The Ypsilanti Courier
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Planning and development director to leave city
Assistant city manager to take over duties
By Christine Laughren, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: March 27, 2008
In the interest of cost saving, the city of Ypsilanti is looking into reorganizing the Planning and Development department, resulting in the separation of Planning and Development director Karen Hart from the city. The decision was announced last week.
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Assistant city manager April McGrath said Hart has three months severance, as the city did not fire with cause. Hart will finish out the month and her final day is April 1.
"We're looking at the solvency plan and we're not sure if we need to hire another person," McGrath said.
McGrath just recently took over supervision of the Water Street development project.
In addition to making preparations for next month's Brownfields Conference in Detroit, McGrath will be working with city administrators to look at new considerations and options for the property such as the possibility of parceling the land.
Oversight of the Water Street project was originally a charge given to Hart. However, several questioned her ability to handle the project after a recent Request for Qualification and Proposal saw only one response from CB Richard Ellis.
Gary Lillie, managing director of Sperry Van Ness, Lillie & Associates LLC, said the notice system Hart used was inadequate. He requested the city re-open the bidding process and expand their notice system.
McGrath said the city is planning on releasing another RFQ/P Friday with a broader notice.
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