Developer Says Renewed Interest in Tax-Free Commonwealth on Detroit Island After Bankruptcy

Belle Isle

Should Belle Isle be sold for $1 billion to a developer so he can turn it into a tax-free "commonwealth" — with its own laws?

The outlandish idea, initially proposed early this year, is gaining some interest now that Detroit has filed for bankruptcy.

That's according to Rod Lockwood, who wants to turn the island into a private city-state with a focus on free market capitalism and limited government.