Water Street Redevelopment Area

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Water Street is a single 38-acre parcel near Ypsilanti's downtown area. The area is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the North, the Huron River to the West and South, and South and Park Streets to the East. Prior to being U.S. Route 12 in Michigan, the road on the North side used to be named Congress Street.

Prior to the 1800s, Native Americans primarily inhabited the land around Ypsilanti and the river.Colburn, H. C. (1923). Chapter I and Chapter II. In The story of ypsilanti (pp. 11–29). essay, Centennial Celebration of the Founding of the City, in Cooperation with the Committee on History.John McCurdy, E., Bill Nickels, E., Evan Milan, E., & Sarah Zawacki, E. (2023). Ypsilanti Histories: A look back at the last fifty years. DigitalCommons@EMU. https://commons.emich.edu/books/12/ The Potawatomi and Sauk trails passed by what is currently the Water Street area.Dodd, T. (2013). There has always been heavy traffic on downtown Michigan Avenue. There Has Always Been Heavy Traffic On Downtown Michigan Avenue | Ann Arbor District Library. https://aadl.org/ypsigleanings/222044 Native peoples were removed from the area starting in 1816 and continuing until 1830.{{Cite web |last=Portteus |first=Danielle |title=Story of Potawatomi's removal from land told in new effort |url=https://www.monroenews.com/story/news/2017/05/21/story-potawatomi-8217-s-removal/20825220007/ |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=Monroe News |language=en-US}} The first settler occupants on the land of the Water Street Redevelopment area were in the 1800s.Hachem, K. (2001b, December 16). As township grew, it's enthusiasm waned for merger with city. mlive newspaper archives. https://mlive.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:124AC00F04CB9A3C@NGPA-MIMNA-17108D271357520D@2452260-16F683D8347245B7@10-16F683D8347245B7@?search_terms=native%2Bamerican%2Bhistory%2Bypsilanti%2B Harwood's flouring mill was constructed in 1829 and positioned along the river just south of Congress Street, now known as Michigan Avenue.{{Cite web |title=Ypsilanti Flour Mills - Ann Arbor - LocalWiki |url=https://localwiki.org/ann-arbor/Ypsilanti_Flour_Mills |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=localwiki.org}}

In the second half of the 19th century, Alva Worden and his brothers John and Chauncey lived in mansions on this land and manufactured their invention, a new whip socket, in the same area.{{Cite web |title=Congress Street - Ann Arbor - LocalWiki |url=https://localwiki.org/ann-arbor/Congress_Street |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=localwiki.org}}

Ypsilanti Historical Society. (2009). Alva Worden. Alva Worden | Ann Arbor District Library. https://aadl.org/ypsigleanings_patent%20photo%202"Worden house, 24 E Michigan Ave (apts.)". https://quod.lib.umich.edu/y/yhsic1/x-01882/photo01882. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed January 12, 2024.Tchorzynski, Stacy Ann, "Archaeological investigations of the Worden House site (20W A341) city of

Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County, Michigan" (2002). Senior Honors Theses & Projects. 365.

https://commons.emich.edu/honors/365

In the 1900s the land began to be developed and over the next 100 years it was the site of industries and businesses such as parks, a railroad, a lumber mill, a plastics factory, a heating and cooling business, restaurants and car dealerships.{{Cite web |title=Lee's Chop Suey - Ann Arbor - LocalWiki |url=https://localwiki.org/ann-arbor/Lee's_Chop_Suey |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=localwiki.org}}{{Cite web |title=The Gilbert Family {{!}} Ann Arbor District Library |url=https://aadl.org/ypsigleanings/222476 |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=aadl.org}}

The stretch of land along U.S. Route 12 in Michigan became a hub for car dealerships starting in 1912 when the first car dealership opened.{{Cite web |title=The Amazing Quarter Mile Historical Marker |url=https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=98722 |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=www.hmdb.org |language=en}}

This area has been referred to as "The Amazing Quarter Mile" and was eventually added to the Ypsilanti historic district.{{Cite web |title=Water Street Auto Dealers {{!}} Ann Arbor District Library |url=https://aadl.org/ypsigleanings/219314 |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=aadl.org}}

