The Future Of Belle Isle
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing is concerned about giving the state of Michigan a 99 year lease for control of Belle Isle, unless the city gets more input into any possible changes. Speaking after an announcement about new jobs coming to Detroit, the Mayor told reporters, “negotiations are ongoing.”
When asked about comments the Mayor made it clear about not wanting the state to impose control on the island, Mr. Bing says that he is convinced they will be able to negotiate an agreement, although he is concerned that a 99 year lease is too long.
People we spoke with on Belle Isle tell us they support the idea of the state taking over the island and making it a state park, even if the state charges an admission fee. Desree Dent was out exercising on the island. He says “If they use it to clean it up, that will make it more attractive and bring people.”
There is only one thing that will bring people, safety. The island is so poorly run that they cannot even figure out if you get rid of the grabage barrels which blow over with every wind and spill garbage everywhere, which by the way, nobody picks up and put the kind made out of screen that wind can pass through, they won’t spill and garbage won’t go everywhere.
Cheap simple idea’s that are amazing administration cannot figure out go a long way. See, these ideas are cheap and easy to implament, but admin is too stupid or doesn’t care enough to bother. I choosed the former as to the latter.
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Belle Isle is such a beatiful jewel and can be more beautiful. With a vehicle admission fee there would be enough money raised to properly maintain the isle, i,e, regularly scheduled grass mowing and regular cleaning and proper maintenance of the lavitories. And, just as in years passed, pony rides, canoeing/bike rentals could be restored and train rides could be offered. Comfort stations could provide food for those using the island as well.
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