DETROIT – The atmosphere could best be described as
cautiously hopeful when the Wayne County Land Bank Corporation called to order its
first official meeting on Thursday, October 19, 2006. The Honorable Mary Beth Kelly
made a special appearance to officially swear in the board members.
Wayne County Treasurer Raymond Wojtowicz, who will serve as chairperson of the board,
said that Judge Kelly’s appearance was a “highlight” of the long-awaited occasion.
“For her to come down and participate in this, it’s tremendous,” said Wojtowicz.
In addition to Wojtowicz, the other board officers are Wayne County Commissioner
Philip Cavanagh, who will serve as treasurer and Wayne County Chief Operating Officer
Bella Marshall, who will serve as secretary. Wayne County Commissioner Keith Williams
and George Barnes, a successful Detroit businessman, are also members of the five
member board.
In other business, the board voted unanimously to approve the Land Bank Corporation
Articles of Incorporation.
Wojtowicz expressed relief that the lengthy and sometimes difficult process had
finally reached this point and said that the Land Bank has the potential to have
a dramatic and positive effect on Wayne County.
“It’s not a panacea, but it is an opportunity,” he said.
The meeting began at 2 p.m. and was held in the fifth floor conference room of the
Wayne County Treasurer’s Office, located at 400 Monroe. Beginning with the next
meeting, which is scheduled for December 7, 2006 at 2 p.m., board meetings will
be held quarterly on the first Thursday of the month.
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