By TEREASA NIMS
Sunday Times Newspapers
ALLEN PARK — The city is selling some of its property, paying a few million to move to another then hopes to find a permanent home in the rear of its current location.
“So, they are selling their current location, spending tons of money to move into another building only to move out later,” resident Amanda Emory said Thursday. “Yeah, I totally see why the city is in debt.
“This city has their head in their butt,” Emory added, regarding the sale of the municipal building, the relocation of the city offices and to then move into another building.
Tuesday night’s special meeting drew much criticism.
Mayor William Matakas called the special meeting to discuss the offers regarding the purchase of the 11 acres currently serving the municipal offices and Police Department.
The Boji Group, which proposed a hotel and Hardee’s Restaurant, offered $1.2 million for the front four acres and then offered between $1.1 million to $1.5 million for the entire 11 acres. Yet, Boji Group President Ron Boji withdrew his offer, accusing the city of not honoring former Emergency Manager Joyce Parker’s order saying the city manager has the authority to enter into a purchase agreement with the company.
City officials are looking at two offers for the property, including Time Equities Inc., for $2 million. The same company purchased neighboring Southfield Lease Properties.
The other offer is from Andreas Apostolopulos for $1.8 million. Apostolopulos also owns the Pontiac Silverdome.
The city is stuck, Matakas said, because it’s unknown if it can go against the EM’s order and enter into the other two deals, and the proposed buyers also have questions.
“There were a couple of legal issues in the proposal that Time Equities submitted to us, so the lawyers have to figure that out first,” Matakas said.
He also said there is no reason to talk to a possible buyer about something they aren’t allowed to enter into.
City officials hope to see the questions answered in the upcoming weeks. Yet, they haven’t been able to make contact with Apostolopoulos since his December offer. They hope to see the potential buyers speak to city officials regarding their plans for the property.
In the meantime, City Administrator Karen Folks said the city offices will be moving next door into leased space in SLP by April.
(Tereasa Nims can be reached at tnims@bewickpublications.com.)