The Public Meeting Index

outline

On September 29, 2026, the Charles County Board of Commissioners convened with Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Secretary Katie Thompson and agency leaders for the annual Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) tour. The meeting focused on transportation priorities, the six-year capital budget ($21.9 billion), and project updates for Charles County. Key topics included Southern Maryland Rapid Transit (SMRT), safety improvements, maintenance concerns, and state budget constraints. Public Comments & Testimony - Mayor Janine James of La Plata thanked MDOT for responsiveness and highlighted the partnership on the MD6 safety project. She praised state staff for their customer service. - Town Manager Chuck Stevens reiterated the town's two priorities: the MD6 pedestrian safety project and access management for the Southwest Quadrant along US 301. He noted the La Plata Bikeways Phase II grant ($200,000 from the Kim Lamphier Bikeways program) and anticipated construction starting in spring 2027. - Mr. Hodge (advocate for SMRT) delivered a passionate statement emphasizing the 39‑year history of the SMRT effort. He stressed that the project must remain focused on light rail as mandated by state law (§7‑713) and criticized the ongoing PEL study for what he described as a lack of urgency and excessive spending on consultants. He called on the Secretary to ensure the state match ($15 million) appears in the CTP and to reject any shift toward bus rapid transit. He cited that 24,000–28,000 single‑occupancy trips would be removed daily and that the corridor has one of the most expensive commutes in the United States. Opening Remarks and Commissioner Positions - Commissioner President Reuben Collins opened the meeting, welcoming MDOT and emphasizing SMRT as the county’s top priority. He noted that $15 million in federal earmarks had been secured and that the state is required by §7‑713 to provide matching funds. He requested restoration of the former W19 bus connection and continued MTA commuter bus service. - Commissioner Thomas Coates raised constituent concerns about lane striping and crosswalk visibility, thanked SHA for a new traffic signal at St. David Drive/St. Luke, and asked about commuter bus service on the western (MD 210) side. He also inquired about a possible funding diversion for SMRT and requested clarity that no such diversion was planned. - Commissioner Gilbert Bowling thanked MDOT for reduced congestion on the Nice Middleton Bridge and emphasized the importance of aesthetics (mowing, litter, pavement) on rural roads, particularly US 301, MD 234, and MD 257. He called for collaboration on maintenance contracts. - Commissioner Patterson (online) urged continued opposition to the proposed I‑495 South Side toll lane expansion and asked about ferry transportation. Secretary Thompson responded that no ferry projects are in the CTP but MDOT is open to supporting county-led initiatives. - Commissioner Collins (additional) echoed concerns about litter and mowing, specifically at the US 301/Leonardtown Road stormwater pond and the MD 210 corridor. MDOT Presentations and Discussion - Secretary Katie Thompson outlined the three pillars of the CTP: safety, asset maintenance, and doing more with existing assets. She acknowledged budget constraints but committed to partnership and transparency. - State Highway Administrator Will Pines reported on projects: MD6 safety improvements (construction spring 2027), MD 225 bridge replacement (opened to traffic late 2026), US 301 pedestrian safety study, and Smallwood Drive crosswalks (completing end of 2026). He also announced the La Plata Bikeways grant. - District Engineer Kimberly Tran highlighted the working relationship with county staff and the maintenance shop in La Plata. - MDTA Executive Director Bruce Gardner noted a decrease in crash rates on the new Nice Middleton Bridge and indicated a proposed toll increase in the next 12–14 months to address inflation (first increase in over a decade). - MTA Administrator Tony Bridges reported 67 million passenger trips systemwide and support for Charles County’s local transit with $5.4 million in grants for buses and maintenance. He confirmed a new weekday round trip on the MTA 650 bus from Waldorf. - MVA Deputy Administrator Nikki Charlson announced average wait times under 5 minutes, 3 million MyMVA accounts, 13 road fatalities in Charles County year‑to‑date (down from 22 in 2025), and over $63,000 in highway safety grants for the county. - MAA Acting Director Sean Hammer described the $841 million capital program and support for Maryland Airport, noting that the airport needs to complete its master plan and some projects are ineligible for state funding. County Staff Comments - Jason Groth, Director of Planning and Growth Management reiterated that SMRT remains the county’s top priority. He urged staying the course on the PEL/NEPA process, focusing on fixed‑guideway alternatives as required by