Here is a formal draft for the introductory email to Carlton Clyburn, the Community & Economic Development Director for Highland Park. This letter is structured to sound professional, visionary, and respectful of the city’s current infrastructure efforts.

​Subject: Preliminary Proposal: Sustainable Aquaculture & Historic Site Revitalization – [Your Corporation Name]

​Dear Director Clyburn,

​I am writing to you today on behalf of [Your Corporation Name] to formally express our interest in developing a state-of-the-art Sustainable Aquaculture Center within the historic Ford Plant district.

​As Highland Park continues its “Return to Excellence” through the 2026 water infrastructure renewals, we believe our project offers a unique opportunity to marry the city’s industrial legacy with the future of green technology. Our goal is to establish a high-tech, closed-loop fish farming facility that provides local jobs and healthy, Detroit-branded food products.

​Specifically, we are looking to discuss:

  • ​Site Suitability: Utilizing the existing industrial footprint near the Manchester/Woodward area for a clean manufacturing (Ag-Tech) use.
  • ​Infrastructure Alignment: Coordinating our high-volume (but highly efficient) water needs with the city’s current Phase 2 water main replacements.
  • ​Economic Incentives: Exploring the feasibility of P.A. 198 tax abatements and Brownfield credits for this specialized use.
  • ​Community Investment: Our intent to utilize a 70/30 crowdfunding model (via the MILE Act) to allow Highland Park and Michigan residents to participate as direct shareholders in this project.

​We would like to request a Conceptual Review Meeting with you and your team (and potentially a representative from the Planning and Water departments) to present our initial site plan and receive your feedback on the project’s alignment with the city’s Master Plan.

​I have attached a brief Executive Summary of our business plan for your review. We are available for a meeting at your earliest convenience, either in person at the Robert Blackwell Municipal Building or via Zoom.

​Thank you for your time and for your leadership in the revitalization of Highland Park.

​Sincerely,

​[Your Name]

Managing Director, [Your Corporation Name]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Website/LinkedIn]

​Strategic Tips for Your Email

  • ​The “Water” Hook: By mentioning that you are coordinating with the current water main replacements, you show that you aren’t trying to use the broken 1915 pipes, but are instead a “ready-to-go” customer for their brand-new 2026 system.
  • ​The Attachment: When you send this, make sure to attach the Aquaculture Business Plan Summary we drafted in the previous step.
  • ​The “MILE Act” Mention: Mentioning local crowdfunding is a major political win for city directors; it shows the project isn’t just “outside money” but is “community-owned.”

​Would you like me to also draft a shorter, more technical “Inquiry Email” for Damon Garrett at the Water Department to ask about the specific water pressure (Fire Flow) at the Ford site?