{{Cite web |title=Historic District {{!}} Ypsilanti, MI |url=https://cityofypsilanti.com/263/Historic-District |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=cityofypsilanti.com |language=en}}

Resource Design Group. (1983, July 12). City wide historical and architectural survey 1983. City of Ypsilanti. https://cityofypsilanti.com/DocumentCenter/View/2009/City-Wide-Historical-and-Architectural-Survey-1983 Various businesses occupied the buildings on U.S. Route 12 in Michigan such as Ypsilanti Savings Bank, Markham's Restaurant, Moorman's Lumber Yard, Serbay Motors, Silkworth's Gas Station and Auto Repair, Sesi Lincoln Mercury. The last car dealership on the South side of this stretch closed in the 1990s.Minzey, J. D. (2014). Ypsilanti in the 1940s | Ann Arbor District Library. https://aadl.org/ypsigleanings/318880

Prior to the redevelopment project, the area has been home to businesses, residences and parks:United States Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Pilot Profile. EPA. https://cimc.epa.gov/ords/cimc/f?p=121%3A23%3A%3A%3A%3A0%3AP0_GRANT_ID%3A48374344

• Arlan's shopping center"Arlans Department Store". https://quod.lib.umich.edu/y/yhsic1/x-07209/photo07209. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed January 12, 2024.
• Booth Newspapers, Inc.
• Campus Buick, Honda, and GMC
• Lee's Chop Suey Restaurant - 160 E Michigan Ave{{Cite web |title=Lee's Chop Suey - Ann Arbor - LocalWiki |url=https://localwiki.org/ann-arbor/Lee's_Chop_Suey |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=localwiki.org}}
• Commerce Motor Truck Co./Dura Corp.
• Davis Motor Sales
• Detroit Harvester Co
• Detroit United Railway
• Doran Chevrolet Co
• Forest Avenue Baptist Church
• First Class Cleaning Supply & Flooring
• Gilbert Park
• Greene's Cleaner & Dryers, Inc.
• Harwood's Flouring mill
• JJ's Hair Salon and Car Wash
• Joseph Thompson Inc.
• Lee's Takeout
• Logan's Landscaping
• Lowell's Towing
• Markham's Restaurant
• Moorman's Lumber Yard
• Plasber Inc
• Public Square
• Richards Desoto Plymouth
• River's Edge Park
• Serbay Motors"Plymouth Crystler Dealership". https://quod.lib.umich.edu/y/yhsic1/x-13780/photo13780. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed January 12, 2024.
• Sesi Lincoln Mercury
• Silkworth's Gas Station and Auto Repair
• Speedy Printing
• Vincent Chevrolet
• Walters Heating and Cooling
• Wireless ToyzGUPTA, P., & O'Donnell, C. (2003, July 11). Affordable Art. mlive newspaper archives. https://mlive.newsbank.com/doc/news/11E8386C73450BB8?search_terms=%27wireless%2Btoyz%27%2Bwater%2Bstreet&text=%27wireless+toyz%27+water+street&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%255B0%255D=AARB&pub%5B0%5D=AARB&pdate=2003-07-11
• Ypsi Automotive Parts
• Ypsi Iron & Metal
• Ypsilanti Press
• Ypsilanti Savings Bank
• Ypsilanti Tractor Sales Inc.

1980: Ypsilanti contractor, Walter E. Duke, purchases an old building on Water Street south of Michigan Ave for $5,000 as part of the city's anti-blight program. The city and the contractor agree that the site will be renovated to be an "oil recycling facility" and include "riverside recreational areas."{{Cite news |last=Unknown |date=May 12, 1982 |title=Ypsilanti Economic Development Corp. Sues Contractor |url=https://mlive.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:124AC00F04CB9A3C@NGPA-MIMNA-17108D6EDCF51C70@2445467-16F5E086A9C7505E@4-16F5E086A9C7505E@ |access-date=January 30, 2024 |work=The Ann Arbor News |pages=A5}}

1983: City of Ypsilanti sues contractor, Walter E. Duke, for breach of contract. They cite failure to pay taxes and to complete agreed upon renovations of the property. The contractor states that he was unable to secure federal or local financing for the $350,000 required for the project.

