Allen Park: New East Hollywood?
Allen Park, in cooperation with Michigan native and Hollywood audio producer Jimmy Lifton, announced a plan for Hollywood coming to Downriver. In the shadows of Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm’s approval of using tax money to fund film credits for increased productions state-wide, the proposed Unity Studio complex would be constructed near Southfield and I-94; the central hub of what would be nicknamed “Allen Park 90210,” or “East Hollywood.”
Lifton had combed for a site for three years, and the abandoned Northville Psychiatric Center was one of the final candidates. But Allen Park was close to Lifton’s roots; his family had a business practice in Melvindale years before. “My goal,” Lifton stated, “is to bring a new industry to my home state.” The initial reaction to the 104-acre development would prove to be stunning in its possibility, as well as in doubters’ minds.
Talk had been circulating for many years that Michigan had limited itself by stressing the automotive industry as its main draw for decades, and that not enough attention was paid to secondary industries which, in case of a major downfall of the auto industry, could help keep the state’s economic standard on track. Stock market volatility deflated the national economy during this time, and Michigan was no exception. Facing possible federal bailouts, the auto companies were reeling, and hopes began to increasingly rely on formulas and ideas harking back to earlier years: independent entrepreneurs, plus different business interests, in order to keep the economic house in order.
Although some layoffs were announced and shifts were eliminated or shortened at various auto production facilities, no permanent closures occurred at this time.
Tricky state economy threatens start-ups
But there was trouble on the horizon for some of these new businesses attempting to make their mark Downriver, beginning with the Pinnacle Racecourse. Though the offerings were initially slim, the potential for growth was boundless. The News-Herald would give a glowing review to the course in September, and Pinnacle’s season highlight was undoubtedly the Michigan Sires Showcase in October. A full season was planned the following year, with capacity increased to 4,000 with the second phase of construction.
However, state budget concerns were never more evident at the start of 2009, and the state, which had helped fund initial Pinnacle operations, was in jeopardy. Despite this, it was announced in June that a full season was still being planned.It was first reported in August that the race track had failed to pay their property taxes. Then in September, cracks in the agreement between the racetrack owners and the Indian Tribe was under scrutiny.
Delays were also forthcoming on the Unity Studios site in Allen Park. Lifton’s plans, which included productions beginning in the autumn of 2009, as well as enrollment of the first class at Lifton School for Media Skills, were facing delays, but only because Unity was still providing criteria to Wayne County to qualify the 104 acres for Renaissance Zone designation.
A public groundbreaking would take place on August 27, 2009, in a ceremony that was billed to be “unlike any other.” Returns from this early investment looked promising, with the first feature film slated for production and release within six months. The joint venture between Unity and Henry Ford Community College would utilize Lifton Institute’s 106 first-class graduates in a production of “A Christmas Dream.”
Ecorse controversy: FBI steps in
Despite the promises held by new Ecorse Mayor Herbert Worthy and his administration, controversy continued to dog the city, as it was in danger of falling into emergency management for the second time in its history thanks to running a $9 million budget deficit. In mid-2008, Worthy made the request to Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to start the ball rolling towards such an emergency request, but before much could be done, Worthy was arrested and placed into custody on September 25, 2009 by the FBI, along with City Controller Erwin Hollenquest.
In recent times, Ecorse was forced to lay off 70 Public Works employees due to budget cuts. DPS duties were then assumed by Michigan Municipal Services, a firm contracted by Wayne County. Before long, accusations flew that the company inflated their invoice request amounts by $2.5 million in a probable kickback scheme. At the time, both Mayor Worthy’s son and grandson were employed by that company.
downriverhistory.blog 