A controversial trip taken to China by City of Ypsilanti officials has placed a dark cloud over a potential $300 million project they're considering from a foreign investor.

WEMU's Jorge Avellan reports on the investigation regarding a trip to China by City of Ypsilanti officials.

"The project is not on hold as this moment."

Ypsilanti City Manager Darwin McClary says negotiations to sell the Water Street property to a Chinese developer continue--this, despite an investigation on whether the developer paid for the trip, so city officials could learn more about the potential property development. If the developer paid, it would violate the city charter.

Those who traveled to China say the Wayne State University Chinese Students and Scholars Association picked-up the tab. McClary explains the latest on the internal investigation.

"I have not seen anything that indicates anything, other than the fact that CSSA paid for the trip. I have seen no information to the contrary so far. Nor do I have any information to the contrary."

McClary was not one of the officials who traveled to China. Mayor Amanda Edmonds and Mayor Pro-Tem Nicole Brown were among the four who did. **Editor's Note** As reported elsewhere, documents have come forth and statements have been made regarding the source of funding for the trip. McClary's statement above was made after the reporter brought up these items during the interview.

The city plans to hire a law firm to conduct an independent investigation.

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— Jorge Avellan is a reporter for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him javellan@emich.edu