Plan: Restore Detroit Boat Club, transform into boutique hotel
A Hong Kong-based investor wants to return the historic jewel on Belle Isle back to its original beauty and create a boutique hotel with 100 to 120 rooms and restaurants.
Council approves tweaked plan to make Belle Isle a state park
Approval of the plan prompted outrage in the small audience as security removed some shouting residents.
Belle Isle to become state park with $11 annual entry fee
The lease calls for the creation of a seven-member advisory committee that will oversee improvements and master planning.
Council slams private deal to turn Belle Isle into state park
“How dare someone come into this city and take away the most treasured jewel of our citizens,” Councilwoman Joann Watson steamed.
City Council won’t give up Belle Isle, snubs Mayor Bing’s threats to close 50 parks
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.
Mayor Bing to city council: Approve lease of Belle Isle or 50 parks will close
Most council members opposed the Belle Isle lease Tuesday, saying they don’t trust the city gem in state hands.
Detroit City Council delays vote on leasing Belle Isle to state – again
The council voted 6-3 to debate the issue another day, saying they still need more time to look over the lease.
Council: No way are we leasing Belle Isle unless guarantees made
The state and Mayor’s Office failed to convince the council to approve the lease, which would have added at least $1.6 million to maintain the park.
Belle Isle to remain in Detroit’s hands – at least for now; council furious
Turns out, the pending deal between Mayor Dave Bing and Gov. Rick Snyder offers no assurance that the financially struggling park would receive a penny for improvements. In fact, any future funding depends on the availability of state funds, which are controlled by a traditionally anti-Detroit Legislature.