Grosse Pointers Voice Concerns About Business on Mack

A decision by the has sparked heated reaction from residents and readers on Grosse Pointe Patch.

The zoning board denied a request by Blackstar Inc. to occasionally cut wood at its proposed retail space on Mack Avenue.

That decision prompted Blackstar Inc. owner Tom Robinson to drop his bid to buy the storefront, which formerly housed IXL Glass.

Users shared their feelings on the Grosse Pointe Patch Facebook page and with comments on the original story.

• Sue Fancett responded on Facebook: “GPW sure knows how to keep empty storefronts along Mack. Great city to live in but has a reputation of being one of the most *unfriendly to business* cities in the area.”
• Steve Payne said on Facebook: “The mayor actually asked if they could do the finishing work at the Harper Woods location? Is our city too good to allow that? Ridiculous. No city should be turning down business right now.”
• commented on Patch: “This council is incredible. When are they going to accept new business to the community. How could this business be anything but an asset to the area? Apparently, there aren't enough vacant buildings on Mack. Continueing (sic) along this theme, the next will be city hall. Time for change.”
• commented on Patch: “This is sadly what is known as "killing three birds with one stone." The geese that are readied for cooking are jobs through reduced employment, real estate through vacancies and taxes through reduced collections. The only one to be plucked though is the residents who will experience the consequences in reduced property valuation and services. Here's hoping that memories are long enough to last till November.”

Join the conversation here or on the Grosse Pointe Patch Facebook page.

This story was edited on Friday, Aug. 19, after a comment was deleted on the original story.