Detroit Community Group Wants $1 Stadium Ticket Fee to Help Fix Local Homes

Near the planned $198 million soccer stadium in Corktown, residents want each ticket to cost an extra dollar. This additional money would repair nearby houses. The idea comes as part of talks about an $88 million tax cut for the project.

"A lot of the previous neighborhood advisory councils got railroaded by big developers because the process was young and people didn't really understand how it was going to work," said advisory member Olivia Hubert, according to Bridge Detroit.

Plans show a parking structure and new homes where an old hospital once stood. The site will add 76 living spaces. Local groups insist workers must earn $17 hourly, with half the jobs going to city residents.

The ticket fees could fix up to 400 old houses in the area. Most of these buildings date back nearly 100 years, built when Detroit first boomed.

Locals worry about cars and crowds. They want buses during events and smart traffic planning. "The proposed stadium sits on two of the four main entry points to Southwest Detroit," said Mari Anzicek, a council member.

The group fights to keep costs down for current residents. Their plan includes setting up shared land ownership. New units should cost around $1,136 monthly for two bedrooms—meant for families earning half the city's typical income.

"I really genuinely believe, Sean, that we can build a good relationship as neighbors for many decades to come," said Brianna Williamson, who leads the North Corktown Neighborhood Association, as per Bridge Detroit.

Sean Mann runs Detroit City FC. He'll study these ideas with his team. Two talks are set for October in local spots—McShane's and Donut Villa. City leaders must still approve the final plan.

The group wants city food sellers to run half the stadium's stands. They're pushing for kids' sports, art funding, and ways to keep building work from bothering neighbors.

Since 2012, Detroit City FC has called this city home. Mann points out that team leaders live close enough to walk to where the new field will stand.