Although some detractors are criticizing the state's subsidy of Quiken
Loans' planned move to downtown, saying that it is rewarding Detroit at
the expense of Livonia, most leaders agree that a strong central city
is paramount to the overall success of the region.
Excerpt:
Livonia Mayor-elect Jack Kirksey was critical of the state's role in
aiding the transfer of jobs from one Michigan city to another. But
Sterling Heights City Manager Mark Vanderpool said the state is dealing
with "extenuating circumstances" in its current recession, and city
planners are grappling with the need to have vibrant urban areas that
appeal to a generation of "millennials" entering the workforce.
"Generally
speaking, in the area of public policy and development, it's not a good
idea to rob Peter to pay Paul. It pits communities against each other
and creates anxiety and competition," Vanderpool said. "But also from a
policy perspective, the state needs to do all it can to stop the exodus
of young professionals out of Michigan. You're seeing a trend of loft
development and revitalization in Detroit that they like."
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