law, and including the full $30 million (federal plus state match) in the CTP. He also advocated for continued funding for traffic signals and commuter bus enhancements as low‑cost, high‑impact improvements. - Martin Harris, Director of Public Works thanked MDOT for collaboration on maintenance (mowing, litter, snow removal) and praised the partnership. He noted the county shares the challenge of litter costs and appreciates MDOT’s communication about Operation Clean Sweep. Key Outcomes and Next Steps - No formal votes were taken. The meeting was a presentation and discussion to inform the six‑year CTP. - Secretary Thompson committed to maintaining a collaborative relationship and “finding the path to yes” on Charles County priorities, especially SMRT. - Commissioners secured commitments to: follow up on specific striping and crosswalk locations (Commissioner Coates); explore collaborations on mowing contracts and beautification (Commissioner Bowling); and keep the county informed about the I‑495 toll lane proposal and ferry discussions (Commissioner Patterson). - MDOT officials agreed to provide additional information on crosswalk improvement totals (over 2,500 statewide) and to continue the US 301 pedestrian safety action plan. - The county and MDOT will hold further meetings on the US 301 corridor vision (especially south of MD 6) and on the La Plata Bikeways project. - The SMRT PEL study is expected to be completed by early 2027, leading into the NEPA process. State matching funds remain a critical issue; Commissioner Collins and staff stressed the requirement under §7‑713.

The Charles County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing and subsequently voted to approve a minor amendment to the Waldorf Station Development Agreement. The amendment allows for shifting the construction of 70 residential units into Stage 1, permitting the development of stacked townhouses (two-over-two units) for ownership to address the "missing middle" housing market. The overall maximum density of 798 units remains unchanged. Staff Presentation - Planning and Growth Management staff (Jason Groth and Tony Feltz) presented the proposed amendment to the Board. The amendment increases the Stage 1 residential cap from 545 to 615 units (a net increase of 70 units in Stage 1) to allow for stacked townhouses to be built earlier at a viable scale. The amendment does not change the total approved density of 798 residential units, the 453,000 square feet of commercial space, or existing proffers and public benefits such as affordable housing commitments. Staff stated the amendment remains consistent with the Comprehensive Plan by directing growth to the development district and expanding housing variety. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval on June 15, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Derek Terry (Waldorf, Maryland): Expressed concern regarding the appearance of a conflict of interest. He noted Commissioner Stewart was the only sitting commissioner to receive a $3,000 campaign contribution from the developer, Greenberg Gibbons, and questioned if this was connected to Commissioner Stewart's conversations regarding ZTA 26-190 (Bill 2026-07), which altered restrictions on large retail establishments. Mr. Terry stated he was not against development or the housing type but questioned the transparency of the process and called for Commissioner Stewart's recusal. - Eric DeVito (Greenberg Gibbons, Applicant): Spoke in favor of the amendment. He described the stacked townhouses as a for-sale condominium product filling a missing housing need at a lower price point than single-family townhouses. Mr. DeVito highlighted the developer's partnership with the county, including recent land donations for road improvements on Substation Road and an Adequate Public Facilities (APF) agreement to construct a left turn lane to accommodate the units. Discussion Items - Commissioners engaged in discussion with the developer regarding the affordability and nature of the new units. Commissioner Stewart asked clarifying questions about pricing relative to rentals and traditional townhouses. The developer clarified the units are condominiums for ownership, priced between rental apartments and single-family townhomes, with two-bedroom and three-bedroom floor plans. Commissioner Stewart expressed her long-standing support for the product type, thanking the developer for their persistence in bringing it to the county. She and Commissioner Collins emphasized on the record that the amendment strictly shifts the timing of units and does not increase the total density of the development. Key Outcomes - Motion to Close Public Record: Approved unanimously. - Motion to End Public Hearing: Approved unanimously. - Motion to Approve Amendment: Approved unanimously. - Motion to Adjourn: Approved. The amendment to the Waldorf Station Development Agreement was formally adopted, allowing for the immediate development of 70 stacked townhouse units as part of Stage 1.

