Detroit City Council Meeting Summary - October 31, 2025
Detroit City Council Meeting Summary - October 31, 2025
The Detroit City Council met to review three major redevelopment proposals requiring public hearings: the Grand Oaks Apartments (Public Act 146), the Detroit City FC Stadium (Public Act 255), and the WNBA Practice Facility at the former Uniroyal site (Public Act 210). The agenda also included general public comments addressing local safety, housing affordability, election integrity, and police conduct. All three major items received strong staff support and community backing, with the committee recommending approval on all motions despite public concerns regarding tax abatements and environmental remediation.
Consent Calendar
- No specific consent calendar items were explicitly listed or voted upon as a block in the provided transcript.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Tamara Crook: Expressed strong opposition to the proposed parking area for the Farwell Field remodel, citing security concerns regarding unwanted approaches, loitering, and noise near residential homes. She proposed utilizing the Lightguard Army parking area as an alternative.
- Religious Speaker: Advocated for reparations as the solution to economic problems and warned of an imminent "fall of America" within 90 days unless the government addresses these issues, stating a deadline of January 4th.
- Councilman Cunningham: Shared updates on campaign canvas activities, hand warmer donations, and expressed support for free PR Transit on election day.
- Owner Papa: Criticized the short 30-second limits for public comment and the packed agenda. Expressed concern about "reverse reparations" where tax dollars are given to corporations rather than legacy Detroiters facing gentrification. Later supported the Grand Oaks project as a model for sustainable development.
- Raymond Lozano (Mexican Town Community Development Corporation): Expressed strong support for the Detroit City FC (DCFC) stadium, viewing it as a stimulus for economic advancement, a tribute to the sport, and a source of youth opportunities.
- Guest Caller (Anonymous): Criticized the "solar scam takings" and DTE practices; expressed disagreement with the "secretly planned" North End Landing developments.
- Karen (Caller): Called for the reinstatement of the Waymaster for truck monitoring, full restitution for Detroit retirees, and criticized the council for cutting public comment time too short.
- William M. Davis: Opposed LLCs receiving property tax exemptions while not serving as primary residences; expressed concern over police conduct involving white officers and Black women, likening police presence to an "occupying force."
- Betty A. Barner (President, Fairview Black Association): Requested funds for the renewal of the "Pink Accord" (referred to as Thinker Accorder/Fink Accorder in transcript) and praised the Finco Business Association for community cleanup efforts.
- Miko A. Williams: Criticized Council President Tate's previous outburst; endorsed Willie Burton for election day over a candidate viewed as "the establishment's pick"; expressed support for District 5 residents Joanne Tyson.
- Tyson Gersh: Challenged the validity of BZA transcript fees and the lack of City Council approval for such fees in 2002/2006, referencing Charter amendments designed to check executive power.
- Cindy Dara: Disputed her ability to run as a candidate due to petition processing errors; advocated for approval voting and argued against rank-choice voting; requested a recount investigation.
- Caller (Lynnwood/Lodge Area): Complained about broken glass at a bus shelter near Northwestern High School, uncut fields, an arrogant attitude from Council Member Tate's staff, and poor cleaning at the Rosa Parks Transit Center.
- Caller (James V. Tate Jr.):** Alleged personal misconduct by James Tate and threatened to expose "the whole truth" regarding past interactions.
- Melissa Love: Filed a formal complaint regarding the National Voter Registration Act, alleging corruption and voter role maintenance issues; demanded justice and representation.
- Michelle Lewis Watts, PhD: Expressed full support for the potential WMBA facility on the Uniroyal site, emphasizing the need for high-quality facilities for young people and girls.
- Marquis (Unidentified Caller): Audio issues prevented full testimony, but brief comments regarding stadium seating were made.
- William M. Davis (re: Grand Oaks): Expressed strong support for the Grand Oaks project, highlighting the inclusion of Wi-Fi and sustainable design as vital community assets.
