Greektown
Plans Not Good News for Some
As reported by the Detroit
Free Press: "Greektown Casino's proposal
to stay in its temporary location doesn't sit
well with Darlene Williamson or hundreds of
other low-income residents of Parkwycke Towers
Apartments, which will be bulldozed early next
year to make way for a 3,500-space parking garage.
"Williamson, 51, said she isn't
against the casino or progress, but she receives
government housing assistance and doesn't have
a nest egg to pay for moving.
"Residents have been asked to leave by
Dec. 29 but have not been given assurances they
will receive money to put down on other apartments.
Greektown Casino has pledged to pay their moving
costs.
"Greektown Casino announced its plan last
week to preserve its $275-million investment
in the temporary casino at Lafayette and St.
Antoine and spend $175 million more to add a
hotel and parking garage in the district.
"…Greektown is still negotiating
with the City of Detroit to buy its parking
lot at Monroe and St. Antoine and doesn't yet
have a deal with Annunciation Greek Orthodox
Cathedral to lease its parking lot at Monroe
and I-375 to build its hotel tower.
"…Staying in Greektown also helps
other businesses in the district, many of them
restaurants that benefit from $6 million in
complimentary meal tickets from the casino each
year. The area is one of the most vibrant in
the city, featuring more than 20 restaurants,
and bakeries and shops. The pedestrian-friendly
strip attracts large crowds on weekends.
"…Greektown merchants had mixed
feelings about the casino putting down roots
after five years in its temporary location…"
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