The group seeking to renovate historic Tiger Stadium says it was blindsided by the city's decision to tear down the ballpark and is urging citizens to write Mayor Dave Bing — yes, that Dave Bing — with their objections.
The group seeking to renovate historic Tiger Stadium says it was blindsided by the city's decision to tear down the ballpark and is urging citizens to write Mayor Dave Bing — yes, that Dave Bing — with their objections.
Here's the entire message from the group:
The Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy is shocked and dismayed that a decision was made by the Economic Development Corporation to demolish the Navin Field portion of Tiger Stadium without consulting the Conservancy. The Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy has made considerable progress to move the redevelopment of this property forward by securing millions of dollars in earmarks, grants and tax credits, as well as state approval of historic designation.
Plans are well underway to redevelop this property into a viable and self-sustaining commercial property, a much-needed venue for supporting local youth and amateur sports, and a usable and attractive community green space as exemplified by similar preservation efforts by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. The Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy project will be a major contributor to the economic development of the City of Detroit, connecting southeast Michigan to the state and the entire region
With a new administration in place, we demand that the City not be shortsighted in its vision for the future. We ask that development officials stop demolishing our heritage and instead, develop mixed-use opportunities that promote economic vitality, cultural tourism and healthy green spaces that interlink and sustain neighborhoods. By demolishing, the City loses $22 million in credits and earmarks and adds another vacant lot in the City of Detroit. Apparently, the policy is to save the City by demolishing it.
We encourage citizens to contact the Mayor’s office as well as Detroit City Council to voice their concerns.The Honorable Dave BingMayor, City of Detroit
Executive Office
Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
2 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, Michigan 48226
313-224-3400 (9am – 5pm EDT)
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The group is seeking to preserve the original Navin Field grandstand, as the rest of the ballpark was demolished last fall. Navin Field opened the same day as Fenway Park and served as the home of the Detroit Tigers until Comerica Park opened in 2000. Tiger Stadium — also known as Briggs Stadium for many years — also served as the home of the NFL's Detroit Lions and other big events in the Detroit area, including the annual Goodfellows football game.
RELATED STORIES: Detroit commission votes to tear down Tiger Stadium; Federal money for Tiger Stadium receives initial approval; Tiger Stadium preservation takes another step forward; Tiger Stadium preservationists: We have the money
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