Officials from the City of Northville are now actively seeking a new site for the popular Farmers Market in the community.
Representatives for the city and Main-Seven, LLC, which owns the former McDonald Ford site, did not agree on terms for the sale of the property, according to reports from the city.
The McDonald Ford site was the preferred location of the Farmers' Market which will be moved from the Seven Mile Road location as construction begins at the site of the Northville Downs Harness Racing track.
Two engineering firms inspected the site on behalf of the city. One, OHM Advisors, found the site appropriate for the intended move of the market.
However, AKT Peerless, the other engineering firm hired by city officials, discovered benzene, arsenic and other environmental hazards at the property, according to city officials.
Engineers reported that the extent of those toxins remained unknown without performing bore drilling to test samples of soil and water.
The city and the seller were unable to resolve the outstanding issues and as the city had not finalized the first due diligence period in the sales agreement and not having the agreement fully executed, the $50,000 deposit on the property was returned to the city.
City Manager George Lahanas said the city is now exploring other options in the vicinity of Seven Mile Road which could meet the needs for the Farmers Market.