- Not That Karen (re: Grand Oaks): Expressed support for the Grand Oaks project's sustainability; questioned the 60% AMI affordability level and requested specific dollar amounts for rent; suggested single-unit washer/dryers for ADA units.
- Kendall Kuhnman (Detroit 2030 District): Expressed strong support for the Grand Oaks project, noting the developer's alignment with carbon emission reduction goals and energy efficiency standards.
- Guest Caller (re: Grand Oaks): Strongly supported the project as a model for solar and climate resilience; contrasted the developer's thoroughness with current "solar scam" takings.
- Melissa Love (re: Grand Oaks): Opposed the project, arguing that 60% AMI ($19/hour) is not affordable given Detroit's average income of $15/hour; claimed the project primarily benefits the owner.
- Cindy Dara (re: Grand Oaks): Supported the project; recommended connecting with external renewable energy groups for wind/solar solutions; raised concerns about DTE buyback rates.
- Michelle Matthews: Expressed strong support for the Grand Oaks project, citing her previous professional work with Capital Impact Partners and the developer's alignment with equitable development goals.
- Kia Mathis (Detroit People's Platform, re: DCFC): Expressed concern that community benefits negotiations yielded insufficient mitigation for harms; requested a multi-year fund contribution to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and 15% accessible units.
- Owner Papa (re: DCFC): Expressed skepticism regarding the source of funding; questioned if the $135 million DDA funding constitutes public money; criticized the concentration of development in Corktown/District 6 over other corridors.
- John Sarge: Expressed support for the DCFC project, citing the club's ethical approach and the potential to connect communities and preserve a light sign landmark.
- Guest Caller (re: DCFC): Supported soccer but raised concerns that a former hospital site violates charter sections regarding mental health services; questioned the integrity of the Community Benefits Agreement (CBO) process.
- Richard Nordel & Kathy Schneider (Western Corktown Association): Expressed strong support for the DCFC project; highlighted the need for retail commercial corridors to support local business growth.
- William M. Davis (re: DCFC): Expressed conditional support; worried about congestion, parking shortages, and pollution despite supporting the redevelopment of the site.
- Todd Scott (Detroit Greenways Coalition): Supported the project's multi-modal transportation plan; requested a connection for the Southwest Greenway to the stadium.
- Guest Caller (re: DCFC): Expressed opposition to using general public taxes for stadium financing; advocated for entertainment taxes instead; raised concerns about insufficient parking capacity (2,500 spots for 15,000 seats).
- Anthony Benavides: Fully supported the DCFC project as a community asset providing jobs and entertainment.
- Carrie Brainard: Expressed strong support for the project, viewing it as a return of major sports venues to Corktown and a source of neighborhood vitality.
- Todd Scott & John Perkins (re: Uniroyal): Supported the Uniroyal redevelopment; John Perkins (Carpenters) emphasized job creation and youth programs.
- Guest Caller (re: Uniroyal): Demanded the project be held until the source of clean fill is verified to avoid "dirty dirt" contamination issues; requested public easement/access and questioned why the former owner isn't paying for remediation.
- Cindy Dara (re: Uniroyal): Expressed skepticism regarding Brownfield laws; questioned the logic of football/stadiums; raised concerns about DDA boundaries.
- Christy Ann Sims: Expressed full support for the Uniroyal project, highlighting economic growth and youth engagement.
Discussion Items
Grand Oaks Apartments (3642 & 3651 Oakman Blvd)
- Proposals: SK Holdings LLC (Shocker Mans) requested a Personalized Obligation for Reproductive and Affordable Housing (Oprah) certificate for an 8-unit affordable housing project. The project involves retrofitting a 1965 building with geothermal heat pumps, rooftop solar, and all-inclusive rents.
- Developer Position: Shocker Mans presented the project as a "triple bottom line" initiative (profit, people, planet) aiming for 60% Area Median Income (AMI) affordability. Rents ($1,065 for one-bedroom, $1,279 for two-bedroom) include utilities and Wi-Fi. The project is 47% grant-funded, 43% debt, and 10% equity.
