Overview:
- Changes at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy include a whistleblower policy, ethics hotline, rotating auditors, and smaller, 30-member board with term limits.
- Developer and city reach lease agreement for the Belle Isle Boathouse restoration project.
- Developers of a proposed multibillion-dollar data center in Kalkaska County drop plans due to public opposition.
🔐 Detroit Riverfront Conservancy slashes board size, adds controls following CFO’s fraud conviction The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy announced new governance reforms following a $44 million theft and the conviction of former CFO William Smith, sentenced to 19 years in prison. Changes include establishing a whistleblower policy, ethics hotline, rotating auditors, reducing the board from 55 to 30 members, and adding term limits. The nonprofit was criticized for inadequate oversight that allowed Smith sole control over accounts during his 11-year scheme. CEO Ryan Sullivan says reforms will ensure stronger oversight. 📍 Source: Detroit Free Press
⚖️ Ex-Detroit Riverfront CFO appeals 19-year sentence for $44 million theft Former Detroit Riverfront Conservancy CFO William Smith appealed his 19-year federal prison sentence for stealing $44.3 million, calling it unreasonable and arbitrary. His lawyer argues U.S. District Judge Susan DeClercq exceeded prosecutors’ recommendation and inappropriately considered Detroit’s history, including white flight and political corruption. Smith was ordered to pay over $48 million in restitution. Asset recovery efforts have yielded $649,000 so far, with prosecutors expecting to recoup $2-3 million total due to mortgages on seized properties. 📍 Source: The Detroit News
⛵ Belle Isle Boathouse redevelopment clears major hurdle Developer Stuart-Pitman Inc. and the city of Detroit reached a lease agreement for the Belle Isle Boathouse restoration project, valued at over $30 million. The 50-year lease awaits Detroit City Council approval later this month. Stuart-Pitman will redevelop, operate, and program the historic site, beginning with roof work next year. The project includes a welcome center, marina, restaurants, and expanded nonprofit rowing and sailing facilities. Funding will come from historic tax credits, grants, and donations, with completion targeted within five years. 📍 Source: Crain’s Detroit Business
📢 Multibillion-dollar Kalkaska data center project scrapped after community outcry Rocklocker LLC and Kalkaska Go abandoned plans for a multibillion-dollar data center in Kalkaska County following public opposition. Developer Matt Rine cited community feedback as the reason for ending the project. The proposal involved 1,440 acres of state land for a hyperscale facility with natural gas power and carbon capture. Michigan DNR denied the land purchase in July. Supporters highlighted a potential $40 million in annual tax revenue and jobs, while opponents cited environmental risks and rural landscape concerns. 📍 Source: 9&10 News
🏭 Consumers Energy coal plant again forced to stay open The Trump administration ordered Michigan’s J.H. Campbell coal plant to remain open for 90 days, citing an energy emergency that state regulators and grid operators deny exists. This marks the third such order since May. Keeping the aging plant operational has cost $80 million and could burden consumers with billions in unnecessary expenses. Environmental groups are challenging the authority, while analysts warn similar orders for other aging coal plants could add $6 billion in costs by 2028. 📍 Source: Canary Media
🦋 $6 million campaign launches to save Wayne County’s Sibley Prairie from development Environmental groups are seeking $6 million to save Michigan’s 440-acre Sibley Prairie from development. The Michigan Land Conservancy secured a one-year purchase option from owner Fritz Enterprises Inc. The lakeplain prairie, deemed the state’s largest and highest-quality remnant, hosts over 150 acres of wetlands and 15 rare plant species. Less than 1% of Michigan’s original prairie habitat remains. Funding sources include DNR trust fund grants, corporate donations, and public contributions. Without purchase, the land will likely be developed. 📍 Source: Michigan Public