OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Planning & Economic Development Standing Committee Meeting – October 2, 2025

City Council — Thursday, October 2, 2025
BodyDetroit, Michigan
SessionCity Council
DateThursday, October 2, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:49:36

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Everyone and welcome to the planning and economic development standing committee for today, Thursday, October 2nd, 2025.

0:07

Good morning, Mr.

0:08

Clerk.

0:09

Good morning, Mr.

0:10

Pro Tim.

0:11

Good morning.

0:12

Will you please call the roll, sir?

0:13

No problem.

0:14

Council President Pro Tim James Tate.

0:16

Councilmember Frederick Hall III.

0:20

Councilmember Letitia Johnson.

0:22

Present.

0:22

Mr.

0:23

Pro Cam, Dr.

0:24

Quorum.

0:24

Thank you, sir.

0:25

We have a quorum, which means we're now in session.

0:27

Good morning, Member Johnson.

0:29

Is there a motion to approve the minutes?

0:31

Motion.

0:31

See no objections that action shall be taken.

0:33

One let everybody know that we have a full agenda today.

0:36

We have two public hearings as well as discussion with the land bank report and the MOU.

0:42

So a lot of things to discuss.

0:44

So we're going to be uh getting right into the meeting right about now.

0:48

Uh if you are calling in, we're gonna start off with public comment.

0:51

If you're calling in for a public hearing, one of those two public hearings that I mentioned, please lower your hand.

0:59

Please uh wait your time.

1:00

We're gonna make sure you get an opportunity to speak on that public hearing, but I'm gonna open up for general public comment.

1:06

If you have anything you want to provide to this uh council, uh please raise your hand now, whether you're in public uh in the committee of the whole or online, please raise your hand now.

1:17

Going once, going twice, going three times.

1:22

Collection of public comments have now concluded.

1:26

Ms.

1:26

Caprice, good morning.

1:28

Good morning, Mr.

1:29

Chair.

1:30

We have 11 hands raised.

1:32

I have 11 hands for public comment.

1:34

Okay, we'll give everyone uh because we do have that uh very, very long agenda here.

1:40

We need to make sure we have time for full discussion, especially for the MOU and some of these other items.

1:44

We want to give everyone one minute.

1:45

I know you're gonna be upset.

1:47

I apologize in advance, but I'm letting you know that I'm doing it because we want to ensure we have a full discussion.

1:52

So we're gonna give everyone one minute.

1:54

Let's get that uh clock on the screen, please.

1:58

General public comment.

2:00

One minute, and who's our first caller now?

2:20

Give me one second, sir.

2:34

First caller will be not that Karen.

2:37

All right.

2:38

Let's get that clock full screen.

2:42

Can't get a school full screen today.

2:44

We have some issues.

2:45

All right.

2:46

Hopefully, uh the folks can keep their eyes on the cam on the the screen for your time.

2:52

Hold on, we're gonna come.

2:53

We're getting to you, we get into your own.

2:54

Oh, uh I thought you said not that, Karen.

2:56

No, not yet.

2:57

I will be.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Land Bank█████████████████████21%
Public Comment███████████████████19%
Affordable Housing████████████12%
Procedural███████████11%
Community Engagement█████████9%
Zoning and Land Use███████7%
Public Engagement██2%
Cannabis Regulation██2%
Housing██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Planning & Economic Development Standing Committee Meeting – October 2, 2025

The Planning and Economic Development (PED) Standing Committee met on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM, chaired by Council President Pro Tem James Tate. The meeting included two public hearings, a quarterly report from the Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA), and extensive discussion on a proposed one-year modification to the DLBA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Several other agenda items were addressed, including approvals, bring-backs, and reports.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • General Public Comment (11 callers)

