Gilbert struggles to win support for tax break

Billionaire Dan Gilbert doesn't have enough City Council support to pass a $60 million tax break for his Hudson's site development downtown.

• A vote was expected yesterday, but Bedrock, Gilbert's development company, asked for the tax break to be taken off the council's agenda.
• There is no timeline for a future vote, and Bedrock will continue lobbying for votes in the meantime.

Why it matters: Gilbert is one of the city's most prolific benefactors. His representatives have suggested future investments could be jeopardized if the 10-year commercial property tax abatement doesn't pass.

• Council members are now left with a polarizing choice: Risk upsetting Gilbert, or side with residents who believe their tax money is better spent elsewhere, like on affordable housing programs.

What they're saying: Council Member Coleman Young II, who told reporters he supports the tax break, says the conversation was tabled because "we just don't have the votes."

• Young said he's concerned about potential layoffs on the Woodward Avenue job site if the council ultimately rejects the tax break.
• The potential layoffs aren't definite, but "there've been strong suggestions that this is a possibility."

Yes, and: The council is somewhat obligated to approve the tax break because it unanimously approved the abatement's framework in 2017, Gilbert's representatives have said.