The Charles County Board of Commissioners convened on September 29, 2026, for a morning session that included approval of consent items, adoption of a cannabis moratorium, and an extensive work session on the 2027 state legislative package. Commissioners voted on dozens of proposed bills, setting the county’s advocacy priorities, and later moved into closed session to discuss a potential property acquisition. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the September 22, 2026 meeting. - Approved budget transfer requests BTR 1419 ($750,000 state grant) and BTR 1420 ($250,000 local match) for the Mattawoman Middle School Controls Upgrade Project, totalling $1 million. - Renewed the mutual aid agreement between the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and the St. Mary’s and Calvert County Sheriff’s Offices. The Sheriff’s Office noted it is reviewing all MOUs for currency. - Adopted Resolution 2026-13 establishing a one-year temporary moratorium on large-scale cannabis growing in all zones except general industrial and heavy industrial, consistent with the Maryland Cannabis Act (personal use exemptions remain). An amendment corrected a double‑negative drafting error. Work Session: 2027 State Legislative Proposals Commissioners reviewed 30 proposals and took the following actions: - Proposal 1 (Stormwater easement documentation): Directed staff to explore local implementation. - Proposal 2 (Federal tax incentives for common‑ownership communities): Supported; to be forwarded to the federal delegation. - Proposal 3 (Commercial growth dividend program): Not included in the package; instead, the board directed staff to send a letter to the state’s data‑center task force requesting authority for counties to tax data centers differently. - Proposal 4 (Smart Growth & Fiscal Accountability Study): To be handled locally. - Proposal 5 (Inspector General authority over school systems): Supported as Charles County‑specific legislation. - Proposal 6 (Orphans court judge law‑degree requirement): More information requested; no vote taken. - Proposal 7 (Loitering ordinance): Supported for commercial public spaces and a curfew component; staff to draft based on Prince George’s County model. - Proposal 11 (Bi‑county transportation priority zone): Supported. - Proposal 12 (Homeowner resilience improvements): Not supported; existing programs deemed sufficient. - Proposal 13 (Commuter ferry): Not supported; a feasibility study is already planned at the Council of Governments. - Proposal 14 (Aging‑in‑place program): Not supported legislatively, but staff will evaluate internal program needs. - Proposal 15 (Law‑enforcement CDL exemption for Sheriff’s Office): Approved 3–2 (Commissioners Bowling and Patterson opposed; Coates, Stewart, Collins in favor). - Proposal 16 (Sheriff’s Office other legislation): Supported. - Proposal 17 (Add Resilience Authority to Tort Claims Act): Supported; the Industrial Development Authority was also added at staff’s suggestion. - Proposal 18 (HOA Dispute Resolution Board for condominiums): Supported. - Proposal 19 (Common‑ownership community registry and fee): Supported. - Proposal 20 (Recreation amenity fee enabling legislation): Approved 3–2 (Commissioners Bowling and Patterson opposed; Coates, Stewart, Collins in favor). - Proposal 21 (Native biodiversity threshold for commercial properties): Staff to study and report back on feasibility, appropriate percentage, and timeline. - Proposals 22-26 (Data‑center bans and moratoria): None supported; the board will instead rely on current zoning that prohibits data centers and will participate in a local task force, incorporating a request from Mr. Dixon to study infrasound effects. - Proposal 27 (Term limits for county commissioners – codify locally): Approved 3–2 (Commissioners Bowling and Stewart opposed; Coates, Patterson, Collins in favor). - Proposal 28 (Shared wastewater systems for accessory dwelling units): Supported. - Proposal 29 (Remove income restriction for volunteer emergency responders tax credit): Approved 4–1 (Commissioner Coates opposed). - Proposal 30 (Term limits for Maryland General Assembly members): Motion failed for lack of a second. Key Outcomes - The board finalized its legislative package for submission to the Charles County delegation, including the specific proposals noted above as approved. - Commissioners authorized the County Administrator to send a letter to the data‑center task force regarding local taxing authority. - Staff will bring back additional research on orphans court eligibility, native biodiversity thresholds, and a draft loitering ordinance for commercial spaces. - Following the work session, the board voted unanimously to enter closed session under General Provisions Article §3‑305(b)(7) to discuss a potential property acquisition, with the intent to reconvene in open session at 3:00 PM.