1990: A group called "Ypsilanti 2000" forms to discuss ways to improve the city and improve its image. One idea is to redevelop the Water Street site and tear down the vacant buildings.{{Cite web |title=Ypsilanti's Water Street: Is Family Dollar plan a new start after 14 years of waiting? |url=http://www.annarbor.com/news/ypsilanti/water-street-history/ |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=AnnArbor.com}}

1992: The city hires consulting firm Hyett-Palma to investigate the benefits of assembling the land and pursuing its redevelopment.Kauth-Karjala, M. (1992, November 19). Ideas presented for revitalization. mlive newspaper archives. https://mlive.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:124AC00F04CB9A3C@NGPA-MIMNA-17108DA7ABA81B3C@2448946-16F680823AC35F78@76-16F680823AC35F78@?search_terms=Hyett-Palma&text=Hyett-Palma&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%25255B0%25255D=AARB&pub%255B0%255D=AARB&pub%5B0%5D=124AC00F04CB9A3C&pdate=1992-11-19 The study endorses the redevelopment project and forecasts increased property tax revenue.Hobbs, E. (2010, May 4). Ceremony kicks off building demolition for Ypsilanti's Water Street Redevelopment Project. AnnArbor.com. https://www.annarbor.com/news/ceremony-kicks-off-building-demolition-for-water-street-redevelopment-project/

1995: The state of Michigan rolls back a 1990 “polluters pay” law under Governor John Engler. This new legislation loosened polluter liability and impacted how contamination is remediated and where funding for cleanup efforts comes from. The rollback lessened the amount of required remediation of contaminated land.{{Cite web |last=For the Love of Water |first=FLOW |date=October 24, 2023 |title=Making Polluters Pay: How to Fix State Law and Policy to Protect Groundwater and Michigan Taxpayers |url=https://forloveofwater.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/FLOW-Report-Making-Polluters-Pay.pdf |access-date=January 30, 2024}}  

1999: The city conducts a community charrette to gauge community interest in the project, and decides to move forward with the project.

2000: The City Council includes the Water Street Redevelopment Area as part of the Downtown Development Authority District.

2001: The city selects Biltmore Properties to develop the property.Hachem, K. (2001, October 2). Troy firm looks likely to land redevelopment project. mlive newspaper archives. https://mlive.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:124AC00F04CB9A3C@NGPA-MIMNA-17108D2AD9B19CA1@2452185-16F683DA6A8C0109@7-16F683DA6A8C0109@?search_terms={{Cite web |title=Biltmore Picked For $90-Mil Mixed-Use Project |url=https://www.globest.com/2001/11/13/biltmore-picked-for-90-mil-mixed-use-project/ |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=GlobeSt |language=en}}

Rzepka, M. (2001, July 26). Big draw for Water Street plan. mlive newspaper archives. https://mlive.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:124AC00F04CB9A3C@NGPA-MIMNA-17108DABB9129F74@2452117-16F68053C796016B@8-16F68053C796016B@?search_terms=

2003: A group of Ypsilanti residents, who had concerns about various aspects of the project, meet with the Mayor and other city officials to communicate their concerns.Doyle, R. (2005, November 1). Water Street Letter 2011-1-05. Wayback Machine. https://web.archive.org/web/20151103205259/http://ypsinews.com/files/Water%20Street%20Letter%2011-1-05.pdf The city demolishes the first six buildings in May. City officials initiate condemnation lawsuits against the owners of some of the properties after acquisition negotiations fail.

2004: In early January, the city begins the second demolition phase and removes eight buildings. The city completes purchase of the land and begins contamination cleanup. The city announces that the site is more contaminated than they initially expected. The city of Ypsilanti ends the development contract with Biltmore Properties.Hachem, K. (2004, December 22). Ypsilanti cuts Water St ties to developer. mlive newspaper archives. https://mlive.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2:124AC00F04CB9A3C@NGPA-MIMNA-17108E51BA28CC0C@2453362-16F6805D807B5715@0-16F6805D807B5715@?search_terms=biltmore%2Bdismissed&text=biltmore+dismissed&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B0%5D=124AC00F04CB9A3C&pdate=2004-12-22

2005: The city announces they will pay Biltmore $725,000 in return for data and documents created by Biltmore through their due diligence process.

