Former Riverside Hospital Project Sees More Delays

After asking for help from Trenton administrators, Iqbal Nasir was said to be, at least, partly responsible for yet another setback in the .

Nasir, chief of staff at , purchased the property with intentions to build an assisted living facility and skilled nursing center, but between Nasir and Henry Ford Health System (HFHS) has halted construction of the project.

Neither Nasir nor his attorney had contacted officials at HFHS in order to negotiate a possible way around the deed restriction, City Administrator Jim Wagner said at a city council meeting Monday.

Nasir approached Mayor Kyle Stack and council members at a recent city council meeting to ask for help in coming to an agreement with HFHS.

Wagner said he believes the Riverside property is among about 400 acres of property in Trenton that needs to be developed or redeveloped.

"The administration believes the future of Trenton is in the redevelopment of Trenton," Wagner said. "We have over 400 prime acres that are underdeveloped or not redeveloped properly affecting the tax base, the services we afford the residents and the quality of life in the community."

One of the , which makes up over half of the total number of acres in need of development -- about 275 acres. The former Riverside Hospital property makes up about 12 acres.

Wagner said his top priority is economic development in Trenton which includes the Riverside property.

At least one Trenton the property creates for nearby residents. The resident stated children were breaking into the building and busting out windows from the inside out.