By SUE SUCHYTA Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK – The City Council approved the refinancing of city bonds at its Feb. 26 meeting, saving the city $9 million in interest while redeeming the remaining high interest movie studio bonds. The proceeds from the sale of land at the site of the old city hall funded some of the bond redemption and the refinancing of other bonds at a lower interest rate, given the city’s improved credit rating, will save the city millions in interest, Finance Director Robert Cady said. The bonds in … [Read more...] about Allen Park bond refinancing will save city millions
Allen Park
Allen Park hopes to refinance The Hill shopping center bonds
By SUE SUCHYTA Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK – City Manager Mark Kibby said Finance Director Robert Cady hopes to refinace Fairlane Green shopping center — “The Hill” — bonds to reduce interest payments by $35,000 annually, for a $250,000 cumulative cost avoidance. Any savings would remain in the city's general fund, Mayor William Matakas said. The Hill bonds have seven to 10 years remaining before they are retired. Kibby said Cady plans to meet with Standard & Poor’s to raise the city's credit rate above its … [Read more...] about Allen Park hopes to refinance The Hill shopping center bonds
Financial gains, infrastructure improvements and enhanced city services highlight Matakas’ State of the City address
By SUE SUCHYTA Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK – The city’s strengthening financial outlook, its work on roads, water and sewer lines and strengthening city services were highlights of Mayor William Matakas’ final State of the City address. Matakas, whose term ends in 2019, said he hoped his term as mayor helped restore residential trust in the city’s administration. He said the city is making strong financial gains, and hopes to receive an increase in its Standard & Poor’s credit rating from BBB+ to at least an A … [Read more...] about Financial gains, infrastructure improvements and enhanced city services highlight Matakas’ State of the City address
Allen Park approves Baker College land purchase for DPW
By SUE SUCHYTA Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK – The purchase of Buhl Field from Baker College, which includes acreage in Melvindale, was unanimously approved at the Jan. 8 City Council meeting to consolidate Department of Public Services facilities. City Attorney Joseph Courveur said the contract includes a provision which states if the city sells the land at a profit, it will split the proceeds with Baker College, which is selling the land to the city for less than it originally paid for it. Mayor William Matakas said … [Read more...] about Allen Park approves Baker College land purchase for DPW
Baker College Allen Park location to close
By SUE SUCHYTA Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK – The local Baker College campus, which recently sold land to the city of Allen Park, will soon close its campus buildings as well, with students consolidated to another location. Media sources report that the Allen Park, Clinton Township and Auburn Hills locations will be moved to a central Detroit-area site, which may be in Ferndale, while the Flint campus will be relocated to the existing Owosso campus. A statement from the college noted that the rise in online classes … [Read more...] about Baker College Allen Park location to close
Proposed Wayne County CDBG program changes could hurt cities
By SUE SUCHYTA Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK – Proposed changes to the Wayne County Community Development Block Grant program will remove local control from cities, City Manager Mark Kibby told the City Council at its Jan. meeting. Kibby said the proposed changes would favor distressed cities, which include Melvindale, Ecorse, River Rouge, Inkster, Hamtramck and Highland Park, but none of the funds will be allocated to cover the city administration costs for programs, as they were in the past, which would negatively impact … [Read more...] about Proposed Wayne County CDBG program changes could hurt cities
Allen Park to acquire Baker College land southeast of campus for DPW yard
By Sue Suchyta Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK – A much-needed Department of Public Works yard may soon be located southeast of Baker College, 4500 Enterprise Drive, northwest of International Wholesale, 4000 Allen Road, and southwest of Outer Drive. The city has a purchase agreement with Baker College for the land, Mayor William Matakas said at the Nov. 13 city council meeting. He said Baker College bought the property but never used it. “We are combining the three sites that we currently have into that site over there,” … [Read more...] about Allen Park to acquire Baker College land southeast of campus for DPW yard
Allen Park dedicates Bob Seger Boulevard
By SUE SUCHYTA Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK – Threatening thunderstorms moved up the time line, but Bob Seger Boulevard was enthusiastically dedicated the afternoon of Oct. 19 by the singer's fans and Big Jim O'Brien of WCSX-FM 94.7. The Detroit classic rock station, which hosts “Big Jim's House” morning show, has tried to dedicate a street to Seger for some time. Melvindale, Lincoln Park and Ann Arbor all claim Seger as a former resident, and the station thought it might have an opportunity to dedicate a street at Ann … [Read more...] about Allen Park dedicates Bob Seger Boulevard
Allen Park DPW urges residents to help prevent street flooding
By SUE SUCHYTA Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK – Residents can prevent street flooding by bagging fall leaves instead of raking them into streets, Department of Public Works Supervisor Matt Dohring said at the Oct. 9 City Council meeting. Dohring said the city has ordinances against blowing leaves into the street, and the rain that fell recently caused residential street flooding because catch basins were filled with leaves. He explained that the storm drains and sewage systems are not connected. “If your street is … [Read more...] about Allen Park DPW urges residents to help prevent street flooding
Marriott building Townplace Suites northeast of old city hall city
By SUE SUCHYTA Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK – Marriott is building a Townplace Suites in the northeast section of the former city hall property, hoping to attract people who will be working at the new Ford wind tunnel. Mayor William Matakas said Oct. 9 that Marriott is developing the back four acres, while the front of the property, closer to Southfield Road, will be used for retail development, with fast food or a coffee shop most likely, but no permits have been filed yet for the proposed development on the southwest … [Read more...] about Marriott building Townplace Suites northeast of old city hall city