    • Not that Karen: Urged better support for city retirees, cited an 82-year-old retiree needing roof repair, and called for fast-tracking retiree funds and addressing homelessness.
    • iPhone (Vernon): Questioned expiration of the Lifeline water assistance program (ended Sept 30). Requested information on alternative programs.
    • William M. Davis: Criticized the mayor for not helping city retirees, contrasting with raises for millionaires. Urged council to do more.
    • Caller ending in 482 (Ruby James Crowley Jr.): Alleged election fraud and cover-up of a murder. Claims directed at officials.
    • B Lloyd: Reported an abandoned home on Van Dyke with open door and broken stairs.
    • Caller ending in 169: Expressed support for Cunningham and referenced COVID-19 as karma.
    • Caller ending in 124: Prayed for mother in nursing home, thanked donor.
    • Caller (unidentified): Disappointed mayor ended public comment at town halls; requested more openness in master plan updates.
    • Tyson Gersh: Noted BZA changed its fee schedule without council approval in 2019, urging a consistent process for fee adjustments.
    • Sahira Ahmed: Echoed support for retirees, suggested home energy efficiency rebates for roof repair.
    • Miko Williams: Opposed the MOU with DLBA, called for more community input and delay until new mayor and council take office.
    • In-person Ms. Foster: Complained about inability to raise hand via phone, opposed proposed 24% marijuana tax, calling it another form of probable cause.

  • Public Hearing – Line Item 5 (1015 Hearing – Detroit 5 & Dime LLC, Commercial Facilities Exemption)

    • Caller ending in 124: Had technical issues; eventually asked why the city hasn't reformed the tax abatement system.
    • Caller ending in 482: General opposition to all development due to election fraud claims.
    • Not that Karen: Raised environmental concerns (truck routes, solar power, ADA accessibility).
    • Jesse Jensen: Supported the project, citing success of the Detroit Shipping Company model.
    • Will McDowell: Supported the project, praising the model for local business growth.
    • Tim: Supported the project, commended developer's track record.

  • Public Hearing – Line Item 6 (1030 Hearing – Wayne Tower LLC, Obsolete Property Rehabilitation District)

    • Caller ending in 482: Repeated election fraud allegations.
    • William M. Davis: Supported the project but expressed concerns about small unit sizes and suggested requiring long-term ownership commitments for tax abatements.
    • Caller ending in 124: Supported historic renovation but reiterated need for tax code reform.
    • Not that Karen: Questioned developer's longevity and community benefits; asked about 12-year abatement term.
    • Drew Cassaia: Supported the project, praised adaptive reuse of vacant office space.
    • Sahira Ahmed: Asked about impact on Detroit Public Schools and libraries; suggested new developments contribute to a reparations fund for retirees and those illegally taxed.

Discussion Items

  • Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA) Q4 FY2025 Report

    • CEO Tammy Daniels presented highlights: 324 structures sold, 856 lots sold, total inventory of 62,236 properties (58,443 vacant land). 1,646 salvageable structures remain, 650 properties need demolition. 38 community meetings attended, 14,600 calls, 1,200 lobby visits. Celebrated 30,000th lot sale. Launched community office hours and "Talking with Tammy" Instagram live.
    • Councilmember Letitia Johnson inquired about compliance process, subordination for loans, and assistance for purchasers. Daniels explained compliance requirements (blight-free, working kitchen/bathroom, utilities, etc.) and small grant programs (Finish Line Grant).
    • Chair Tate asked about reconveyance timeline and notification. Daniels stated average time in compliance pipeline is 2.5 years; extensions given for progress; reconveyance occurs after long gaps without communication.

  • DLBA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Modification

    • Multiple items (9.2, 9.4, 9.6, 9.8, 9.9, 9.17, 9.19–9.33) were discussed together. The current MOU has expired but operations continue on a handshake. A resolution from March 2025 proposes a one-year modification.
    • Councilmember Mary Waters introduced a walk-on document with proposed amendments, including new subsection H on DLBA duties (shared responsibility with City Council, homeownership program for occupants, right of first refusal, grievance process).
    • Councilmember Fred Durhal III expressed concern about language making council responsible, potentially creating liability. He suggested amending to reporting requirements instead.
    • Councilmember Johnson noted prior conversations about using nonprofit organizations to rehab properties for homeownership; offered to collaborate on specifics.
    • Chair Tate and Vice Chair Durhal pushed for finality, warning that time is limited (end of term). Durhal stated he would move to send the resolution out next week if language is not provided.
    • Motion passed to bring all MOU-related items back in one week (October 9, 2025).

