McLouth property sale is leadership in action

Mclouth teardown - The demolition at the old McLouth Steel site has begun.

By Ron Hinricks

Thursday, Nov. 1 was a historic day for the Downriver community as the sale of the McLouth Steel site was celebrated with the transfer of the deed for 183 acres of property from the Wayne County Land Bank to MSC Land Co. and Crown Enterprises. According to the terms of a deal reached with the new owners, Crown Enterprises will be responsible to:

• Demolish about 45 structures

• Removing asbestos-containing material, containerized waste and materials containing PCBs from all structures prior to demolition

• Installing a fence around the property

• Removing contaminated water and sludge from 23 subsurface structures, such as pits, basements and lagoons

• Investigating five areas where PCBs may have been released

• Assessing and report on options for stormwater management to eliminate uncontrolled flow to the Trenton Channel of the Detroit River

As recently reported, the Wayne County Commission approved a proposal for Crown Enterprises to demolish the structures at the site within 24 months and invest $20 million on the property in six years. With this investment, the company could possibly build automotive manufacturing and logistics centers on the site.

What does this mean for our region? I believe Wayne County Assistant Executive Khalil Rahal said it well when he told the Detroit News, “The deal does not mean you will see buildings rise and jobs become available tomorrow, but after two and a half decades, there’s actually a bright future.”

As the president of our regional chamber of commerce, this deal to me means possibility, and hope for the future of our region regarding this plot of land along the Trenton Channel of the Detroit River. This deal means that there is an end in sight for the challenges our Jefferson Ave. businesses face with a heavily polluted and dilapidated site for a neighbor. This deal could mean future jobs and growth for our region. And to me, this deal demonstrates the outstanding leadership we have in our

Downriver community Together, we as a community can solve decades-old problems and move our region forward in a positive way. This is who we are as a Downriver business community, and a region of talented and dedicated people.

One of our truly talented and passionate leaders is Trenton Mayor Kyle Stack, who addressing the crowd on Nov. 1 spoke directly to Crown Enterprises, stating “The Council and I look forward to you being one of our community partners, and having an entrance to the community that we can all be proud of.

After decades of being an eyesore for our region, and the negative impact the neglect of this property has had on our community, I am encouraged to see what real, passionate and strong leadership has accomplished for our region over the past year. This deal could mean tremendous progress on this site, and transformation of a heavily polluted piece of property to land that is ready for redevelopment. To me that is positive, lasting impact in action, and could result in economic growth for our region.

“The progress at the former McLouth site will finally remove that blighted area that has depressed the

channel communities,” said Grosse Ile Township Supervisor Brian Loftus. “Congratulations to all who are making a better future.”

Our great mayor in Riverview, Andrew Swift, was also a part of the ceremony. “Riverview is looking forward to working with the City of Trenton, Crown Enterprises, and any future developer to determine the best use of at least the portion of the property located in Riverview,” Swift said. “The Moroun family has a long way to go to earn the trust of the community and I think they can do it if they are sincere in their efforts.”

These kind of results only come when people unite together to work for the enhancement of our community. That is what the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber is all about.

Our vision is to bring people together to have a positive, lasting impact on our Downriver and southern Wayne County region. I am passionate about this mission, and I am inspired when our community and elected leaders take a stand and work together to make it happen for Downriver.

I want to acknowledge the courageous leadership of those who worked tirelessly, with the vision to see positive action take place at the

McLouth site. These individuals and organizations include Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Assistant Executive Khalil Rahal, Trenton Mayor Kyle Stack and former city administrator Jim Wagner, Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree and his staff, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and her staff, the Wayne County Land Bank, The EPA, MDEQ, U.S. Department of Justice, Crown Enterprises, and many others.

Jim Wagner put it best at the historic ceremony on Nov. 1, when he said, “this is government in action.”

Mr. Wagner is absolutely right. When government works hand in hand with our business community and the residents whom it serves, amazing and positive results happen. These leaders must be recognized for the tremendous leadership and service they have accomplished for our Downriver region in making this project happen, setting up what I believe will be a bright future along the banks of the Detroit River for our Downriver communities.

Ron Hinrichs is the President of the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce.