It wasn't exactly a red carpet, but Detroit's City Council, in a 6-3 vote, approved a land swap that will assemble the real estate Fiat Chrysler Automobiles needs to build the city's first auto plant in 30 years.
FCA plans to spend $2.5 billion to modify and expand two east-side facilities, expected to add nearly 5,000 jobs in the process. Council needed to approve the transfer of some parcels, along with a community benefits agreement with FCA.
Early on, council members focused on concerns regarding there being no set number of guaranteed Detroit hires for the plants. Some also expressed concerns about land proposed to be given to the Morouns in exchange for property the city acquired for the plant expansion.
(Council member Mary) Sheffield also took issue with the disposition of city-owned land to the Morouns. She said there was no public input, and it was worked out after a community benefits agreement was forged.
City administration worked to gain City Council’s support Tuesday. Tom Lewand, group executive for jobs and economic growth for the mayor’s office, said the way the deal is structure is critical to bringing these jobs to the city.
Council also approved the sale of a a city-owned parking garage on Congress, the revenues from which will be used to finance the city's contribution to land purchases.
Hiring will be opened first to Detroit residents for a four-week period before those who live outside the city can apply.
Raquel Castaneda-Lopez, Brenda Jones and Sheffield voted against the agreement.