The Ramsdale Building Committee convened a public meeting on September 29, 2026, at 4:03 PM, with members Frederica, Pat, John, Lauren, and Pam present, constituting a quorum. The meeting focused on the Ramsdale Library project, including a co-chair's report on recent inter-board meetings, a liaison update from the library trustees, and a discussion about the long-standing absence of a Department of Public Works (DPW) representative on the committee. No formal votes were taken on substantive matters; the committee approved the August 25th minutes unanimously. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval (August 25, 2025): Motion made by Frederica, seconded by Pat, and passed unanimously by roll call (Frederica, Lauren, Rowan, Pat, John all voted Aye). Co-Chairs' Report - September 2nd joint meeting with Pam Sandler, Lon Clark, Laura Mars, and the co-chair reviewed recent renderings and determined them to be not satisfactory, prompting a request for the trustees to identify their budget. - Trustees' budget for the project was reported as $50,000 that had been appropriated. - September 10th: Library trustees meeting occurred. - September 22nd: A joint select board/library trustees meeting took place where the library trustees voted to ask the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) for two extensions, and the select board agreed. - September 25th: A brief meeting was held with an MBLC representative, the project architect, the OPM (Owners Project Manager), the co-chairs of the trustees, and the co-chairs of the building committee. John was not present at that meeting. Discussion Items - The meeting was called to order at 4:03 PM. A roll call confirmed a quorum with Frederica, Pat, and John present; later, Pam was acknowledged present, and Lauren was present. - Minutes from the August 25th meeting were approved unanimously by roll call vote. - Liaison Report (Lauren): Lauren noted that the Ramsdale Building Committee, the local historical commission, the trustees, and the select board all need to align on the Ramsdale project. She said things have gotten

The City Council met on the fifth Tuesday of the month, allowing the Mayor to set the agenda. The meeting included traffic commission approvals, appointment referrals, updates on major capital projects (community center, pool, dispatch center, Saxonville intersection, Pearl Street Garage), economic development and zoning presentations, an ADA self-evaluation update, a cybersecurity and AI overview, and DEI initiatives. A public comment was heard on housing and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Consent Calendar - Minutes of September 3, 2026: Approved unanimously by voice vote with all 11 councilors voting yes. Public Comments & Testimony - Ms. Craighead (public): Expressed support for increased housing, arguing against fears about condos and emphasizing the need to work with neighbors and the state on infrastructure. She noted her background as a real estate attorney and experience in Denver. Discussion Items - Traffic Commission Recommendations: - All-way Stop at Grant and Howard Streets: Director Matthew Hayes explained the state program evaluated eight Framingham intersections; this one met crash warrants. A crosswalk will also be installed. Councilors discussed enforcement and safety. Councilor Alexander moved to hold off on the stop sign and first implement pavement markings and parking adjustments. The motion passed 6-5. - Left Turn Only Lane on Concord Street at Beacon Street: Hayes described a safety correction where a left-turn lane was installed without a merge lane. Councilor Cannon criticized the process for lack of public notice. The recommendation was approved 9-2. - Appointments and Referrals: - Keefe Tech School Committee (Item 5): Councilor Cannon requested that candidates appear before the council. Mayor stated he met with them and they are aware of financial impacts. Council voted to refer to the appointment subcommittee and have candidates attend the appointment meeting. - DPW Director (Item 10): Mayor announced Eric Johnson (21-year city employee, former city engineer) as nominee. Discussion about compensation and resume; council referred to appointment subcommittee. - Other appointments: Items 3,4,7,8,9 referred to appointment subcommittee. - Mayor's Updates: - Community Pool Blue Ribbon Committee: Committee formation underway; four groups still need to submit members. Mayor noted a pool could cost over $20–25 million and that he does not favor a bond at this time. - Community Center Project (188 Concord Street): Grants Manager Megan Todd reported $12 million in ARPA funds spent on purchase, demolition, asbestos abatement, and design. A $3.15 million federal grant is being obligated for accessibility. Project is on hiatus; no taxpayer money used. Councilors discussed feasibility, sunk costs, and potential sale. Mayor stated he will seek grants and private partnerships before asking for city funds. - Saxonville Intersection (Danforth & Concord): Design is 