The state of Michigan signed an agreement yesterday with Detroit to lease Belle Isle park, saving the city at least $4 million in annual maintenance and operation costs for the recreational landmark, Reuters reported yesterday. Leasing the park in the Detroit River has been a priority for Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr since he was appointed in March. The Detroit City Council failed to approve a similar plan in January before a deadline set by Republican Governor Rick Snyder. Under Michigan's emergency manager law the city council has 10 days to approve the 30-year lease with two 15-year renewals. If the council rejects the lease it would have seven days to propose an alternative plan to save the city the same amount or more. A state emergency loan board would then need to approve one of the proposals. The state said it plans to spend up to $20 million to improve the park during the first 18-36 months of state management.
