Politics & Government

Grosse Pointers Named to Belle Isle Advisory Committee

Two residents of the Grosse Pointes are part of the newly formed Belle Isle Advisory Committee.

Two residents of the Grosse Pointes have been named to the seven-member Belle Isle Advisory Committee by Gov. Rick Snyder, in conjunction with Detroit Mayor Dave Bing and the Detroit City Council.

The committee, which will chaired by Michele Hodges and includes Michael Curis, will advise the state on implementation of improvements, master planning and public safety for the park, according to a release. 

“I appreciate the willingness of committee members to serve in this important advisory role, and thank them for their time, efforts and contributions to Belle Isle, Detroit and the state,” said Gov. Rick Snyder, in a release. 

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The advisory committee consists of three representatives appointed by the governor, which includes Curis, of Grosse Pointe Shores, one representative appointed by Detroit City Council; two representatives appointed by the mayor of the city; and one representative, Hodges of Grosse Pointe Park, who will serve as chair jointly appointed by the governor and mayor.

Hodges is president of the Belle Isle Conservancy since Jan. 2013, will serve as committee chair. Prior to her current position as the conservancy’s first president, Hodges served as president of the Troy Chamber of Commerce for 11 years, held various executive positions within the Detroit Regional Economic Partnership and was executive director of downtown development authority and business development for the City of Southfield.  

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“Belle Isle is Pure Michigan magnificence even in the rough,” Hodges said in a release. “In my role as Conservancy president and now as chair of the Belle Isle Advisory Committee, I am committed to continuing the restoration charge and moving Belle Isle forward. It’s the committee’s privilege, honor and responsibility to advise, assist and continue initiating positive change on Belle Isle.” 

Curis is president of Curis Enterprises based in Detroit, according to a release. He develops grocery-anchored neighborhood shopping centers in and around Detroit. He is also president of Curis Big Boys, Inc., serving in the capacity of owner and operator of Big Boy Restaurants in Metro Detroit. Curis serves or has served on the board of trustees and board of directors of various community organizations including St. John Hospital in Detroit, The Coleman A. Young Foundation and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.

Belle Isle Park will be Michigan’s 102nd state park. Detroit will maintain ownership of Belle Isle while the DNR will assume responsibility for managing the park and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will take on responsibility for roads and bridges on Belle Isle. 

The state will work cooperatively with the advisory committee to develop and improve the park, according to a release. The advisory committee will help guide strategic investment on the island. 


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