85% complete; land swap with owner of Saxonville Mills (for the pump station) is being negotiated, expected before council in a month. Public hearing anticipated early 2027. - Pearl Street Garage: Transfer to Economic Development Corporation (EDC) moving forward; title research underway. EDC will seek developers to generate new tax revenue. - 188 Concord Street (Dispatch Center): Renovations ongoing; Board of Health to move in by end of 2026. State 911 Commission has committed additional funding ($1.5 million) to help open the regional dispatch by July 1, 2027. Questions about staffing and transition plan. - Capital and Operating Budget: CFO Brian (first name not stated) outlined capital planning focused on executability and a five-year plan. Operating budget instructions issued; first-quarter review and preliminary FY28 projections to be presented by March deadline. Goal to eliminate $10 million in free cash from budget. - Economic Development and Zoning Updates (Director Sarkeesian): - Numerous projects: 63-75 Fountain St (275 units, now with restaurant), 180 Franklin St (demolition started, $20M townhouse rentals), 73-179 Union Ave (46 units, construction started), 1060 Grove St (Agrihood – over half of units sold, affordable housing component). - Ciabra project: new plan to demolish and rebuild a grocery store with 40 affordable units ($20M project). - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): 22 units approved under state law vs. 2 under city bylaw. Councilors expressed concern about condominization and impact on 40B count. - Waverly Street Corridor: proposed overlay to allow 3-4 story mixed-use at neighborhood scale. - Golden Triangle/TJX: company acquired parcels; planning a corporate headquarters district to allow expansion. - ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan: Megan Todd and David Cray presented. $220,000 grant from Mass Office on Disability funded a comprehensive survey of all municipal buildings, sidewalks, and policies. Full report to come; will guide capital planning for accessibility improvements. - Cybersecurity and AI Preparedness: Director Carly Mallow and Justin Navarro outlined layered security (training, endpoint detection, intrusion prevention) and a new AI policy. A technology steering committee has been formed to evaluate software requests. Councilor Feeney and Cannon stressed public transparency and proper guardrails. - DEI Initiatives: Jesse Edwards reported on department equity plans, supplier diversity initiative, Hispanic Heritage Month honors, and Lunch and Learn workshops. Councilor Feeney noted lack of focus on persons with disabilities in the presentation. - ICE Activity at Pearl Street Garage: Councilor Atabiani and Stefanini raised concerns about ICE using city property; Mayor said symbolic order may not be enforceable. Councilor Atabiani urged council action. Key Outcomes - All-way stop at Grant & Howard: Motion to defer and implement markings first passed 6-5. No final action on stop sign yet. - Left turn lane on Concord Street: Approved 9-2. - Appointments referred to subcommittee: Items 3,4,5,7,8,9,10. Candidates for Keefe Tech and DPW director will attend appointment meeting. - Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:45 PM after vote to continue past 10 PM.

The Detroit City Council held its regular session on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, beginning in the morning and continuing into the afternoon. The posted agenda and minutes were not included in the source material; this summary is drawn from the transcript. After an invocation by State Representative Stephanie A. Young, the council heard 20 in-person speakers and more than 30 online callers before taking up contracts, grants, zoning changes, appointments, and a walk-on CVI contract. Public Comments & Testimony - Voting accessibility: Members of Detroit Advocates for the Blind and other residents testified that VAT machines were defective or unusable in the August 2026 primary. Deborah McCray said machines were frozen and poll workers untrained; Richard Clay, president of Detroit Advocates for the Blind, called the failures a violation of federal civil rights; and Sabrina Rice described trying three machines over about two hours without being able to vote independently. Daryl Rice, a retired DPD officer, said poll workers were incompetent, while John Scott, a retired assistant corporation counsel, asked why AutoMark machines had been replaced with VAT machines he could not hear or use. - Housing: Mary Perry, 80, testified that her downtown apartment building had a persistent leak, mold, and a pan placed to catch water, and that water had spilled onto her mattress. Other speakers and online callers described landlord retaliation, broken inspections, and eviction threats; one caller said a building inspector failed to appear and tenants were being evicted despite mold, bed bugs, and water damage. - Police commission appointment: Elena Harada and Josh Bann opposed appointing Harvey Santana to