will give our youth something to do and look up to for a future.

6.      Will propose that by 2016, all City of Detroit vehicles be required to run on fuel grown in Michigan albeit Industrial Hemp, Corn and, other organic plants.

7.      Will work with fellow councilmembers, Mayor Duggan and President Obama to re-invest into the revitalization of the Tuskegee Airmen/Coleman Young International Airport with commercial Air Service to Toronto Canada, Florida, New York, Cleveland,  Chicago and, any other City as needed.

8.     Before President Obama leaves office we will have a revitalized Amtrak system hub in Detroit so that people do not have to drive to Dearborn to catch a train because of the parking situation. The land formally known as the Michigan State Fairgrounds will undergo a magical transition and become a transportation hub for Intermodal Bus, Train and, People Mover traffic.
 

If you support this effort, Mr. Cushingberry is requesting that you contact your district council member and request that they vote in favor of George Cushingberry Jr., for the Presidency of the City Council, representing the great and talented people of the City of Detroit. The Election will be held on January 6th, 8am 2013 in the Chamber of City Hall.

Please plan on attending to help Push for Cush as President of City Council.

 

Sincerely,

The Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.   Councilman District #2

 

Re-energizing a new Detroit on the land that was known as the Michigan State Fair.

By Hardcore Detroit,

               A coalition of community groups and developers have different visions on what should be put on the land that once occupied the Michigan State Fair.  At the time of this writing, there are two groups that are vying for the rights to redevelop the land. The first group Magic Plus LLC, led by Magic Johnson and Marvin Beatty would include a shopping mall and a new Amtrak station among other things. The second group Michigan Energy Technology Agriculture (META) Group wants to place more homes and office buildings on the same land.

               These are the issues being discussed with the Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority and developers to revitalize the land between 7 and 8 Mile road, between Woodward and John R. Currently, this area is a tragic outgrowth of what happened during the foreclosure crisis with streets full of abandoned homes. Some of the homes were absolutely gorgeous and structurally sound, only to be turned into slums by the banks that let them get looted for pipes, water tanks, and other home fixtures.

               Omni-directional transportation is a must in the city.  While focusing on north and south issues in Detroit, there is an east and west issue too.  The mile roads in Detroit deserve the same respect as Woodward Avenue in regards to transportation.  If there is going to be a light rail system, let it run up and down Gratiot and Grand River.  This would also include east and west rail from places like Fairlane all the way east to the Eastland Mall property for instance.  Everyone does not live close to 8 mile and this would be a solution for getting to destinations from the east and west. 

Both plans include a new AMTRAK Train station. The current AMTRAK station on Woodward and Milwaukee is too small and lacks the parking needed to serve customers. People are currently going to Dearborn to get on the train because of the condition of the station, parking, and not having to climb the stairs to get to a train.  By putting an AMTRAK Station at the fairgrounds, this would be a complete transportation hub for busses and, a people mover type of light rail system in the City of Detroit and surrounding areas. AMTRAK connections to  Chicago, Flint, Pontiac and beyond will be greatly enhanced with the new Amtrak station.

META Technology Group has a YouTube video presentation regarding their plan to re-develop the area(click here to view video). As of this writing, Magic Plus LLC does not have a video presentation available to view to show their plan.  Otherwise the Michigan Land Bank Fast Track authority is taking public and written comment on the State Fair property. You can contact them at landbank@michigan.gov or by calling (517) 335-8212. Either way you choose, the future of Detroit is looking very promising.