Plymouth Twp. Ends Talks With Northville Downs' Proposed Racetrack

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, MI — Plymouth Township officials pulled plans to relocate Northville Downs in the township.

The Plymouth Township Board of Trustees voted 6-0 Tuesday night to reject the harness racing group's proposal to build a new track on part of a 128-acre parcel near Five Mile and Ridge roads.

Supervisor Kurt Heise said talks with Northville Downs hit a standstill, accusing the group and their lawyers as "engaging in bad faith negotiations."

"I think we've made a decision that discussions are over. We've withdrawn their application, and I anticipate that their time extension will be denied," Heise said.

Earlier this month, Northville Downs lawyer Mike Cox said township officials made "illegal requests for extra money" in exchange for plan approvals, according to a Hometown Life report, citing a letter.

Northville Downs has been looking for a new location since its property at Seven Mile and Sheldon roads was sold five years ago. New developers are planning to build homes, stores and parks on the property.

The racetrack originally proposed building a new track in Plymouth Township on part of a 128-acre parcel near Five Mile and Ridge roads. Those plans have been met with opposition from some in the community.

The final races at 301 S. Center Street in Northville are scheduled for Jan. 26 and 27, and Feb. 2 and 3. The harness racing track has been a main attraction in Northville since 1944 and is the oldest and only remaining nighttime harness racing track in Michigan.