And that’s only part of a far more expansive vision that some have for the site — a vision that’s much different than what critics at the last meeting derided as the glorified shopping mall that’s currently being proposed.

What they would like to see is a fairgrounds that is transformed into a showplace for innovation, a spot that would spark the imagination of people around the world.

That vision is laid out in a proposal titled META Expo, for Michigan Energy Technology Agriculture.

Think renewable energy and greenhouses and transit-oriented development. The kind of development that would inspire young people to come here, instead of providing a place for people to go and spend their money, a place with some housing and acre upon acre of asphalt parking lots.

The problem with the alternative vision, the authority said last week, is that it had no funding.

But here’s the deal: What the authority did last week only laid the groundwork to move forward. Like we said, nothing is etched in stone. Magic Plus has agreed to meet with proponents of a more expansive, forward-thinking development.

Something more than a movie theater and big-box stores and assisted living for seniors is still possible.

But it’s going to take more than a small group of activists to make it happen.

News Hits is written by Curt Guyette. You can contact the column at 313-202-8004 or NewsHits@metrotimes.com.

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