Could 220-acre development for Chinese immigrants be headed for Milan area?
This Monday photo shows a property on the border of Milan Township and London Township, which is slated for residential development by a Chinese investment group. The 415-home community will be part of a development for Chinese immigrants in Michigan.
AP Photo/Detroit News, Robin Buckson
Property purchase records in Monroe County's Milan Township - located just southeast of a US-23 exit to Milan - indicate that a US-based Chinese investment firm has bought 220 acres, with township officials saying they may be planned for a 415-home upscale development, according to a report in the Detroit News.
The investors have met with Milan city officials to discuss running city water lines to the property, according to the report.
Their ultimate goal, according to the story, is to let residents of the property attend the University of Michigan for in-state tuition rates.
Comments
Dawn
Wed, May 16, 2012 : 5:50 p.m.
This is wrong in so many ways! I would not be allowed to build a "whites only" community or a "jewish only", or a "black only" or any kind of "only" community, how can this be allowed? My ancestors became CITIZENS first before they were allowed to have any kind of benefits of living here. They worked here, lived here and supported the country here first. There are so many students already here that can't get in because higher tuition is paid by those from other countries by their countries. If we are such a melting pot how come they don't just come in a purchase homes in the area? IF you are living in this country you should be embracing this country, not standing to the side and expecting favors.
Jonathan Blutarsky
Wed, May 16, 2012 : 2:26 a.m.
It gets better - this is the coupon I get in the middle of this article - [ FREE 16oz Soup With $10 Purchase at Lucky Kitchen Print Coupon ] That takes you here - http://www.annarbor.com/restaurants/lucky-kitchen-u-m-north-campus/ Kind of hilarious!
Ron Granger
Wed, May 16, 2012 : 7:55 p.m.
Do you feel lucky? Well, do you?
Ron Granger
Wed, May 16, 2012 : 2:16 a.m.
""Chinese developers want to build some kind of high-end residential houses," said Milan Mayor Kym Muckler" That is the new mayor who insisted on erecting a protective physical barrier at meetings between the public and the council. Despite no past history of incidents. Perhaps this project is why she was so concerned about public reaction.
Gorc
Wed, May 16, 2012 : 12:58 a.m.
What do you think the reaction would be if the development was marketed as an all white community?
Ron Granger
Wed, May 16, 2012 : 7:56 p.m.
Some people market Milan that way.
mun
Wed, May 16, 2012 : 6:02 p.m.
Many of the same people criticizing this all-Chinese community would do a 180 and justify it on the grounds of individual freedom and personal property rights.
David Paris
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 11:33 p.m.
IF prospective Chinese students currently get preferential status over in-state residents because they are currently paying the higher international student tuition, then whom is this really benefiting once the prospective Chinese students are on the same playing field as us locals? Something tells me that either the local tax-payer, or the local prospective UofM student, or both, are getting screwed on this deal!
Think!
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 10:24 p.m.
annarbor.com - The Onion without the irony.
Sallyxyz
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 10:17 p.m.
"Their ultimate goal, according to the story, is to let residents of the property attend the University of Michigan for in-state tuition rates." Not to worry. The UM will figure out how to make this illegal and continue to get out of state tuition from the Chinese students who live here. How is living in this Chinese housing development any different from buying a home anywhere else in A2? Home ownership is not enough to get in-state tuition at UM, which has one of the most stringent set of residency rules in the country for granting in-state tuition.
Jonathan Blutarsky
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 10:15 p.m.
Seriously a2dotcom - Headlines with a question mark(!) That alone implies "Fact light" "Yellow journalism, or the yellow press, is a type of journalism that presents little or no legitimate well-researched news and instead uses eye-catching headlines to sell more newspapers. Techniques may include exaggerations of news events, scandal-mongering, or sensationalism. By extension, the term yellow journalism is used today as a pejorative to decry any journalism that treats news in an unprofessional or unethical fashion." Bet this gets deleted...
Bones
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 9:03 p.m.
In the full article it states that each investor. Meaning the home buyer seeking citizenship. Has to pony up 500k each and create a business that employs at least 10 Americans. Now that is all fine and dandy. But my question is this. Will they pay taxes or will they get that seven year tax break? I do disagree with them flying the chinese flag. If this is not a embassy then the ONLY flag being flown should be the American flag. That would show respect and affirm that they truely do seek to be American Citizens.
Tony Livingston
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 8:14 p.m.
Nothing about this story sounds right. It is not that easy to come here and stay. Students can come for school but I doubt that they can bring their families. I don't think we are getting the right information here.
