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Temporary restraining order halts sale of state fairgrounds, putting hold on Amazon distribution center

Posted at 4:15 PM, Oct 29, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-29 16:54:03-04

DETROIT (WXYZ) — A temporary restraining order filed by the State Fairgrounds Development Coalition against the City of Detroit has halted the sale of the property, which was planned to house a new Amazon distribution center.

RELATED: Amazon distribution center planned at site of former State Fairgrounds

The lawsuit alleges that the City of Detroit didn't give proper notice of when a vote would be held on selling the city's largest parcel of public land. Other allegations include, the City of Detroit not complying with Detroit's Community Engagement Ordinance, and not providing the statutorily required notice of a proposed amendment to the City Master Plan, a release states.

Frank and Karen Hammer, with the State Fairgrounds Development Coalition, filed the restraining order in Wayne County Circuit Court, and a hearing is scheduled for Nov. 9.

RELATED: Rally against Amazon planned at State Fairgrounds

"The stakes are too high, especially with environmental and health impacts, for Plaintiffs to be deprived of their opportunity to receive benefits and a means to hold the developer, Amazon, and other corporations that stand to profit accountable under the Community Benefits Ordinance (CBO)," said Tonya Myers Phillips, director of Partnerships and Development at the Sugar Law Center, which is representing the State Fairgrounds Development Coalition.

Frank and Karen Hammer also released a statement, saying, "Detroiters were entitled by the Detroit CBO to a Community Benefits Agreement. We will continue that fight, and look forward to the hearing on Nov. 9."

Complaint FileStampedCopy by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd

Temporary Restraining Order 10.28.2020 by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd