Mayor Dennis Archer will announce plans this week for an extensive cleanup of the city’s premier park, Belle Isle in the Detroit River that separates Michigan and Ontario.
Archer scheduled a news conference Wednesday to discuss details of the Help Uncover the Gem program, an effort with Comerica Bank to overhaul the long-neglected island park, The Detroit News said Sunday.
The plan calls for a cleanup May 5 by business and community volunteers.
The cleanup is part of an election-year effort to force the issue of the parks renovation and long-term upkeep. Archer has been pushing a Belle Isle entrance fee for several years to pay for upkeep. The City Council long has balked at the idea.
The council has until 70 days before the Nov. 6 election to place the matter on the ballot.
