December 2012 Update from Mike Score of Hantz Woodlands

UPDATE:

Hantz Woodlands Community Agreement

The Hantz Group has been negotiating with the city of Detroit for four years with hopes of reaching an agreement on an investment that will make blighted neighborhoods more livable. A proposal is currently before city council that would allow Hantz Woodlands to purchase approximately 1,500 parcels immediately east and west of Indian Village. The investment would result in demolition of at least 50 dangerous structures over two years, planting of at least 15,000 trees, removal of brush and illegally dumped debris, and regular mowing of vegetation in-season. The proposed development zone is encompassed by Mack, Jefferson, Van Dyke, and St. Jean.

In addition to a development agreement which defines the agreement and sets measurable deliverables for the investment, Hantz Woodlands has negotiated a Community Agreement which makes commitments to neighborhoods within the development zone. Commitments include:

• A Community Advisory Group will be formed to advise Hantz Woodlands on the ongoing project and to assist in recruiting residents for jobs. Hantz Woodlands will communicate the time and location of these meetings to LEAP to inform residents in the Hantz Woodlands target area.
• Local residents will receive first preference for jobs, provided that job qualifications are met.
• Hantz Woodlands will create jobs with reasonable salaries, benefits and qualifications.
• The aesthetics of the project will be exceptional and will not isolate the community from the project.
• All required negative externalities (pesticides, pollution, noise, truck traffic) will be minimized or eliminated.
• Hantz Woodlands will create partnerships, as appropriate, with existing nonprofit and for profit entities that are part of the food security system.
• To the extent possible, Hantz Farms will strive toward practices that demonstrate its commitment to being a good corporate neighbor in the LEAP community.
• In the design of its project, Hantz Woodlands will take into account existing plans and projects, as appropriate, to assure that the overall impact on the lower eastside, and the City of Detroit, is positive and effective.

• Hantz Woodlands will offer fair market value to purchase property from existing property owners in the project area up to an annual limit for property purchases and will work cooperatively with those property owners who opt not to move.
• Hantz Woodlands will partner with the city planning department to make sure that residents living in development zone, who have maintained city-owned parcels within the development zone, have first right of refusal to purchase such parcels at a price that is lower than the price paid by Hantz Woodlands under terms of the purchase agreement.
• Hantz Woodlands’ scope of planting and production will remain within the parameters and restrictions of any City Development Agreements, Zoning Regulations or other public requirements associated with this project.

Questions about Hantz Woodlands can be directed to Mike Score, President of Hantz Farms.

Michael Score

President

Hantz Farms

17403 Mount Elliott

Detroit, MI 48212

313-893-1937