State Rep. Rashida Tlaib - District 006
2101 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit 48216
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Dear neighbors, 

 
I hope you all are well.  My name is Rashida (your new state rep) and I wanted to let you know that I have been montioring the Belle Isle issue and want you to please reach out to me if you have any specific questions or concerns.  I have been on the listserv for over a month now and appreciate the wealth of information and opinions about various issues in the neighborhood.  It helps me represent you well! 
 
Below and attached is information that I obtained from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) who will oversee the transition (if Council supports it).  I based it on the questions I have read on the listserv and calls my office received.  Please feel free to share this with anyone.  Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and your family.  
 
Best,  Rashida
 
 

BELLE ISLE INFORMATION

 

If the City Council votes to adopt the lease agreement with the State of Michigan, the only requirement will be that any “vehicle” entering Belle Isle will be required to display the Recreation Passport.  Proposed changes to Belle Isle are to make it a safe, clean and friendly place for visitors.

 

MONDAY, JANUARY 28TH, 2013 AT 2:00PM - 13TH FLOOR, COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ROOM at the COLEMAN A. YOUNG MUNICIPAL CENTER.

Detroit City Council is holding a Public Hearing for residents to voice opinions about the proposed lease of Belle Isle by the City of Detroit to the State of Michigan.

 

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29TH, 2013 AT 10AM (TBA MONDAY AFTERNOON) - 13TH FLOOR, COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ROOM at the COLEMAN A. YOUNG MUNICIPAL CENTER.

Council will vote on approving or denying the lease of Belle Isle to the State of Michigan to form a State Park. 

 

FEES, IF LEASE IS APPROVED:

If the City Council votes to adopt the lease agreement, there will be a 90-day transition period from the date the lease goes into effect.  If the Detroit City Council votes to adopt the lease agreement in the near future, the Recreation Passport would not take effect at Belle Isle until April 1, 2013.  Entry would be free until March 31, 2013.

 

The fee is for the Recreation Passport, which applies to vehicles that are registered in the State of Michigan, it is not based on residency.  The cost is $11 for Michigan registered vehicles; $5 for Michigan registered motorcycles.  Vehicles/motorcycles that are not registered in the State of Michigan are required to pay the non-resident fee of $30.50 for an annual Recreation Passport; $8.50 for a daily.  The Recreation Passport is good for one year from the date of a person’s license plate renewal date.

 

ENTRANCE RATES:

Park entry is free for anyone walking into the park, bicycling into the park, or if a bus drops them off at the park.  Any vehicle entering the park would be required to display the Recreation Passport.  The Recreation Passport can be purchased (optional) when renewing license plate tabs for vehicles registered in the State of Michigan or, if a person misses the opportunity to do so through the Secretary of State, a Recreation Passport can be purchased at the park entrance for the same price ($11 for state registered vehicles; $5 for state registered motorcycles).  The Recreation Passport is good for one year from the date of a person’s license plate renewal date.

 

School buses can purchase the Recreation Passport at the park entrance ($11).  Commercial vehicles, such as a tour bus, would be required to purchase a daily (commercial) Recreation Passport at the entrance for $15.80.  This is only if they plan on entering and parking in that state park for the day or a portion of the day.

 

IF RESIDENTS HAVE QUESTIONS:

George Jackson, President of Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Representing Mayor Bing's Office at (313) 963-2940

Their Detroit councilmember (313) 224-3443 or Mayor Bing's Office (313) 224-3400

General questions regarding the Recreation Passport or state park operations- contact the DNR Parks and RecreationDivision’s Lansing Office at 517-373-9900.

More specific questions regarding the proposed lease can be directed to Ron Olson, Chief of the Parks and Recreation Division, at 517-335-4827.