Macomb city council members voted in favor of proceeding with development of an indoor sports complex.
The city administration calls the complex a sports tourism project that would bring in people to visit, spend the night, and spend money in Macomb.
Council members left open the possibility of changing course if they cannot secure the financing or resources to complete the project.
“We’re proceeding with caution,” said Mayor Mike Inman.
The council approved the motion on a 5 to 0 vote. Council members John Vigezzi and Ashley Katz were absent from the meeting.
The council also agreed to proceed with creating a business development district, which would include the site for the sports complex.
A sales tax within the district would help pay for the sports complex, and city leaders say the district should be established even if the sports facility is not built.
“This is another tool for the toolbox, and I think we really ought to give this serious consideration,” said council member Dave Dorsett before the council voted 4 to 1 in favor of the district. Dennis Moon opposed it.
The boundaries for the district have not been determined, and a site for the sports complex has not been chosen, though possible sites mentioned in the feasibility study completed by Sports Facilities Companies include land east of Veterans Park and locations south of Jackson Street on the city’s far east side.
The complex would require 8.18 acres of land.
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