2006: The city selects Joseph Freed and Associates as a new developer. In the same year, the developer left the project citing economic concerns.Stafford, K. (2014b, February 3). 15 years later: Is Ypsilanti's Water Street site closer to redevelopment? mlive. https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2014/02/15_years_later_is_ypsilantis_w.html

2008: In June, the city hires CB Richard Ellis Inc. to help them market the project across the nation.

2010: The city holds a small ceremony on the site of Water Street to celebrate the beginning phase of the final building demolitions.{{Cite web |title=Ceremony kicks off building demolition for Ypsilanti's Water Street Redevelopment Project |url=http://www.annarbor.com/news/ceremony-kicks-off-building-demolition-for-water-street-redevelopment-project/ |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=AnnArbor.com}}

The city council rejects a proposal to build a Burger King on one acre of land at Water Street.{{Cite web |title=Ypsilanti City Council rejects Burger King proposal |url=http://www.annarbor.com/news/ypsilanti-city-council-rejects-burger-king-proposal/ |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=AnnArbor.com}}

2011: The city begins having conversations with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation about developing a Recreation Center in the area.Perkins, T. (2011, April 18). The newest idea for Ypsilanti's water street: An $8 million to $10 Million county recreation center. AnnArbor.com. https://www.annarbor.com/news/the-newest-idea-for-water-street-an-8-to-10-million-recreation-center/

2012: The city approves a Family Dollar development on the site.{{Cite web |title=$1.2M Family Dollar store to become Ypsilanti's 1st Water Street development |url=http://www.annarbor.com/news/ypsilanti/ypsilantis-1st-water-street-development-12m-family-dollar-construction-to-begin-by-fall/ |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=AnnArbor.com}}

The city initiates the creation of a tree nursery on the East side of Water Street.{{cite web | url=https://www.annarbor.com/news/ypsilanti/tree-nursery-planned-for-water-street-and-affordable-and-senior-housing-being-discussed/ | title=Tree nursery planned for Water Street while city discusses housing for site, too }}

2013: A group of local activists and artists begin using Water Street as a meeting place, which is known as the Water Street Commons. Members of the Water Street Commons build structures and art installations in 2013 and the following years. On May 1st, a May Day event takes place which includes seed-bombing the land in hopes of growing native flowers.Dunn, P. (2013, May 1). Bombs away: The seed bombing of Water Street. Concentrate. https://www.secondwavemedia.com/concentrate/features/ypsiseedbombing0238.aspx

2014: The construction begins for a Family Dollar store on about one acre of the redevelopment area.{{Cite news |last=Kelly |first=Brianna |date=August 23, 2017 |title=Ypsi's Water Street debt is officially getting paid off. How did we get here and what's next? |url=https://www.secondwavemedia.com/concentrate/features/waterstreethistory0423.aspx |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=Concentrate |language=en}}

The city starts work with Herman and Kittle Properties on an affordable housing project to be built on a portion of the Water Street Redevelopment area. The developer proposes the name Riverwalk Commons for the project.{{Cite web |last=Stafford |first=Katrease |date=2014-01-20 |title=Indiana developer proposes $12M affordable housing project on Ypsilanti's Water Street |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2014/01/ypsilanti_to_consider_12m_affo.html |access-date=2023-11-16 |website=mlive |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Perkins |first=Tom |date=2015-02-19 |title=Ypsilanti approves $750,000 tax break for Water Street affordable housing project |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2015/02/ypsilanti_approves_750000_tax.html |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=mlive |language=en}}

2015: Family Dollar construction completes. A proposed development with Herman and Kittle Property ends because Michigan State Housing Development Authority determines land is unsafe for residential housing due to contamination.https://cityofypsilanti.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/ArchivedAgenda/_05232017-749?packet=true{{Cite web |date=2013-10-17 |title=Water Street Family Dollar Sign Crisis Averted |url=https://www.wemu.org/wemu-news/2013-10-17/water-street-family-dollar-sign-crisis-averted |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=WEMU-FM |language=en}}

{{Cite web |last=Stafford |first=Katrease |date=2013-09-23 |title=Proposed $1.2M Water Street Family Dollar project moves closer to construction |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2013/09/ypsilanti_approves_water_stree.html |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=mlive |language=en}}

{{Cite web |title=$1.2M Family Dollar store to become Ypsilanti's 1st Water Street development |url=http://www.annarbor.com/news/ypsilanti/ypsilantis-1st-water-street-development-12m-family-dollar-construction-to-begin-by-fall/ |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=AnnArbor.com}}

{{Cite web |last=Perkins |first=Tom |date=2015-02-19 |title=Ypsilanti approves $750,000 tax break for Water Street affordable housing project |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2015/02/ypsilanti_approves_750000_tax.html |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=mlive |language=en}}

2016: After talks about a Washtenaw County, Michigan Recreation Center at the site, the project fails due to the high cost of remediation and development.Stafford, K. (2012, September 5). 2015: Projected start date of proposed $12M REC center in Ypsilanti. AnnArbor.com. https://www.annarbor.com/news/ypsilanti/proposed-12-million-water-street-recreation-center-project-moving-forward/

Council meeting agenda documents: Regular council - city of ypsilanti. City of Ypsilanti. (2017, May 23). https://cityofypsilanti.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/ArchivedAgenda/_05072019-1143?packet=true

The city closes a stretch of the Border to Border Trail, which runs through the Water Street Redevelopment Area along the river's edge, due to newfound contamination and concern for public safety.Perkins, T. (2016, August 20). Ypsilanti receives $200k grant for border to Border Trail Pollution Cleanup. mlive. https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2016/08/ypsilanti_receives_200k_grant.html{{Cite web |last=Perkins |first=Tom |date=2016-07-21 |title=Pollution concerns derail another Water Street project in Ypsilanti |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2016/07/contamination_derails_another.html |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=mlive |language=en}}

2017: International Village Advisory LLC submits a letter of intent to the city proposing a mixed use development, specializing in housing and amenities for Chinese residents and tourists. After city officials travel to China on a trip paid for by the developer, the city council initiates an investigation into the legality of the trip. After the controversy, the project did not proceed.{{Cite web |date=2017-10-11 |title=Still unclear who paid for Ypsi officials trip to China |url=https://www.michiganradio.org/news/2017-10-11/still-unclear-who-paid-for-ypsi-officials-trip-to-china |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=Michigan Radio |language=en}}

{{Cite web |date=2018-04-10 |title=Developer of failed project paid for Ypsilanti officials' China trip |url=https://www.michiganradio.org/news/2018-04-10/developer-of-failed-project-paid-for-ypsilanti-officials-china-trip |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=Michigan Radio |language=en}}

2020: A developer called Kaufman Jacobs proposes a mixed-use project.Water-Street-enhanced-plan-updated-11-6-20. City of Ypsilanti. (2020, November 6). https://cityofypsilanti.com/DocumentCenter/View/2586/Water-Street-enhanced-plan-updated-11-6-20

{{Cite web |last=Smolcic Larson |first=Lucas |date=2022-08-25 |title=Cleanup of contaminated Ypsilanti Water Street redevelopment site gets $4.3M boost |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2022/08/cleanup-of-contaminated-ypsilanti-water-street-redevelopment-site-gets-43m-boost.html |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=mlive |language=en}}

2023: Two developers, J29:7 and Renovare, present mixed use developments to the projects.{{Cite web |last=Smolcic Larson |first=Lucas |date=2023-03-22 |title=New life for Water Street? 2 new developers make pitches for contaminated Ypsilanti lot |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2023/03/new-life-for-water-street-2-new-developers-make-pitches-for-contaminated-ypsilanti-lot.html |access-date=2023-11-16 |website=mlive |language=en}} The city puts the proposals on hold when environmental consultants find that contamination from PCBs is "much more" than expected.{{Cite web |title=Issues of the Environment: Working toward a safe and usable Water Street property in Ypsilanti |url=https://www.wemu.org/show/issues-of-the-environment/2023-07-05/issues-of-the-environment-working-toward-a-safe-and-usable-water-street-property-in-ypsilanti |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=WEMU-FM |language=en}}

