Council President Charles Pugh said the city can improve the nation’s largest municipal park on its own by charging entrance fees, opening up a winery and launching events such as concerts.
Snyder reportedly is waiting to hear back from the unidentified candidate this week on whether he or she will take the job.
State officials have been meeting privately with city leaders over the past month to discuss the future under a state financial takeover.
The council voted 6-3 to debate the issue another day, saying they still need more time to look over the lease.
A public hearing over leasing Belle Isle to the state turned ugly today when opponents heckled supporters and suggested the deal was a racist takeover.
Rather than hand over Detroit’s budget, parks, buildings and services to the Republican-controlled state, a growing number of residents and leaders are advocating for municipal bankruptcy.
Just a month ago, Detroit City Council members hailed Crittendon as a hero who courageously defended the city against a state takeover.
Council’s decision shocked many observers because a majority of the council supported Crittendon until today
One resident described state intervention as an attempt to “resurrect Hitler from the dead.” Another called it slavery.
Each day, the city spent about $350,000 more than it had in revenue, raising the accumulated deficit to more than $375 million.