Do people think Bedrock & GM should get taxpayer money for the Ren Cen?

(WXYZ) — There has been a lot of talk about the Renaissance Center and the possibility that General Motors and Bedrock could use public tax dollars to fund the building’s new vision.

Both companies are seeking public funding for the proposal, but we wanted to ask who people think should fund the renovation of one of Detroit’s most iconic buildings.

“I come here all the time. I

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“It’s one of my favorite places in the city,” Zen Lopez said of the building.

People are sticking with plans for the future of the Renaissance Center that would involve demolishing the two towers on the Detroit Riverfront.

SEE BELOW: New development plan calls for demolition of two towers

The new development plan calls for the demolition of two towers

“As far as public money is concerned, I don’t agree with it. People are burdened enough with taxes and that’s it. That’s just the reason. You want to build something and then build it with your own money.” Jim Roznowski said.

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“I don’t know that. I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes, but I think the company has enough money,” Julia Anthony said. “What about the people? We have problems. Go to any neighborhood where most of us are struggling.”

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Bedrock and GM said the transformation will depend on securing $250 million in public funding to achieve their $1.6 billion vision.

“I think it’s just the nature of things. “I don’t have a strong feeling about it one way or another,” Lopez said.

Rainy Hamilton Jr., an award-winning architect who runs a firm in Detroit, said tax dollars have helped many developments in the city.

“Little Casears Arena, I’m sure Ford Field, probably Comerica Park; In many major projects, the public was involved to make the deal work. I don’t think it’s any different,” he said.

As to why companies aren’t footing the bill themselves, Hamilton said: “It’s about how we can cover the cost of construction, and in the Detroit market it’s still a challenge to cover all of those costs.”

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