Frederick
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 8:12 p.m.
Read the Time magazine's cover story: "Peoples republic of scandal". These are corrupted officers of the Chinese Government. They steal money from regular people in China and move to foreign countries, then enjoy luxury life here. Can regular Chinese people afford to send their kids oversea for college?
Sallyxyz
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 10:19 p.m.
Luxury living in Milan, Michigan? I doubt it.
Susan
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 7:59 p.m.
A little more information about this proposal would have been helpful.
Tesla
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 7:17 p.m.
I say cool. Sure it's wonky and different, but at least it's honest and the local builders and contractors will be thankful for the work, and the local economy will benefit as well. Why is everyone so uptight around here. *rolleyeyes*
Dawn
Wed, May 16, 2012 : 5:56 p.m.
Will they be local builders or will China send them over to make sure that the job is done right? And really...a community alone. This country doesn't stand alone...we ALL stand TOGETHER, One country, one flag, one community.
MIKE
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 7:35 p.m.
By "wonky", do you mean discriminatory?
The Black Stallion3
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 7:21 p.m.
Think before "rolleyeyes"
CT
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 6:51 p.m.
Will Americans be able to buy houses in this development?
mun
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 9:07 p.m.
I believe our state & federal housing laws say yes, Americans will be able to buy houses in this development. If not, it is called redlining, which is illegal.
The Black Stallion3
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 7:09 p.m.
No....Only Chinese...and we would not be allowed to drive through it either. Americans are giving up their rights to freedom but hopefully we can change that in November.
Jay Thomas
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 6:24 p.m.
This would not be much more than student housing outside of ann arbor. When one class of students graduates another would come in. Obviously from the Chinese elite who can afford it (who are more likely to be connected to the ruling party there). We have record numbers of graduates who can't find jobs, yet they continue to increase the number of foreign students admitted to MI universities, so they can go on and compete for jobs with Americans after graduation. I have felt that it is a de facto colonization for a long time... then we have segregated housing proposed, apparently for the purpose of jipping the U out of dollars. That was the only reason I could see for admitting them in the first place!
zanzerbar
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 9:02 p.m.
Could someone ( perhaps a Chinese student or Chinese resident) please weight in on tis article?
The Black Stallion3
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 7:17 p.m.
And then we wonder why our son's and daughter's can't find jobs, this is the type of situation real American's could see through but we have done a poor job of that so far in our history.
eagleman
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 7:13 p.m.
Many of those foreign students go back home. They come here for our superior universities and then take that knowledge back to their home lands.
Annie
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 5:39 p.m.
I'm confused. Why is this a bad thing? More people moving to Michigan means more tax revenue! Who cares if they are from China, Antarctica, or Ohio? They will still pay taxes, they will still buy things, they will need someone to build those houses, they will probably drive vehicles (A plus for the auto industry). Frankly, as someone else has already said, I'm surprised they'd want to isolate themselves into a community like this, based on history, but, whatever. Maybe because of how the government blocks a lot of information from the people, it's difficult to figure out HOW to come to the States (or anywhere else, for that matter), so this is a community that can bring them here? I just don't understand the uproar. If it's about in-state tution, it doesn't effect the public as a whole whether people pay in-state, or out-of-state. If anyone should be irritated it should be the University of Michigan...they're the ones getting the shaft, so to speak, in this situation. On the flip side, you can move to California, and if you live there three months you can get in-state tuition. If it doesn't effect you, why does it bother you so much???
Dawn
Wed, May 16, 2012 : 6:01 p.m.
It bothers me because I can't find a decent job, can't get into college and can't afford to move out. My family lives in second rate housing and we can't afford any better. They are coming in as a separate community, with the intent of a lower tuition. (If they came from Mexico it seems they would get even more freebies, while the average citizen has trouble making it at all.) I wouldn't get anything like this if I decided to move to China to go to school and get my degree. I wouldn't be allowed to create an "American COmmunity" there either.
Sallyxyz
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 10:22 p.m.
UM will stop this. UM depends on a large number of foreign students who pay full out of state tuition and do not qualify for any financial aid. If this development allowed students to qualify for residency, which it won't, then UM will step in and put new rules in place to guarantee their out of state tuition. The entire North Campus would collapse if the foreign students didn't pay out of state tuition, you can bet on it.
The Black Stallion3
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 7:14 p.m.
Please read the comment by Jay...it follows yours and is full of insight from an American perspective.
TaxPayer
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 5:30 p.m.