the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners, arguing the charter requires civilian oversight and that a former law-enforcement official/politician is not a citizen-oversight candidate. The appointment was later postponed one week. - Food access: Several residents supported the proposed mini market at Finkel and Wyoming, including Betty Verner of the Soda Ellsworth Block Association and L. Michelle Johnson of the Finkel Corridor; they described the area as a food desert/food apartheid and said the former grocery site had become a dispensary. Some callers supported the mini market but not a gas station. - Development: District 2 residents Nicole Small and William Davis criticized the Renaissance Center redevelopment process, saying meetings lacked agendas and public support; Small said GM's $250 million investment could cost Detroit taxpayers more than $500 million in tax incentives. Christopher Van Ness said he supported a plan for the mostly vacant RenCen but was embarrassed by what he described as hostile treatment of dissent at the community meeting. - Other testimony: Additional speakers supported the Fort Shelby Hotel redevelopment (Ken Hayward, Visit Detroit), emergency blue-light call stations (Chloe Lawson), CVI funding (Stephen Grady, Detroit 300 2.0), and a reparations update; other speakers raised concerns about AI, demolition spending, bus shelters and benches, trash cans at bus stops, tax billing errors, and alleged election administration failures. Council Responses to Public Comment - Council President Tate said he was reaching out to the clerk's office and Department of Elections and, as an election commissioner, took the voting-access testimony seriously. - Councilmember Johnson said she would request training on using and setting up VAT machines and issue a memo comparing VAT with AutoMark and asking whether the machines are city-owned. - Pro Tem Young requested an audit of machine costs, standards, and possible federal grants, and called for a presentation on accessibility technology. - Councilmember Santiago Romero said an 18-month temporary AI zoning moratorium was being drafted; members also pledged emergency inspections for Mary Perry's building and tenant-union support for residents at Grand Boulevard. Committee Reports and Voting Actions - Routine approvals: The council approved numerous resolutions by general consent or with noted objections, including CDBG reprogramming (17.4), an NEZ certificate (17.5), a DDA downtown streetscape budget amendment (17.6), internal-operations and personnel items (18.7-18.15), property sales (19.4-19.7 except 19.6), bridge grant applications (20.22-20.25), mayor's office/contracting items (21.1-21.13), and testimonial resolutions (32.1-32.4). Many items had waivers attached. - Car wash contracts (17.1 and 17.2): Members criticized OCP for again bringing a citywide car wash contract without an east-side vendor. OCP said five car washes are on the west side and zero on the east side, with 3-4 east-side locations under discussion but no contracts. The motion passed initially 5-4, but the council then voted to reconsider and sent 17.1 back to committee while keeping 17.2 approved. - Zoning ordinances: 19.1 (5130 14th Street and 2150 Putnam Street, R2 to PD Planned Development) passed 9-0. 19.2 (15321 Wyoming Street, B2 to B4) passed 8-1, with Councilmember Santiago Romero voting no. - Police commission appointment (18.16): Harvey Santana's appointment was postponed one week. - Emergency demolitions (20.1-20.14): Councilmember Santiago Romero said the council was being asked to pay for emergency demolitions after the fact; Pro Tem Young raised questions about general-obligation bond financing and interest-rate risk. The 14 items were approved over Councilmember McCampbell's objection. 20.15 (new airport hangar) was postponed one week; 20.16 was approved; 20.17 (municipal parking headquarters) was postponed after Councilmember Callaway raised ownership concerns; 20.18-20.21 were postponed for ownership and information issues. - Renaissance/community engagement: Councilmember Waters said the previous night's meeting was District 5's first Renaissance project meeting, drew over 80 people, and was meant for impact-zone residents; she said she is not married to the project and would decide after gathering facts. - Surveillance and tax-filing contracts: 21.15 was postponed one week after Councilmember McCampbell said the report lacked information on cameras and use; 21.20 was postponed one week so the administration could identify another funding source for the earned-income tax filing assistance contract. 