Senator Thomas’ statement is as follows:
I rise in very strong opposition to this bill for a number of reasons. The Brownfield credit act in the state of Michigan was groundbreaking. It set the national standard that has been followed by almost every state in America, as well as our federal government. It has helped identify transformational projects in distressed communities or has taken completely blighted, obsolete properties and has found ways to return those to productive use.
This bill says that the Brownfield act that we know and love really doesn’t matter. In fact, it renders it moot and useless. For the purpose of building, ultimately, three parking decks at a luxury lifestyle mall on, arguably, the most attractive piece of retail property in the state of Michigan, at the corner of Big Beaver and Crooks Road, directly across the street from Somerset Mall, we are going to turn the Brownfield law upon its head. That, to me, is completely reckless and irresponsible and something that the taxpayers of Michigan should not be asked to foot the bill for.
The city of Troy has had the opportunity to extended their DDA, which I understand from the sponsor, to their credit, they have done. Why should we turn the Brownfield law on its head when the city of Troy should be on the hook for financing this? Simply, they want all of the taxpayers of Michigan to share in this great project for the city of Troy. This is a dynamic project and the marketplace will support dynamic projects. This mall will not end if this Brownfield credit isn’t granted. However, there are needy projects in urban, core cities across the state of Michigan that may not happen because of the sheer greed of developers in the city of Troy and that is inappropriate.
The MEDC is rightly opposed to this legislation because they have already very vigorously and generously supported this project. The MEGA board has already appropriated $8.5 million for demolition, site cleanup, and land acquisition for this project. Two weeks ago, we did pass Senate Bill No. 208, which allowed for an enhanced TIFA capture for this project. The taxpayers are already plenty on the hook. We should not turn the Brownfield law on its head again for the simple greed of another big retail mall in the city of Troy. They can do it on their own; let them do it on their own.