DEARBORN, Michigan – Will the Goodwill store get approved at the Planning Commission tonight? At the last meeting on Feb. 13th, the Planning Commission was deadlocked in a 4/4 vote – and the good citizens of Dearborn are wondering if they will be stuck in Deep doo-doo forever, or if a commissioner will change their vote at tonight’s meeting.
Editors note: Un-confirmed reports are circulating that commissioner Said Deep will NOT be at the meeting tonight, but at least 5 votes in favor of the Goodwill store are still needed for approval.
Artists rendition of new Goodwill store in Dearborn, Michigan - courtesy of Goodwill Industries
Local entrepreneur Peder Blohm wrote an open letter to City of Dearborn Planning Commissioners Said Deep, Nasser Alrayashi, Chris Forsythe and Nancy Siwik:
It has been a turbulent couple of months regarding Goodwill coming or not coming in West Dearborn, and this issue has affected a lot of people in Dearborn, me included. I normally don’t get involved in City affairs, as I have no interest in politics, or patience for the time issues take to get approved or denied, decisions made, etc. I am more a “let’s get it done” person, and that’s why I normally stay away from issues like this.
You all voted against giving Goodwill the approval and the stalemate will hopefully be changed at the meeting Monday night. I see another difficult situation for any of you, and that is to change your vote for an approval. I also know that some of you have political aspirations to run for City Council in the next election. You have tried before, and did not make it all the way. The situation with Goodwill has diminished your “political capital” and the statements, opinions and blogs have made it even worse. The main reason is that you have totally disregarded what the majority of Dearborn residents and businesses have told you in a number of different ways. That Goodwill has the support is clear and the people have spoken.
I would applaud the Commissioner who stands up and says: “The people of Dearborn have told us what they want, that is the reason for my changed vote, and we work for the residents of Dearborn”. If that person is planning on running at the next election, this is a way to restore some of the “political capital” lost. It shows that he/she listens to the people.
Jennifer Giering, President of the Dearborn Chamber of Commerce spoke in favor of the new Goodwill store at the corner of Michigan and Military, saying: “First and foremost, I think it’s going to re-invigorate that corner of Michigan Avenue. Norm Newman has done a really nice job filling up the north-south development with some great businesses… and I think to drive foot traffic to the bakery [Iverson’s Bakery] and Biggby and whatnot… It’s going to create jobs. It’s going to turn an empty building into a thriving corner. ”
Whatever the outcome of tonight’s vote – Dearborn must keep moving forward – as Giering said in her recent article:
Nostalgia seems to be on the minds of many lately. Fond memories transport Dearborn citizens back to shopping at Sanders, Crowley’s and Jacobson’s. These fine establishments hold a very special place in the history of Dearborn. Unfortunately, the growing trend of regional malls sealed their fate and they went the way of the 8 track tape, Polaroid cameras and pay phones. The market will no longer bear these elegant stores profitable existence. We must continue to embrace the new, the innovative business models that will carry this community forward.
The economic prosperity of this community should not be judged on storefronts along Michigan Avenue. It should be gauged by the brilliant entrepreneurs operating in this city everyday. They work in warehouses, multi-story office buildings and in basements. While making a great name for Dearborn, these individuals are running profitable businesses.
Related Stories
- City Planning Deadlocked – Goodwill a Bad Idea?
- Goodwill Moving Forward With Plans for a Dearborn Store
- A Midnight in Dearborn – article at DearbornChamber.org
- Goodwill Seeks OK for Dearborn Second Hand Store – DeepSaidWhat?