Dearborn Councilman Robert Abraham

Dearborn Councilman Robert Abraham says the decision by Dearborn developer Hakim Fakhoury to put the properties held by his Dearborn Village Partners (DVP) corporation up for sale may turn-out to be a “blessing” for Dearborn business owners and entrepreneurs.

The councilman in December went to bat for DVP, penning a column here and in the local papers saying he supported a one-year extension of the preferred developer agreement Dearborn had with Fakhoury’s DVP. Chief among Abraham’s decision to support an extension was that there wasn’t a list of developers banging on Dearborn’s door to rebuild downtown West Dearborn. You can click HERE for that earlier column.

Abraham says it is unfortunate the plan presented by DVP never was able to get off the ground.

“Dearborn Village Partners, LLC has failed to deliver a complete proposal for the development site in West Dearborn to the Council and the Mayor,” said Abraham in a written statement. “The Mayor and the City Council have previously extended the Preferred Developers Agreement several times to accommodate the Developer and the drastic changes to the banking industry and the economic conditions.

“The most recent extension was granted by the Council in December 2009; this would allow DVP an additional year to submit a viable development and financing plan. It is very unfortunate for Dearborn, that the economic circumstances have derailed this project before it ever really began.

“The fact that many of the privately held buildings and properties on Michigan Avenue are now for sale, may turn-out to be a blessing for new Dearborn business owners and entrepreneurs looking for affordable locations in the West Dearborn Business District.

“I remain optimistic as we bring closure to the DVP agreement, that new opportunities can be discovered; let’s hope the glass is half full, and not half empty as so many believe.”

Some of the details to what contributed to the unraveling of the development are in the Sunday edition of the Dearborn Press & Guide. You can read that story and watch a video interview with Mr. Fakhoury by clicking HERE

Crafters, scrapbooking fans and card makers should plan to make their way to the First Presbyterian Church of Dearborn on Saturday, March 13 for a day of creativity that also will help a local homeless shelter.

The day of project-making begins at 9 a.m. and runs until 9 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Dearborn, 600 North Brady St. Registration is $40, which includes personal table space, a continental breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Demonstrators from scrapbook consultant companies — Stampin’ Up, Creative Memories, and Close To My Heart — will be performing demonstrations throughout the day and offering scrapbook supplies for sale.

All proceeds from the event will benefit www.christ-net.orga local rotating night shelter and permanent daytime shelter for the homeless, located in the downriver communities. As this is a fundraiser, registration is tax deductible for 2010. Receipts will be provided at the event.

To register or for more information, please contact Jeni Cole at 313-792-8224 or jlcole71@att.net