From: ICARE - INTER-COUNTY CITIZENS ACHIEVING REGIONAL EXCELLENCE
April 15, 2002
Attention: Senate Farming, Agribusiness and Food Systems Committee
Copy: All
Re: SR-187- the resolution for the sale of the Michigan State Fairgrounds introduced by Senator Leon Stilles
Dear Senator:
ICARE is an organization formed to stop the development of any motorized vehicle race track or amphitheater at the Michigan state fairgrounds; to support the development of the fairgrounds in a manner compatible with the surrounding neighborhoods; and to get public participation into the decision making process regarding state-owned lands.
ICARE's position is:
1. The fair should be kept in Detroit
2. There should be open discussion on the disposition of the property, if any, among all parties concerned including neighborhood groups, local entities of government - surrounding cities / school districts / universities / Huron Clinton Metropolitan Park Authority / etc.
3. Any future use of the fairgrounds property should be consistent with the character and quality of life in surrounding neighborhoods and MUST NOT CONSTITUTE A NUISANCE.
If you are truly concerned about supporting long term survival of agriculture in Michigan, then this proposal to sell these 200 acres would only be a temporary band aid and would not address agriculture's underlying problems. One way to "...feature our state's agriculture community and agricultural bounty", as stated in SR-187, would be to set up a unique activity such as a demonstration farm on a year round basis in this urban area as an extension of Michigan State University's Agricultural programs. This farm would be a great class trip for schools throughout the metro area. There are 4.1 million people in the greater Detroit metropolitan area, and this could help gain greater public support for agriculture.
We are the people most directly impacted by the proposal to sell the state fairgrounds and expect to be involved in any consideration of sale and/or use of this property. Please give us timely notification of the consideration of SR-187.
Sincerely,
Co-Chair Frank Seibert Co-Chair David Welsh