Bob Resch on International Village and Ypsilanti city officials' trip to China.

Bob Resch. Purple Walrus Press.

Let's not get bogged down with the "who knew what when." Who cares who paid for the trip. It's a $16,000 bill NOT paid for by the City. So what if our representatives got a free ride AND a first hand look at all the angles of the development in China. I agree with Amanda Edmonds that this is necessary DUE DILIGENCE as part of the investigation of what Water Street might become IF this project goes through. DO NOT LOOK A GIFT HORSE IN THE MOUTH! We may never see another offer of a developer willing to do the infrastructure, sewers, streets, lights, and all the buildings on Water Street. If they need the $23M for Brownfield remediation, and it's substantiated by OUR team of experts then so be it. IT'S ALL ABOUT THE ART OF THE DEAL! I think the City needs more than $140,000 up front for the property. There also needs to be a commitment from IV to be able to finish the development AND a willingness to pay a yearly fee, TO BE DETERMINED BY THE CITY, for Police, Fire, DPW and whatever other expenses will be incurred by the City until the Brownfield payment is completed. If this kind of controversy is allowed to continue then IV will look elsewhere.