Detroit — The proposed Belle Isle lease gives the state broad control of the island but doesn't include specifics for improving its most popular attractions, saying only that its obligations depend on available funds.

The agreement announced last week by Gov. Rick Snyder and Detroit Mayor Dave Bing is under fierce scrutiny as a skeptical City Council prepares to dissect it next week. The council, which must approve the lease, is scheduled to take up the issue Sept. 25.

Some critics worry that the lease — which turns Belle Isle into a state park requiring a vehicle entrance fee — does not guarantee the state will perform its obligations if funds are not available.

The plan also has raised concern that the park Detroiters consider an extension of their own backyard could become unwelcoming under new state park rules that could freeze out informal family reunions and fishing trips.

City Council President Charles Pugh said he hopes for a "seamless transition" to avoid alienating the island's most frequent visitors.

"I don't want people with annual family reunions there, people who fish there, people who go to barbecue there, young guys who just go to hang out and chill" to feel unwelcome, he said. "If we do this, I don't want anybody to notice."Pugh said he "needs to see more" before he is comfortable with the lease deal: "There are so many questions as to liability."


Full story [[with before and after pictures released by the city) at: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2...#ixzz26f8SySPs