A concept drawing shows the proposed Allen Park Plaza, a park and event center at the site of the former Allen Park movie theater site, which is bounded by Allen Road, Philomene Boulevard, Park Avenue and White Avenue.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
ALLEN PARK – The City Council approved $3 million in capital project funds Feb. 24 for the development of the Allen Park Plaza on the site of the demolished movie theater.
The vote was 5-1, with Councilmember Nancy Knick casting the opposing vote. The decision followed a Feb. 17 study session during which business owners and residents had the opportunity to express their support and opposition to the project.
City Administrator Tom Murray said the commitment would leave the city with a 17 percent unrestricted fund balance, which is within the 15 to 20 percent balance required by a Jan. 13 vote of the council.
The dedication of funds for the plaza is contingent on the Downtown Development Authority allocating funds for the plaza project.
The parcel is bounded by Allen Road on the west, Philomene Boulevard on the north, Park Avenue on the east and White Avenue on the south. The service alley for the buildings along Allen Road would be maintained.
The project would feature an archway, a bandshell, concrete walkways, a decorative wall, seasonal vegetation and trees.
During the Feb. 17 study session, pros and cons were voiced by business owners and residents. Some were concerned with the loss of a parking lot and the possibility that vagrants would be attracted to the area. Others saw it as a positive step toward to revitalization of the walkable downtown area.
Allen Park resident Todd Buchanan (right), co-owner of Custard on the Avenue, 6834 Park Ave., said he supports the city’s plan to revitalize the business district with a park and outdoor event venue at the former movie theater site during a Feb. 17 City Council study session.
Allen Park resident Mark Kidd (right) said during a Feb. 17 City Council study session that he opposes the proposed park and event venue, saying it will attract vagrants and the city needs the site for parking.