{{Cite web |last=Smolcic Larson |first=Lucas |date=2023-06-07 |title=Serious contamination at Ypsilanti Water Street site more extensive than previously known |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2023/06/serious-contamination-at-ypsilanti-water-street-site-more-extensive-than-previously-known.html |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=mlive |language=en}}

The Water Street Redevelopment Area is part of more than 24,000 contaminated sites in Michigan. Several different contaminants have been found in the soil such as PCBs, Heavy metals, Volatile organic compound, BTEX and PNAs.City of Ypsilanti Regular Council Meeting Agenda. City of Ypsilanti. (2023, June 6). https://cityofypsilanti.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06062023-2007

{{Cite web |title=Brownfield Projects |url=https://gisappsecure.ewashtenaw.org/public/brownfieldprojects/ |access-date=2023-11-16 |website=gisappsecure.ewashtenaw.org}} Businesses associated with the Water Street redevelopment area no longer exist, and as a result cannot be held liable for cleaning up any contamination. Contaminated property that can’t “be tied to polluters because they are no longer in business, bankrupt, unfindable or otherwise able to escape liability” are referred to as “orphaned.”{{Cite web |title=With thousands of tainted sites, Michigan Dems eye return to 'polluter pay' {{!}} Bridge Michigan |url=https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-environment-watch/thousands-tainted-sites-michigan-dems-eye-return-polluter-pay |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=www.bridgemi.com |language=en}} In order to gather granular data about the site’s contamination, the city commissioned a site assessment of soil and groundwater by parcel from the Traverse Group.City of Ypsilanti. (2023, June 7). June 6, 2023 City Council meeting. YouTube. https://youtube/2_NPg_SK4lU?si=Rwiw3BfQSbsTjRXe

In 2016 the city received grant money for further testing which revealed more contamination. The city put up a fence around the most toxic areas.Perkins, T. (2015b, November 18). Ypsilanti approves $50k for Water Street contamination testing, record review. mlive. https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2015/11/ypsilanti_approves_50k_for_wat.html The city then fenced-in area is the former site of Commerce Motor Truck Co. and a Dura Corp. manufacturing facility as well as a junk yard.The Traverse Group . (2005, March 13). Phase II environmental site assessment - city of ypsilanti. City of Ypsilanti. https://cityofypsilanti.com/DocumentCenter/View/418/Phase-II-Environmental-Site-Assessment-PDF In 2023, environmental consultants - AKT Peerless reported to the city that contamination was more extensive than previously known, halting Water Street Redevelopment plans. According to the environmental consultants, the contamination in these parcels is considered hazardous waste due to the high parts-per-million (ppm) of PCBs in the top few feet of soil. In an interview with Local 4 WDIV in May 2024, city officials shared that development might be possible "within a year or two."{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rREfjQE6nsA |title=Excavation scheduled to begin on Ypsilanti’s Water Street redevelopment area |language=en |access-date=2024-05-04 |via=www.youtube.com}}

Residents and business owners have objected to the project based on the projected and actual costs.{{Cite web |last=Haynes |first=Jessica |date=2017-09-12 |title=Ypsilanti's Water Street could see $150M development in 2018 |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2017/09/ypsilantis_water_street_could.html |access-date=2023-11-16 |website=mlive |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Paula |date=May 5, 2013 |title=Ypsilanti's Water Street: Contradictions keep city from fulfilling any potential for property |url=http://www.annarbor.com/news/opinion/ypsilanti-water-street-development-options/ |access-date=2023-11-16 |website=AnnArbor.com}} As early as 2000 Ypsilanti residents were voicing concern about this project{{Cite web |last=Pierce |first=Steve |date=May 26, 2003 |title=Concerns over Ypsi Water Street Project |url=http://www.ypsinews.com/2003/05/concerns-over-ypsi-water-street.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107005713/http://www.ypsinews.com/2003/05/concerns-over-ypsi-water-street.html |archive-date=2009-01-07 |access-date=2023-11-16 |website=YpsiNews.com}}

In the process of acquiring the properties, city officials filed lawsuits against property owners with whom they could not reach a purchase agreement. The city and those property owners settled and the city purchased all of the properties. Altogether the city paid over $7-million for all of the properties, exceeding their initial budget. On November 1, 2005, Ypsilanti resident and developer Bob Doyle delivered a letter to the Mayor and City Council describing in great detail the history of the Water Street project and why he opposed the current plan.

In 2005, after breaking ties with Biltmore, the city paid $725,000 to purchase information that was developed by Biltmore in preparation for project construction. Residents of the city became concerned that part of the $750,000 paid to the developer would come from the city's general fund, not grants and loans. The city manager had pledged in the beginning of the project that no general fund dollars would be used, but shared with the Ann Arbor News in 2007 that the city had no other way to pay the debts.Hachem, K. (2007, July 15). What's Next for Water Street.". mlive newspaper archives. https://mlive.newsbank.com/doc/image/v2%3A124AC00F04CB9A3C%40NGPA-MIMNA-17108D853067A982%402454297-16F6CEBB5D5ABA8A%4079-16F6CEBB5D5ABA8A%40?search_terms=biltmore%2B%22water%2Bstreet%22&text=biltmore+%22water+street%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%255B0%255D=124AC00F04CB9A3C&pdate=2007-07-15

In 2016, the city filed a lawsuit against a local artist who helped organize and build a sculpture park which was part of the Water Street Commons.{{Cite web |last=Perkins |first=Tom |date=2016-04-20 |title=Ypsilanti sues 'Water Street Commons' organizer over sculpture park |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2016/04/ypsilanti_sues_water_street_co.html |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=mlive |language=en}} The lawsuit followed the discovery of more contamination at the site. In the lawsuit, the city requested all the sculptures be taken down and the individual stay off of the city property. The Water Street Commons originally had a permit to be on the land, but after it expired, the Commons became illegal. The case never went before a judge and city and artist chose to resolve the dispute through a stipulation order with the same requests of the lawsuit. The mayor at the time, Amanda Edmonds, responded to criticism of the suit by blaming media headlines for being misleading.{{Cite web |date=2016-04-25 |title=Ypsilanti Files Lawsuit, Plans Increased Police Patrols At Water Street Site |url=https://www.wemu.org/wemu-news/2016-04-25/ypsilanti-files-lawsuit-plans-increased-police-patrols-at-water-street-site |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=WEMU-FM |language=en}}

{{Cite web |last=Perkins |first=Tom |date=2016-04-29 |title=Ypsilanti drops lawsuit against Water Street art park organizer |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2016/04/ypsilanti_drops_lawsuit_agains.html |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=mlive |language=en}}

In 2017, city officials went on a trip to China which was paid for by the developer behind the International Village mixed use development proposal. The Mayor at the time, Amanda Edmonds attend this trip, as well as, Ypsilanti Director of Economic Development Beth Ernat, Mayor Pro Tem Nicole Brown, and Police Chief Tony DeGiusti. The trip happened in September 2017 and afterwards an investigation was launched into the legality of the trip. Mayor Pro Tem Brown and Police Chief DeGuisti were not found guilty of misconduct at that time. Mayor Edmonds and Beth Ernat were accused of carelessness. The city did not renew its contract with Ernat and Mayor Edmonds did not run for re-election.{{Cite web |last=Burns |first=Gus |date=2019-03-13 |title=A year later, state police still investigating whether funding of Ypsilanti China trip might have been illegal |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/2019/03/a-year-later-state-police-still-investigating-whether-funding-of-ypsilanti-china-trip-might-have-been-illegal.html |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=mlive |language=en}}

{{Cite web |last=Haynes |first=Jessica |date=2018-04-13 |title=Ypsilanti drops economic director after China-trip investigation |url=https://www.mlive.com/business/ann-arbor/2018/04/investigative_report_leaves_yp.html |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=mlive |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Perkins |first=Tom |title=Ypsilanti mayor admits to knowledge of her China trip's funding source |url=https://www.metrotimes.com/news/ypsilanti-mayor-admits-to-misleading-public-on-her-china-trips-funding-source-6077867 |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=Detroit Metro Times |language=en}}

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Category:Urban renewal