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The Water Street Redevelopment Area in Ypsilanti, Michigan, a 38-acre site near the historic downtown, has been a source of both hope and disappointment for decades. The land, which was developed for industrial purposes and then abandoned due to pollution, was purchased by the city between 1999 and 2003, but contaminants have kept developers away. Armed with federal and state funding, the city plans to remediate the land, with excavation set to begin in the summer, and the site’s future may involve a mix of commercial and residential use.
YPSILANTI, Mich. Ypsilanti’s 38-Acre Redevelopment Project Ready for Takeoff
For years, the historic downtown Ypsilanti Water Street Redevelopment Area has been a symbol of potential and frustration. Local resident Johnathan Lilly echoes the sentiment, expressing surprise at the site’s underdevelopment.
Guy Williams, a former Washtenaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority member, highlights the site’s current bright spot – a trail that extends into downtown. Brownfield lands, typically industrial areas once polluted and abandoned, hold promise for redevelopment, says Williams.
Primarily responsible for the Water Street site’s management is Ypsilanti Economic Development and Equity Coordinator, Katie Jones. Despite the site’s previous setbacks, including deterring contaminants like PCBs, Jones believes in its future.
The city, having acquired the land between 1999 and 2003, plans to remediate the site using federal and state funds. Scheduled to commence in the summer, the remediation process will prepare the site for future commercial and residential use.
Controversy arose from the existing Family Dollar store residents desired a more upscale development. However, Jones remains optimistic about the site’s future, stating, “I think it is finally that moment that there is finally going to become something very cool”.
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