  • Other Discussion Items

    • Community Land Trust Ordinance (9.3): Law Department requested two-week bring-back; motion passed (return October 16).
    • Rental Property Inspections Update (9.5): Received and filed.
    • Tax Abatement Questions (9.7): Two-week bring-back approved.
    • Senior Buildings with HUD Contracts (9.10): Two-week bring-back approved.
    • East Davison Village RFP (9.12, 9.13): Two-week bring-back approved.
    • Audit Request (9.14): Two-week bring-back approved.
    • Rental Housing Report (9.15): Received and filed.
    • Tax Abatement List for District 1 (9.16): One-week bring-back approved.
    • Screening Text Amendment (9.18, 10.5, 9.34): One-week bring-back approved.
    • New Business Items:
      • 10.1 (Data Management Contract): Approved and sent to formal session.
      • 10.2 (CDBG-R Funding for Public Housing): Discussed; Councilmember Johnson requested list of projects before approval. Motion to send to formal passed.
      • 10.3 (Skilled Trades Apprenticeship): Approved and sent to formal.
      • 10.4 (Medicaid/CHIP Grant): Approved and sent to formal.
      • 10.6 (Adaptive Use Ordinance): City Planning Commission presented ordinance allowing new uses in vacant institutional buildings in residential zones. Approved for formal introduction and public hearing (planned for October 30).
      • 10.7 (Screening Text Amendment Extension): One-week bring-back.
      • 10.8 (Property Sale – 13 parcels on Nuremberg/Doyle): Councilmember Durhal raised questions about price and community benefit; motion to bring back in one week with petitioner present.
      • 10.9 (DLBA Property Sale to GLWA): Approved and sent to formal.
      • 10.10 (Property Sale – portion of 501 3rd Street): Approved and sent to formal.

Key Outcomes

  • Public Hearing – Line Item 5 (Detroit 5 & Dime): After a brief recess to allow the developer to provide information on ADA/elevator exemption (citing Michigan Building Code 1104.4 and ADA 206.2.3), the committee voted to send the item to formal session with a recommendation to approve. Motion passed unanimously.
  • Public Hearing – Line Item 6 (Wayne Tower): Sent to formal session with a recommendation to approve. Motion passed unanimously.
  • DLBA Q4 Report (9.11): Received and filed.
  • DLBA MOU Modification (multiple items): Brought back to committee for one week (October 9, 2025) for final review and possible vote.
  • Community Land Trust Ordinance (9.3): Brought back in two weeks.
  • Various other items: Approved, received and filed, or brought back as noted.
  • New Business: Items 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.6, 10.9, 10.10 sent to formal session with recommendations to approve. Items 10.7, 10.8 brought back in one week.
  • Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at approximately 12:30 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Everyone and welcome to the planning and economic development standing committee for today, Thursday, October 2nd, 2025. Good morning, Mr. Clerk. Good morning, Mr. Pro Tim. Good morning. Will you please call the roll, sir? No problem. Council President Pro Tim James Tate. Councilmember Frederick Hall III. Councilmember Letitia Johnson. Present. Mr. Pro Cam, Dr. Quorum. Thank you, sir. We have a quorum, which means we're now in session. Good morning, Member Johnson. Is there a motion to approve the minutes? Motion. See no objections that action shall be taken. One let everybody know that we have a full agenda today. We have two public hearings as well as discussion with the land bank report and the MOU. So a lot of things to discuss. So we're going to be uh getting right into the meeting right about now. Uh if you are calling in, we're gonna start off with public comment. If you're calling in for a public hearing, one of those two public hearings that I mentioned, please lower your hand. Please uh wait your time. We're gonna make sure you get an opportunity to speak on that public hearing, but I'm gonna open up for general public comment. If you have anything you want to provide to this uh council, uh please raise your hand now, whether you're in public uh in the committee of the whole or online, please raise your hand now. Going once, going twice, going three times. Collection of public comments have now concluded. Ms. Caprice, good morning. Good morning, Mr. Chair. We have 11 hands raised. I have 11 hands for public comment. Okay, we'll give everyone uh because we do have that uh very, very long agenda here. We need to make sure we have time for full discussion, especially for the MOU and some of these other items. We want to give everyone one minute. I know you're gonna be upset. I apologize in advance, but I'm letting you know that I'm doing it because we want to ensure we have a full discussion. So we're gonna give everyone one minute. Let's get that uh clock on the screen, please. General public comment. One minute, and who's our first caller now? Give me one second, sir. First caller will be not that Karen. All right.

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