PLYMOUTH TWP. (WWJ) -- A new horse racetrack may be built in Plymouth Township.
Executives from Northville Downs have submitted plans to build a new harness racing facility at the corner of Five Mile and Ridge Roads, on the former grounds of the Detroit House of Corrections (DeHoCo) prison.
Although the project is still in the review stages, Plymouth Township Supervisor Kurt Heise the 128-acre property would be a perfect fit for the new Northville Downs.
"As of now, based on what I know, I do support the project and I'll be advocating for it," Heise told WWJ Newsradio 950's Jon Hewett. "It's very intriguing. I think it would provide a great financial benefit to our taxpayers, and it would be a very exciting entertainment venue for all of us in Wayne County."
Northville Downs has been a main attraction in Northville since 1944, but that's coming to an end with a new mixed use development set to take over the space.
The current Northville Downs property, where racing continues through September, was sold five years ago and plans are moving forward to develop that land into a community with homes, stores and parks.
"They've been looking for a new location for awhile," Heise said. "We're absolutely flattered that they have looked at Plymouth Township."
The proposed $25 million project would still need formal approval from the Plymouth Township Planning Commission and Board of Trustees.
The new facility dubbed "Northville Downs at Plymouth Township" would feature a grandstand, main building, large patio and a horse barn, in addition to the racetrack.
The plan is set to come before the commission next month.
Related
Related
More on today's top stories: