Montgomery Ward redevelopment key subject of Dearborn town hall

Thursday, August 28, 2008 | Source: metromode

As all eyes in Dearborn's east downtown look to the redevelopment of the old Montgomery Wards site, many words will be spoken about it at the East Dearborn Downtown Development Authority special information meeting on Sept. 10.

Although the meeting will be about continuing to revitalize the emerging business district, the Montgomery Wards development will be the elephant in the room. It's why the city's top brass from Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr. to Barry Murray, director of the City’s Economic & Community Development Department, will be on hand to speak and answer question about it.

"People are sort of holding their breath for that to happen here," says Michael Boettcher, executive director of the East Dearborn DDA.

The plans for the site include tearing down the historic Wards building so a new office building, parking structure and senior-living housing can be built in its place. The project will be urban in design and is expected to begin this fall.

City officials will also be on hand to talk about other possible redevelopment projects in the city. Steve Guile, deputy director of the city's Economic and Community Development Department, will explain the city's new development intake program, which is designed to make the development process easier.

There will also be a discussion about assistance available to small businesses from Henry Ford Community College and SCORE. The East Dearborn DDA hopes to make these types of public meetings a regular event, engaging more local developers and businesses.

"When we've done our jobs, east downtown Dearborn will be a thriving urban district that invites investment in a diverse, historic and welcoming hometown environment," Boettcher says.

The meeting, which is open to the public, will begin at 5 p.m. and be held in the Dearborn City Hall, 13615 Michigan Avenue. For information, contact Boettcher at mboettcher@ci.dearborn.mi.us or at (313) 943-3194.

Source: Michael Boettcher, executive director of the East Dearborn Downtown Development Authority
Writer: Jon Zemke