Dispute over land stalls transit center

TROY (AP) -- A roughly $7 million transportation center built after years of debate in Troy is the focus of a dispute about land ownership. The Detroit Free Press reports Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Leo Bowman last Friday dealt a fresh setback to the center, denying the city of Troy's request to be awarded immediate possession of the land under the facility. Bowman's ruling states the land, which is surrounded by a shopping center, is owned by the shopping center's developer. Now the city must sue again or negotiate directly to gain ownership of the 2.7 acres from developer Gary Sakwa and his business. The center is to provide access to new high-speed Amtrak passenger service and transfer points to bus service, taxis and other transit options. Construction finished last year. Published: Tue, Feb 25, 2014