DETROIT (WXYZ) — Detroit is striking up a deal to help build Fiat Chrysler's Jeep plant.
Hantz Farms will also benefit from the deal – picking up 80 abandoned properties for their own use.
Hantz will give up 37 parcels of land for FCA parking and for stormwater retention on Beniteau. In return, Hantz will receive a deal on 80 properties from the land bank.
John Hantz already owns roughly 2,000 parcels in between Jefferson, Mack, Saint Jean and Van Dyke for Hantz Woodlands, a tree farm. Hantz will be given two years to renovate the properties.
The deal is part of Mayor Mike Duggan's effort to assemble 200 acres of land for FCA's $2.5 billion investment in automobile manufacturing. Helping the Mack Avenue facilities and the Jefferson North assembly plant will create nearly 5,000 new jobs
7 Action News reached out to a spokesperson from Hantz Farms. Although they would not talk specifics of the deal, they did say John Hantz is doing what he can to help grow Hantz Farms and the City of Detroit.