Payday for Detroit land speculator

February 25, 2026

The Detroit City Council has approved a $444,135 settlement payment to land speculator Michael Kelly in exchange for 28 vacant properties needed for Coleman A. Young Municipal Airport expansion. Kelly rejected two previous offers—initially $74,600 and then $235,086—before the city agreed to the higher settlement amount.

Who is affected

Michael Kelly (land speculator receiving the settlement)
City of Detroit (purchasing the properties)
Various limited liability companies connected to Kelly (property owners)
Federal government (covering bulk of acquisition costs)
Coleman A. Young Municipal Airport and its future users
Davis Aerospace Technical High School (planned to return to the airport)

What action is being taken

The City Council is authorizing a legal settlement with Michael Kelly
Detroit is using eminent domain to expand the airport's runway through the French Road Mini-Take Project
The federal government is covering the bulk of the acquisition cost

Why it matters

This settlement matters because it allows Detroit to proceed with critical airport infrastructure improvements without the uncertainty and potential higher costs of a jury trial. The runway expansion enables broader development plans for Coleman A. Young Municipal Airport, including enhanced facilities and services that could boost the city's aviation capabilities and educational opportunities through the returning technical high school.

What's next

The runway expansion will advance development plans including a new air traffic control tower, chartered helicopter tours, and the return of Davis Aerospace Technical High School to the airport location.

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com