This seems like a terrific attempt to revitalize this small city. Milan's city council has been so busy trying to keep a small town feel they have forgotten to compete with thriving communities like Saline. The downtown district is riddled with empty storefronts and there is a gross lack of things to do for the huge teenage (13-18) population. Maybe this would pump enough money into the city to actually raise home values, weed out the undesirables, create opportunities for the kids to keep busy without "hanging" at the park, and grow the existing businesses.
Sallyxyz
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 10:24 p.m.
It's going to take a lot more than a development of Chinese residences to create things to do for the huge teenage population, many of whom enjoy wreaking havoc in the community through drug use and petty crime.
EyeHeartA2
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 5:18 p.m.
I would be concerned about traffic issues.
Stephen Landes
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 5:13 p.m.
Chinese or any other people can move to Michigan, establish residency, and go to school. However, creating a "Chinese only" community is going to be a problem. How will they be able to discriminate against non-Chinese who decide they would like to buy homes in that area? We have had a long, hard slog getting past the red-lining, not showing people homes where the realtor thought they "wouldn't be comfortable", and communities run like Orville Hubbard's version of Dearborn. We shouldn't allow ourselves to slip backwards. Given the history of Asians in this country I would think they wouldn't want this kind of "community" either.
eagleman
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 7:12 p.m.
Good point, Stephen.
ruminator
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 4:56 p.m.
I would like to sell my home to only someone of German decent. That would be contrary to Federal fair housing laws. Building a China town is also pushing the bounds of the law. I presume that one would have to be from China to buy into this development? I might suggest that they buy established homes in existing neighborhoods. We have a pretty good inventory of unsold homes.
Mike D.
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 4:16 p.m.
Michigan is a beautiful state. Sadly, it's full of bigoted, ignorant people. The majority of the comments in this thread tell that story pretty clearly. Ironically, you'll gt what you want: Chinese people, along with others who might bring talent and commerce to the state (gays, for example), see what we're all about. And they go elsewhere.
Dawn
Wed, May 16, 2012 : 6:09 p.m.
Michigan is full of people who are tyring to survive in a state that has no jobs and where the average person cannot afford to go to UofM. It has nothing to do with Bigotry and Ignorance...we can all see very clearly what is going on and we're tired of trying to fight our way through the morass. Maybe if the UofM didn't cost so bloody much to go there the state would also be full of Talented and business and even be more beautiful because the citizens made it that way...together...not apart in separate communities.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 4:33 p.m.
"it's full of bigoted, ignorant people" And extremely hateful people attack those with differing opinions and call them "bigoted" and "ignorant" because of it. Ann Arbor is especially full of these "tolerant" types.
Pickforddick
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 4:19 p.m.
Good...I hope they enjoy it elsewhere.
a2grateful
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 4:09 p.m.
People move to new areas all of the time, some even to establish residency for college attendance. Many people think the "movers" are smart for doing so, as "movers" attempt to better their lives. The law allows it. However, the law is not just for "certain" people. It applies to all of us, as in "liberty and justice for all." So, lets just get over it. . . Accept it and move on. . . Reconcile our emotions. . . Come to terms with it. . . Find ways to deal with our emotional difficulty accepting normal change. . . As in civil rights. . . USA. . . Statue of Liberty. . . Freedom. . . Doesn't anyone here remember any of this from history class?
Dawn
Wed, May 16, 2012 : 6:12 p.m.
Doesn't that apply to citizens??? I'm all for new blood in our communities but not at the cost of what is already here. THose of us who live in the area don't stand a chance. Neither do our young students trying to get a shot at a good education.
David Paris
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 11:10 p.m.
I'm wondering if, as an Ann Arbor resident my kid would have a better chance of getting accepted at Michigan if we were to move to Chine, establish citizenship, then move back here under this new plan and establish residency before he applies. There's still time for us to do this, please advise.
The Black Stallion3
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 7:19 p.m.
This is a repeat of the same thing that was taken down by the editors and here we have it again...why?
Unusual Suspect
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 4:35 p.m.
He changed "the law isn't just for white people" to "certain people," but we have the liberal code book and know what he means by that.
Pickforddick
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 4:14 p.m.
I would think that this is one of the major problems why America is declining, statements and thoughts like this.
Pickforddick
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 4:13 p.m.
Is this a repeat?
5c0++ H4d13y
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 4:04 p.m.
Considering the residency requirements it seems it would be cheaper to just pay out of state tuition.
trespass
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 3:36 p.m.
