STATE FAIR UPDATE : 12/2002


There is solid evidence that indoor auto racing is planned on the fairgrounds, for midget, vintage and demolition derby cars. Venting out the carbon dioxide fumes will also mean venting out noise. It’s scheduled to appeal to Dream Cruise visitors.


Reviewing State Fair receipts of 2002, planners have decided to add four days to the fair, which will also coincide with the opening of the Dream Cruise. They will shorten week days of operation and add a week end, where more money can be made. The total now adds up to three weeks.


82—count ‘em—82 Detroit police officers are assigned to each day’s operation of the State Fair. That’s 82 officers who are not keeping city residents safe and secure.


The Fair made about $28,000 profit in 2002, continuing the record that it has never lost money. Any losses that State officials tell us about come from the uses of the rest of the land.


The State of Michigan, which backed off a deal to allow the Nederlander group to sell land adjacent to the fairgrounds to the Detroit Schools (after Detroit citizens filed a lawsuit), terminated the deal. But later, when they turned around and sold it to another group for 4.5 million, it turned out that that group consisted of Nederlander and other cronies, again. And Nederlander stands to make a killing of millions, while state taxpayers are stuck with a very large broker fee. Again, the State has given Detroit--and other Michigan taxpayers--the short end of a very long stick.


ICARE has put together a neat speakers bureau that will spread the word to community groups in the area who are affected by what goes on at the fairgrounds. This will be a good way for residents to get answers to their questions. Watch for us!


Suzanne Antisdel





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