Letter 1 of 3 from the Depot Town Association
To: Dennis Dahlman
Dahlman properties
300 South Thayer
Ann Arbor, Mi. 48104
Dear Sir,
The Depot Town Association is an active Ypsilanti merchant’s association that was organized in 1976, specifically, to promote the economic revitalization and preserve the unique historical character of the area that is known locally as Depot Town. It has been a long and arduous process and thanks to the efforts of our merchants, property owners, committed citizens and the City of Ypsilanti it has been restored to one of the most vibrant business districts in Washtenaw County.
There was an air of excitement when you purchased the depot more than five years ago. We were thrilled that someone would finally develop our namesake into something that would reflect the pride we take in our area. However, it is sad to see not one sign of improvement has surfaced to date and the depot is in the same sorry condition that has existed since it was purchased from the railroad about twenty years ago.
In an effort to assist in the development of the depot, the Depot Town Downtown Development Authority purchased property, at considerable cost, and developed a parking lot for the purpose of encouraging you to develop the property. The City of Ypsilanti and the Depot Town DDA have sent letters asking what your plans for the property might be. To date they haven’t received the courtesy of a response from you or your company.
Through our efforts and risk taking investment we have increased the value of your property. We are interested why you haven’t begun the process of, at least, upgrading and/or re-development of the depot. Is there any way our association can help or encourage you to begin the restoration of the depot? If you don’t plan to restore it, can we assist you in finding a developer that will support the economic vitality of the Depot Town business District?
A response to this letter will be greatly appreciated so that we may know what you expect to do. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Gary McKeever
Dahlman properties
300 South Thayer
Ann Arbor, Mi. 48104
Dear Sir,
The Depot Town Association is an active Ypsilanti merchant’s association that was organized in 1976, specifically, to promote the economic revitalization and preserve the unique historical character of the area that is known locally as Depot Town. It has been a long and arduous process and thanks to the efforts of our merchants, property owners, committed citizens and the City of Ypsilanti it has been restored to one of the most vibrant business districts in Washtenaw County.
There was an air of excitement when you purchased the depot more than five years ago. We were thrilled that someone would finally develop our namesake into something that would reflect the pride we take in our area. However, it is sad to see not one sign of improvement has surfaced to date and the depot is in the same sorry condition that has existed since it was purchased from the railroad about twenty years ago.
In an effort to assist in the development of the depot, the Depot Town Downtown Development Authority purchased property, at considerable cost, and developed a parking lot for the purpose of encouraging you to develop the property. The City of Ypsilanti and the Depot Town DDA have sent letters asking what your plans for the property might be. To date they haven’t received the courtesy of a response from you or your company.
Through our efforts and risk taking investment we have increased the value of your property. We are interested why you haven’t begun the process of, at least, upgrading and/or re-development of the depot. Is there any way our association can help or encourage you to begin the restoration of the depot? If you don’t plan to restore it, can we assist you in finding a developer that will support the economic vitality of the Depot Town business District?
A response to this letter will be greatly appreciated so that we may know what you expect to do. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Gary McKeever