The whole point of this development is that these Chinese businessmen do not want to integrate into the American melting pot. They want to isolate themselves and maintain a Chinese environment in America. They are also locating in a small township so that they will have political influence rather than, for instance, in Detroit or Ann Arbor. The reason that the project is in jeopardy is that it depends on the real estate investment to qualify the Chinese citizens for EB5 visas, which grants them a permanent residency status (a green card) but the federal government is saying that doesn't qualify but Snyder has been in Washington, DC trying to get the EB5 visa program expanded. AA.com has had this story for more than a week but they chose not to write about it. What gives?
Enso
Thu, May 17, 2012 : 12:30 p.m.
So should we take all the mostly white, gated communities in the area and start putting minorities in them too? It seems to me that there are a lot of white people that aren't integrating themselves into the melting pot either.
Major
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 2:30 p.m.
I have to wonder if this were written differently, the outcry would be thunderous!! White people building their own community for themselves...don't think that would fly very long...don't even think this post will stay up very long!
Enso
Thu, May 17, 2012 : 12:29 p.m.
Yeah, white people are such victims!
mun
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 9:30 p.m.
So, would it be OK with you if it were an all white community instead of all Chinese? I think both are racist.
The Black Stallion3
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 7:26 p.m.
Pay attention !!
MIKE
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 4:26 p.m.
But how does changing "Chinese" to "White" make it a comment from the right?
Pickforddick
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 4:05 p.m.
Yes...This paper leans very left and does not like comments to the right.
djacks24
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 4:01 p.m.
"We are not allowed to comment about white people because this paper forbids it." As long as we label them as racists, its okay judging from the comments.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 2:58 p.m.
Correct, Major. The haters would call it a "gated community" (even if it didn't have a gate), and the residents would be demonized and labeled as racist.
Pickforddick
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 2:40 p.m.
We are not allowed to comment about white people because this paper forbids it.
Chase Ingersoll
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 1:48 p.m.
Okay....I can't not wade in on this one.... For several years I have been shipping the personal effects of U of M Grads that are returning to countries around the world. Universally, they are all looking forward to seeing family, friends and going home. But the difference is the Chinese students. They have a palpable sense of forboding. Talk to them and they will openly tell you that they are not looking forward to going back to a country where Facebook is not allowed, their Gmail is delayed and they have to look over their shoulder and not say anything that might offend the wrong public official. I have an a former intern from the Ross Business School who is dying to get back to Michigan. last month he requested that I show him how to look for real estate in Ann Arbor. In the real estate listings I sent him a photo of the Chinese dissident that was hiding in the US Embassy. He became very excited about that and wanted to know more, advising that of course the subject had been blocked by the Chinese Media/Govt. Another Grad Student admitted to me that he was a member of the Communist Party, and cynically explained that all the Party cared about was the collection of monthly dues. Another was the son of a well placed party member and business man. He complained bitterly that there was no point in even talking to his 50 year old father who cared nothing about civil liberties. This student knew all about the house church movement in China. Go to the Chinese Student Entrepreneur group at U of M. Talk to these kids. See how excited they get over U of M Football. Ultimately they see economic achievement as the way to purchase their civil liberties, by purchasing the means to escape Mainland China. The Chinese families purchasing homes in Milan, won't say this publicly. They can't less they offend the powers that be in Beijing. They have to wrap it in the acceptable politics of economics. This is not about tuition, this is about liberty.
a2girl
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 6:23 p.m.
Chase, your insight is helpful to understanding the issue, but my problem is one that many Michigan parents face: no room at U of M for our kids. I actually don't have a problem with granting instate tuition to all residents that pay taxes to the state, I would just like to see more opportunities for area students to attend the University of Michigan. I don't think that is asking for too much.
81wolverine
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 4:26 p.m.
Very good insights. I'm all for this development - especially if it results in more highly educated, motivated, hard-working people to immigrate to the U.S. to help revitalize our economy.
treetowncartel
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 1:21 p.m.
The school board might want to reconsider keeping at least the current name of the high school teams.
4 Fingers
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 1:17 p.m.
Couldn't be happier. Hard to find good Peking Duck around here...
Pablo
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 1:14 p.m.
Is this the current era's version of race-based discrimination?
Barbarossa
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 12:58 p.m.
They are coming here to buy what we are selling. Smile, be polite, and make our customers feel glad with their choice.
Dawn
Wed, May 16, 2012 : 6:16 p.m.
Then they take what they learn back to their country and use that knowledge to benefit them instead of our country. Yep... great idea there!
Ricebrnr
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 12:54 p.m.
