Oak Park City Council unanimously approved a Brownfield plan Monday that will allow Barton Mallow to recoup eligible demolition and remediation costs from future tax increments generated by redevelopment of four parcels along 8 Mile and Fern Street.

The council also authorized staff to apply for a $1,000,000 Brownfield grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to help offset demolition and initial cleanup costs. Director of Economic Development Kim Maroney told the council the plan is intended to "reimburse them for any eligible expenses to recapture the additional tax increment that will be on the site after the development to reimburse them for the costs to clean up the environmental contamination on the site." The motion passed by roll call with all members voting yes.

Troy Hall Mick of SME, the environmental consultant on the project, said Barton Mallow "is not the liable party to clean up the contamination associated with the historical uses on the property, but they are required to prepare the properties for due care," explaining that the company must implement engineering controls and safety measures so the site is safe for workers and visitors. Kim Maroney said the Brownfield capture is limited to the incremental tax revenue created by new assessments and that the authority will retain a 5% administration fee over the life of the plan.

Kevin Zaley, representing Barton Mallow, described the proposal as a roughly 50,000-square-foot facility that will expand operations in Oak Park and create about 50 permanent jobs. Zaley said the company hopes the development will help "beautify 8 Mile" and provide space for fabrication, storage and logistics.

During the public hearing resident Ken Sherman asked staff to identify the exact parcels covered by the plan and to confirm whether nearby properties such as the WWJ building are included; staff clarified the parcels are close to the WWJ site but that the building is not part of this project. Maroney also told council the city has discussed the proposal with EGLE and that EGLE has indicated support for moving the grant application forward.

The council closed the public hearing before voting. The Brownfield plan approval and the EGLE grant application were recorded as separate council actions and each passed by unanimous roll call.