21.24 was also postponed one week due to a scrivener's error/administration request. - Smart reentry grant (21.21): Councilmembers Santiago Romero and McCampbell objected to NOFO language requiring immigration enforcement. Administration officials said the city would not conduct immigration enforcement and would provide legal guardrails; the application was nonetheless approved over their objections. - Prince Hall greenway donation (21.27): GSD Deputy Director Gerrell Harris explained that a small portion (less than 0.04 acres) of the Dennis Archer Greenway had been built by mistake on Prince Hall apartments property; the owner was donating it at no cost. Councilmember Callaway asked for written legal protections, and the Law Department agreed to demonstrate those safeguards. - CVI/Force Detroit walk-on: Council approved a contract continuation for Force Detroit. Director Michael Peterson said the University of Michigan evaluation was released, and new CVI metrics and scopes are targeted for the next fiscal cycle beginning July 1, 2027. - Rocket Community Fund grant (25.2): Council approved an application for a $65,000 grant to support staffing for the annual Detroit Home Repair Census; no city match is required. The application was due September 30, 2026. - Millage support (21.29): Council approved a resolution supporting the 'Yes to Our Story' millage for the Charles H. Wright Museum, Detroit Historical Museum, and Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Councilmember Miller said it would cost about $15/year for a $150,000 home and $30/year for a $300,000 home and would provide free admission and student/senior tours. Key Outcomes - Journal of the September 15, 2026 session approved. - Public comment closed after 20 in-person and more than 30 online speakers. - 17.1 sent back to committee; 17.2 approved. - 18.16 (Harvey Santana appointment) postponed one week. - 19.1 passed 9-0; 19.2 passed 8-1. - 20.1-20.14 approved; 20.15, 20.17, and 20.18-20.21 postponed; 20.16 approved; 20.22 approved with a waiver. - 21.15, 21.20, and 21.24 postponed one week. - 21.21 approved for submission over objections; 21.29 millage support resolution approved. - 21.30 and 21.31 roll call resolutions passed 7-2, with Councilmembers Benson and Santiago Romero voting no. - Force Detroit CVI contract and Rocket Community Fund grant application approved. - Member reports were suspended.

The Township of Edison Zoning Board of Adjustment held a special meeting on September 29, 2026, starting at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The primary agenda item was Case Z11-2025, Chevette Developers at 90 Municipal Boulevard, seeking preliminary and final site plan approval with bulk and use variances to construct an eight-story luxury multifamily apartment building. The board heard testimony from the applicant's professionals but did not reach a decision; the case was carried to November 24, 2026. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: Minutes of September 22, 2026 were approved (motion by Mr. Schneider, second by Mr. Patel; unanimous roll call). - Resolutions Adopted: - Z6-2026 (Rajesh Kumar) – approved unanimously. - Z11-2026 (NJ American Water) – approved unanimously. - C14-2026 (Priyanc Patel) – approved unanimously. Announcements & Carried Cases - KZ2-2020 (Lamar Advertising a pen LLC) – withdrawn. - KZ37-2025 (Ali Enterprises, 764 New Dorham Road) – carried to November 10, 2026. - Z19-2026 (Hackensack Meridian JFK at 60A Edison Ave and 99 Turner Ave) – carried to November 10, 2026. - Z25-2026 (Patricia Seaman at 13 Short Street) – notice served. - The board chair outlined procedures for public comment and board conduct. Discussion Items: Case Z11-2025 – Chevette Developers (90 Municipal Boulevard) - Application Summary: The applicant seeks a use variance (multifamily residential not permitted in TC zone), height variance (8 stories vs. 3 stories permitted), FAR variance (proposed 1.52 vs. 0.35 permitted), and parking variances. The site is 61,865 sq ft in the Crown Plaza development, previously approved in 2023 for an office building but not constructed. Proposed: 94 units (3 studio, 84 one-bedroom, 7 two-bedroom) with 62 on-site parking spaces (188 required by RSIS) plus shared parking via a 1982 easement. - Engineer Testimony (John DuPont) : - Existing lot is paved with a parking lot and helipad; impervious increase only 3,650 sq ft. - Stormwater management plan will comply with 2023 regulations (REAL rules held in abeyance until July 2027). - Variances needed: lot area (61,865 sq ft vs 80,000 required), lot width (235 ft vs 300 ft), front yard setback (as low as 44 ft vs 100 ft), side yard setbacks, impervious coverage (68.2%), parking setback, and number of stories. - Board Professional (Mr. Carly) highlighted outstanding items: fire department review for ladder truck capacity, staging area for sanitation vehicles, lighting plan (needs to meet ordinance), utility plan (hydrant, water pressure), emergency generator, and compliance with administrative code. - Mr. DuPont confirmed willingness to address all items; fire and police reviews had not yet been received. - Architect Testimony (Satyan Raval) : - Building will be non-combustible, reinforced concrete construction; eight stories (complies with 100 ft height limit). - Exterior materials: masonry stucco, fiber cement panels, metal cladding. - Two elevators (one stretcher-capable). - Confirmed need for fire command