Royal Oak Civic Center Project Scrutinized

(Originally posted on Oct. 25, 2016) ROYAL OAK, MI – Some Royal Oak residents and elected officials say the city should use a private developer the proposed $100 million civic center project, The Daily Tribune reports. Of that amount, the city would pay about $56 million, with the developer picking up the rest.

On Monday, Royal Oak City Commissioners voted to contract for the design drawings so they'll have a grasp on project costs, but the drawings can be used regardless of who develops the property.

“We have had discussions on whether we should go it alone without a developer,” said City Commissioner Kyle DuBuc, who added there are benefits to the partnership.

“We’re taking all the risks, we’re paying for everything,” said resident Rick Karlowski. “It’s absolutely ridiculous. I don’t know what we’re getting.”

City Hall and the existing police station would be razed to create a downtown park. A new three-story police station would be built next to the existing Royal Oak 44th District Court, City Hall would be moved into two floors of the developers’ office building and a city parking deck would be constructed nearby.

» Royal Oak residents and officials had plenty more to say on the issue. Go to The Daily Tribune for more.

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