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Detroit committee advances plan to cosign long-term lease for Belle Isle Boathouse, developers pledge public access

Detroit City Council Neighborhood and Community Services Standing Committee · November 20, 2025
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Summary

The Neighborhood & Community Services committee voted to send a proposed cosigned lease with the state for the Belle Isle Boathouse to formal council session after a lengthy discussion about public access, youth programming and who will pay for restoration.

The standing committee on neighborhood and community services moved a proposed authorization to cosign a lease with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) for the Belle Isle Boathouse to formal session after detailed questions about public access and program commitments.

Assistant Director Alex Weatherup told the committee the state holds a 30‑year lease on Belle Isle and that the developer’s proposed lease of the boathouse would exceed that term. "They require the city to cosign it, since it may fall back to us after the 30 years," Weatherup said, adding the state would pay restoration costs.

Developer Stuart Pittman described plans to restore…

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