Wow, to think we moved here almost 8 years ago for the open and liberal (not in the political sense) atmosphere. The rampant (blatant and veiled) racism and hypocrisy is just breathtaking to behold. Let us all remember, unless you are a Native American you have no grounds to stand on.
eagleman
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 7:08 p.m.
Ah, yes, the racism argument. The tactic of the lazy and intellectually stunted.
Jay Thomas
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 5:50 p.m.
The native Americans didn't build a country. If they had we don't know if they would have allowed immigration. Asian countries as a rule don't allow immigration, so I'm not sure where the sense of outrage comes from.
easy123
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 3:38 p.m.
Who are you to be judgemental? All you have to do is go to California and see how bigoted ethnics are there. This goes both ways. I would state that the statement made is bitgoted as well.
Pickforddick
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 3:24 p.m.
I was born here also so I am a Native American....and you?
tdw
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 1:50 p.m.
I was born here so I guess that makes me a Native American
Ricebrnr
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 1:47 p.m.
so...you're saying the Chinese are just reclaiming a piece?
Unusual Suspect
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 1:26 p.m.
Native Americans came here form northeast Asia.
ruminator
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 12:52 p.m.
So, it appears that Emperor Snyder did sell us to China. Welcome to the Peoples Republic of Michigan. Maybe between the times the Governor is in Canada working on his bridge and his privately funded business trips to Communist countries, he could work on affordable ways to send MICHIGAN born kids to Michigan Universities.
a2grateful
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 12:28 p.m.
I look forward to welcoming our potential new international neighbors, in the longstanding, strong tradition of our cultural "melting pot." Am also finding disappointment in "members" of a certain group attempting to denigrate or block "members" of a potential new group. Let's welcome diversity because it is the right and proper thing to do! Need more convincing? Then, don't forget your side benefits: a) Stronger local tax base, benefiting municipalities and local school systems. b) Increased demand for goods and services in the neighborhood locale. c) Construction jobs. d) Cultural exchange. : )
The Black Stallion3
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 7:49 p.m.
Great example of far left thinking.
The Black Stallion3
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 7:48 p.m.
Thanks easy I am grateful for you comment !!!!
easy123
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 4:17 p.m.
Enough of this diversity propaganda - I would use another word that would be politically incorrect. The group rights are usually enclaves of group thought and bigotry. You should listen to certain groups on how they denigrate other group - you will change your mind. The ultimate diversity is in the constitution - the individual - who has the individual thought, reason and idea that supersedes all group suffocating thought. Spare us a lecture on diversity - if you do not understand individual right!
a2grateful
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 2:22 p.m.
When all the legal-requirement i's are dotted (zoning), and the t's (traffic) are crossed, and the only protestation left has to do with Chinese national origin, then it's racist. And so it ends. . .
Unusual Suspect
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 1:25 p.m.
"Am also finding disappointment in "members" of a certain group attempting to denigrate or block "members" of a potential new group." And so it starts. Anybody against this will be called racist. Anybody who questions it on the basis of zoning will be called racist. Anybody who wants to discuss the traffic problems will be called racist. For evidence, I offer Exhibit A, the Islamic Academy in Pittsfield Township.
YPboyWRheart
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 11:49 a.m.
Why not in Detroit? We have plenty of empty houses.
EyeHeartA2
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 5:14 p.m.
Because if they are smart enough to get into UM, they aren't dumb enough to move to Detroit.
Pickforddick
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 3:11 p.m.
I would not care to live there.
alan
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 11:40 a.m.
Please do a little research before you print something. It took me 30 seconds to find this: "Dependent children who hold an E visa are not eligible to be considered for resident classification" U of M residency classification guidelines.
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 11:29 a.m.
I agree with Carole. We need a 3 tiered system of tuition IMO. 1.Instate 2.out of state, both of which require US citizenship 3.non US citizens.
Jimmy McNulty
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 12:15 p.m.
Craig, non-citizens may still be tax-paying legal residents of the US and Michigan, and qualify for instate tuition.
TMC216
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 11:27 a.m.
I say "Welcome". On the upside, establish residency (3 years), pay taxes, work and perhaps even get a green card or full citizenship and absolutely I hope the project succeeds! On the downside, I can already hear "Chinatown" as it's name. Admit it. You do too. I hope that there's community involvement with Milan and the rest o SE Michigan.
Pickforddick
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 3:14 p.m.
I say "Not Welcome"
Chris
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 12:45 p.m.
Hopefully we could finally get some decent chinese food in the area.
Carole
Tue, May 15, 2012 : 10:32 a.m.
No way. If you are not a resident, you pay out of state.