center, standpipes, emergency generator per code; will coordinate with construction and fire officials. - No ground-floor retail. - Board Members asked about affordable housing set-aside; applicant will confirm with township affordable housing planner. - Traffic Engineer Testimony (John Ray) : - Traffic generation estimated at 36 AM peak hour trips and 37 PM peak hour trips (significantly less than the previously approved office/restaurant use which would have generated 70 AM and 147 PM trips). - Parking demand analysis: using Rutgers 2023 study, projected demand of 90-100 spaces vs. RSIS requirement of 188; shared parking with adjacent office lots (over 1,400 spaces) works well due to complementary peak times. - Parking counts in Crown Plaza lot showed maximum 184 cars at 9:30 AM, with 75% office occupancy. - Board questioned pedestrian access, striping of dedicated spaces, and public safety vehicle circulation. Mr. Ray recommended each unit have at least one assigned space. - Mr. Carly noted RSIS is the statutory standard but Rutgers study is a useful metric; parking agreement (1982 easement) needs to be supplemented with a formal shared parking agreement. Key Outcomes - No Vote Taken: The board determined that critical reviews from fire and police departments were missing, and several engineering and planning issues remained unresolved. The case was carried to November 24, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. No additional notice will be sent. - Conditions for Next Hearing: - Applicant must obtain fire and police department reports (including fire truck access, hydrant location, emergency generator, and compliance with high-rise fire safety codes). - Confirm affordable housing set-aside requirements with the township’s affordable housing planner. - Provide a detailed shared parking agreement (beyond the 1982 easement) and indicate specifically assigned parking spaces for residents. - Address traffic circulation, pedestrian crosswalks, and signage. - Refine lighting and landscaping plans per board professional’s comments. - Consent for Continuation: The board granted consent to act until at least the end of November 2026. - Meeting Adjourned: Motion by Mr. Schneider, second by Mr. Johnny; all in favor.

The meeting began with an invocation by Pastor Anne Leiter and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Scout Sawyer. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda and two items removed from it. Three citizens addressed the council during public comments, raising concerns about surveillance, community development, and a planned event. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approval of minutes from previous meetings. - Liquor License: Approval of liquor license application for Ox Korean Barbecue. - Purchases: Approval of cooperative contracts for a sewer cleaning/vacuum truck and a sewer line inspection truck (items 4C and 4D were removed and considered separately). - Contracts: Approval of a term contract for gas service regulators and a dollar limit increase for barricade rental services. - Intergovernmental Agreements: Approval of resolution for Power Road improvements (town of Gilbert and Maricopa County) and a grant agreement with the Arizona Department of Public Safety for Victims of Crime Act funds. - Zoning: Introduction of ordinance for zoning case 24-708 (78-lot attached single residence development at Power Road and Guadalupe Road). Public Comments & Testimony - Jerica Trimble: A longtime Mesa resident and community organizer expressed strong concerns about the Flock automated license plate reader system. She cited cases of wrongful arrests due to misidentification, including a woman held for six months in North Dakota despite never having been there, and another held for 14 days due to vehicle misidentification. She argued the system violates the Fourth Amendment and called for an audit of misuse, cancellation of the contract, and a ban similar to Tempe's ordinance. - Noah James Markham: A Tempe resident expressed support for Mesa's Legacy Park and Gateway Crossing projects, emphasizing the need for family-oriented development. He also called for renovation of the Superstition Springs Mall, clean and safe parks, investment in a Tokyo-owned data center to represent the Japanese community, and increased police presence on the light rail and in the Mesa Asian District. He suggested extending the streetcar to those areas and the Mesa Airport. - Chris Hamlet: A resident from Legislative District 9 opposed a Drag Queen Christmas show, describing it as demonic and blasphemous. He urged the council to use their authority to stop the event by pulling permits or funding, stating that the citizens of Mesa do not want such debauchery. He framed the choice as standing for God or spitting in God's face. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Items 4C and 4D: Removed from consent and considered together; approved unanimously. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned without further actions or votes.