"This is the most prominent undeveloped site along a major freeway remaining in Oakland County," says Dan Casey, manager of economic development for Rochester Hills. "In negotiations with Grand Sakwa, we made it eminently clear that the state, county and city are committed to marketing this property for the development of corporate offices and research and development."

Casey says the land uses permitted in the agreement would allow for mixed uses that could include restaurants, hotels and short-term executive housing. Terms of the settlement include expedited reviews of site and building plans and $2.5-million in credits payable by the city. These costs will include the construction of a public ring road, which will provide access to the numerous development pads, and waiving of some review fees, building permit fees, inspection fees and water tap-in charges. In exchange, Grand Sakwa has deeded approximately 13 acres of land to the Oakland County Road Commission for the construction of realigned Adams Road, which will be connected to the southern portion of the interchange when completed.

A previous settlement between the parties was terminated last year because of a dispute over an adjoining 100-acre development proposed by Real Estate Interests Inc. on the northeast portion of the interchange. The city approved REI's proposal in March. "The city council is supportive of both proposed developments and believe they will generate significant economic benefit to the community and region," Casey says.