Since the discussion has hinged so far on the competence and experience of the Conservancy's Board of Directors, I thought I'd post its membership:
- Steve Benavides, southwest Detroit coach and community leader
- Gary Gillette, Editor of The ESPN Baseball Encyclopedia and co-chair of the SABR Business of Baseball Committee.
- Morris Hood III, former Michigan State House Representative - 11th District
- Kelli Kavanaugh, Greater Corktown Development Corporation Vice-President. Former Executive Director of the Corktown Citizen District Council.
- Michael Kirk, Preservation Architect in private practice.
- Thomas Linn, Chairman Emeritus Miller Canfield
- David R. Mitchell, an attorney with Miller-Canfield and Greater Corktown Development Corporation President.
- Rick Ruffner, President, Avanti Press
- S. Gary Spicer, sports and entertainment attorney.
- Steve Tobocman, former Michigan State House of Representatives Majority Floor Leader.
- Daniel Varner, Chief Executive Officer of Think Detroit PAL.
- Kathleen Wendler, President of the Southwest Detroit Business Association
Maybe they're not experienced developers, but this strikes me as a pretty solid board. I think the brunt of the fault lies with the DEGC, not the Conservancy, which has done a remarkable job so far given the terrible economy and DEGC's evident lack of faith in their efforts.