We, the undersigned, urge Detroit’s City Planning Commission, City Council, and Mayor Mike Duggan to deny Motor City Casino’s proposed expansion of its 3,500 space parking garage to accommodate 700 more parking spaces. Motor City Casino offers no compelling reasons why additional parking is needed. We offer several compelling reasons why it is not:

• First, it is unnecessary. Despite record profits of nearly $490 million, the current parking deck at Motor City Casino does not fill to capacity. The implied reason for more parking is Motor City Casino just wants its guests to be that much closer to the casino, even though there is already ample parking onsite.
• Second, it is unsightly. Casinos are a provisional use in the zoning ordinance. Any changes require City Planning Commission approval. The “SD5 District” specifically requires, “pedestrian and transit linkage,” “positive contribution to the built environment,” and “high quality of life for nearby business, institutions, and residents.” On its face, simply adding parking does nothing to address these requirements.
• Finally, it is unsavory. Though Motor City Casino is a separate legal entity, it is part of Ilitch Holdings and is controlled by the Ilitch family. The Ilitches have exacted hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer subsidy from the City of Detroit, while repeatedly breaking promises to the community for new housing and the rehabilitation of historic buildings, especially in District Detroit. Through widespread property hoarding, neglect, and demolition, the Ilitches have actively diminished the quality of life for all Detroiters.