Nonprofit manager Delphia Simmons is the sort of problem-tackler who doesn't make lemonade when things turn sour -- she tries to reshape the lemon.
So the state's withdrawal of an offer to lease Belle Isle and spiff it up presents a re-start opportunity that Simmons welcomes, as she explains at the Detroit Regional News Hub's blog.
The recent announcement that the deal has fallen apart takes us right back to the drawing board. Not a bad place to be if you don’t mind thinking outside the box. . . .
We need to look at ways to disconnect the Belle Isle deal from out neighborhood parks by implementing some innovative ideas for these spaces ahead of schedule.
And Simmons, a 54-year-old administrator at the Coalition on Temporary Shelter and resident of Island View Village near Belle Isle, has innovative ideas all right. Does she ever:
Much like stadiums and other facilities let's open up [parks] for naming rights, providing an opportunity for companies, organizations or even families to support the spaces financially through lease or long-term contracts or some sort.
If there are ancestors of those whose names are currently attached to these spaces they may wish to maintain that honor and should be given the opportunity to contribute financially to the upkeep of the space in order to do so. . . .
Offering the space to neighborhood/community organizations, block clubs, companies, and businesses with creative tax and tax credit incentives could result in economic support. . . . Provide tax incentives to residents who partner with entities taking on a substantial responsibility. . . .
These are among the "endless and exciting" possibilities floated:
