WALKER, Mich. (WZZM) - The sporting goods super store is a world of its own. "There are lots of retail operations but Cabela's seems to be unique in that it draws tourism. It feeds tourism," said Walker Mayor Rob VerHeuelen.
The big box retailer could be the anchor of the Orchard Park development at I-96 and Walker Avenue.
Developer Jim Bossenbroek, has come to Walker City Council members numerous times in the past year. "We are in discussions with them. I don't have a signed contract with them because I don't know what I can commit to yet totally until I know a little more of what I can do here," said VerHeulen.
In July of 2007, Bossenbroek presented design plans to the City of Walker, and a Brownfield clean-up and tax sharing proposal to the city of Wyoming.
In order for the 240 acre sight to support a shopping, office and residential development, neighboring Wyoming agreed to fund the infrastructure. In return, Wyoming collects the property taxes on site for a period of time.
The Governor's announcement Tuesday to fund $40-million towards the Brownfield agreements greatly helps the project.
"They can use it for the environmental clean-up, the roads, the water tower and all of the other infrastructure," said VerHeuelen.
But the state funds are only available if Cabela's signs on. "That's the predicate upon which the state is taking this action," said VerHeulen So is the City of Walker.
"If Cabela's isn't there, then in my language all bets are off."
In your voice
