Moving toward achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, DTE is reducing its carbon footprint across Michigan and modernizing its electric distribution system into a smarter, cleaner, safer, and more reliable power grid. The utility’s planned retirement of coal-fired power plants includes decommissioning the St. Clair Power Plant along the St. Clair River in East China Township, which has been in service for nearly 70 years. In partnership with DTE, the Township is undertaking a Riverfront Redevelopment Plan for a 480-acre study area with 3,500 feet of riverfront, which includes the DTE plant and nearby properties. Wade Trim contributed to the formulation of this public-private partnership by securing grant assistance, and is currently leading community engagement, study area analysis, and creation of the St. Clair Riverfront Redevelopment Plan.

The study area is in central East China Township along the St. Clair River near M-29 and Recor Road. Access to the river, as well as an existing deep-water port and electrical, gas, and rail infrastructure make the power plant site ripe for redevelopment. Redevelopment of the site and surrounding area represents a significant opportunity for the Township and region, with the potential to attract new businesses and jobs, restore the natural environment through sustainable site design, and establish public access to the river. Wade Trim is coordinating the study and plan development with a steering committee comprised of representatives from the Township, DTE, St. Clair Economic Development Alliance, St. Clair County, and the Friends of the St. Clair River.

DTE and the Township held a public forum in early 2022 to gauge what residents might like to see in the area in coming years. Wade Trim helped participants envision what the site could look like as a light industrial campus, a business and technology park, or even a small mixed-use district. Green space and public access to the river were identified as priorities, as well as potential to connect the nearby regional, non-motorized Bridge-to-Bay Trail with the river. Public feedback will be used to formulate future strategies for land use and development of the study area, recognizing that implementation of the plan will occur over an extended period based on market conditions.

DTE’s work in East China Township also includes construction of the natural gas-fired Blue Water Energy Center power plant to service 850,000 homes in the area. The Blue Water plant, which Wade Trim provided survey support for, is slated to come online this year.

East China Township and DTE have been studying riverfront planning options since 2019 with the help of grant funding from the Michigan Coastal Management Program. During a meeting in early 2022, attendees supported light-industrial uses in a planned, campus-style setting that would not have significant impacts to the surrounding areas.