DCFC stadium deal leaves parking concerns
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After months of discussions, Detroit City FC has agreed to a $2.27 million community benefits package for its new 15,000-seat soccer stadium on Michigan Avenue expected to open in 2027.
Why it matters: Thursday's deal between DCFC and a panel of neighborhood leaders addresses wages, affordable housing and other concerns, but fails to satisfy long-term questions about Corktown's parking options.
- It still requires City Council's approval to be enacted.
What they're saying: Former City Council member Sheila Cockrel, who was among the panel's minority voting "no," said the agreement lacks a long-term parking plan and does not supply community benefits that are proportionate to the project's $88 million in tax incentives.
- "Ongoing congestion" from Michigan Central and Newlab already strain capacity, she said in a statement.
- "The current parking proposal in unrealistic and fails to reflect Corktown's lived reality," Cockrel's statement reads. "The proposed stadium will worsen these challenges."
The latest: As part of the deal, DCFC said it will adhere to zoning rules that require 2,500 parking spaces surrounding the stadium and provide public reports on its third-party parking agreements.
- The team agreed to provide enhanced bike parking for employees and fans.
- A public transit incentive program — potentially involving ticket discounts or food vouchers — also will be implemented for stadiumgoers.
Zoom out: In addition to DCFC's new stadium, Corktown and greater Southwest Detroit are anticipating the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge and Michigan Central's continued development, including a luxury hotel and a new Amtrak station.
State of play: A new parking garage about a half-mile from Michigan Avenue was built during Michigan Central's recent renovation, but many Corktown visitors rely on residential side streets for parking.
The other side: Bill Cheek, a North Corktown resident, was disappointed with the agreement's lack of a comprehensive parking or traffic plan, among other concerns.
- He recalled how congested the area was for this month's No Kings rally at Roosevelt Park.
- Once the soccer stadium is built, he expects vacant lots in his neighborhood to turn into unsightly, privately operated parking lots, which he referred to as "bad urbanism."
- "We're going to have to look at that s--- for another 50 years," Cheek told Axios.
What's next: DCFC's community benefits agreement are scheduled to be discussed at Thursday's meeting of City Council's Planning and Economic Development committee.