By Joel Thurtell
Last year, I was hearing a rumor that the city was talking to Manuel “Matty” Moroun about selling the Grosse Pointe trucking tycoon part or all of Riverside Park so he could complete his cherished “twin,” a new international bridge between the U.S. and Canada to be stand alongside his privately-owned Ambassador Bridge.
I sent queries to the office of then-Mayor Ken Cockrel.
Yes or no was all I wanted.
I got nothing back.
Now I’m hearing that rumor again. This time, it’s Mayor Bing or his minions who supposedly are chatting with Matty about selling a public park that Matty has treated as his own.
True or false?
I’ll publish the answer.
If I get one.
On March 18, 2010, I sent my question to the city:
From: joelontheroad.com
To: Rose Love, City of Detroit PR
Hello, Rose — Not sure if you are the person to field this question, but I’ll start with you.
I’m hearing that Mayor Bing is talking to Matty Moroun about the city selling Matty part or all of Riverside Park so he can build his “twin” to the Ambassador Bridge.
True?
Thanks.
Joel Thurtell
joelontheroad.com
Today, March 19, 2010, I got this answer from Rose:
Hi, I’m referring your question to the Mayor’s communications team.
Rose M. Love
Supervising Publicist
Communications & Creative Services Division
Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
2 Woodward Avenue – Suite 526
Detroit, MI 48226
A simple “yes” we are dealing with Matty or “no” we are not — that’s all I ask.
Drop me a line at joelthurtell@gmail.com
Though it’s early yet, a next-day acknowledgment with a hint of possible responsiveness already seems like a break from the past.
Here’s hoping I’m not naive in taking that as a positive sign . . .