- Council Position: Member Johnson expressed high approval of the developer's 15-year background, grant acquisition strategy, and community engagement. Member Benson noted the lack of similar projects coming forward due to the difficulty of securing such funding and execution.
- Public Deliberation: Support was expressed for the sustainability and amenity package (Wi-Fi, laundry). Opposition was raised by one caller arguing the rent is unaffordable for the average Detroiter. The developer clarified the $1,136/$1,363 rent figures based on 2025 AMI standards.
Detroit City FC Stadium (2201-2401 20th Street)
- Proposals: 310 Holdings LLC/DCFC requested a Public Act 255 (PA 255) Commercial Rehabilitation District for a 15,000-seat stadium on the former Southwest Hospital site.
- Developer Position: DCFC and DEGC presented the project as 100% privately financed with public support via tax abatements (PA 255 for stadium, PA 210 for mixed-use). The project includes 76 affordable apartment units, retail, and a mixed-use component. Financial projections showed the debt service coverage ratio improves with incentives (1.1 to 1.27). A Community Benefits Agreement (CBO) was cited with over 51 items including a small business loan fund and local hiring.
- Council Position: Member Benson praised the project as a "transformational" addition to the city and applauded the community engagement. Member Johnson noted the project's long history and the strong community buy-in.
- Public Deliberation: Concerns were raised about the source of funding (clarified as tax abatements vs. cash), parking capacity (2,500 spots), and the need for affordable housing trust funds. Supporters highlighted the economic impact, job creation, and community pride.
WNBA Practice Facility (6000 East Jefferson Blvd - Uniroyal Site)
- Proposals: W Detroit LLC (WMBA team) requested a Public Act 210 (PA 210) Commercial Rehabilitation District for a 75,000 sq ft WNBA facility and a youth development academy on the contaminated former Uniroyal site.
- Developer Position: The project involves remediating 42 acres of heavy contamination. The city leases the southwest portion to the team, who will fund the clean-up. The project includes a youth academy, athletic fields, and a practice facility. It is estimated to generate $50 million in annual economic activity and 71 direct jobs.
- Council Position: Councilmembers expressed strong support for cleaning up a long-blighted site and bringing professional women's sports to the city. Questions were raised about the "capping" process for contaminated soil and the source of clean fill.
- Public Deliberation: Support was voiced by construction unions and community associations. Opposition or caution was expressed by callers demanding verification of the clean fill source to prevent "dirty dirt" issues, requesting public easements for trail access, and questioning the lack of public access compared to the need for a recreation center in District 7.
Key Outcomes
- Grand Oaks Apartments: The committee moved to send the 10:10 AM Public Hearing (Line Item 5) to formal with a recommendation to approve the PA 146 obsolete property rehabilitation certificate.
- Detroit City FC: The committee moved to send the 10:30 AM Public Hearing (Line Item 6) to formal with a recommendation to approve the PA 255 district request.
- WNBA Facility: The committee moved to send the 10:50 AM Public Hearing (Line Item 7) to formal with a recommendation to approve the PA 210 commercial rehabilitation district request.
- Procedural Note: The 10:05 AM Public Hearing was briefly missed but acknowledged and continued.
- Motion: The Motion to recess to the call of the chair for the 2:05 PM meeting was passed unanimously.
Meeting Transcript
Is yours. Please introduce yourself for the record. Hi, my name is Tamara Crook. Mr. Benson is my uh council district on three. I'm here because I'm um have concerns about an area, Farwell Field. I'm very passionate about this area. Our community is we're the ones that keep it up, keep it safe, make sure the kids get back and forth to school. One of the concerns that I have is that um I walk my dog. I see you guys remodeling. I walk my dog there three times out the week. Um, I'm sorry, three times out the day. And during that time, I am unwanted approaches have came. Um people are uh laudering, smoking, drinking, loud music, partying, and this is a tennis court area, so no one has a rock the racket. Um it's times I have to avoid that side. But I have noticed that you guys are remodeling Farwell Field. Um, I don't know if you guys are accommodating other districts like Sterling Heights or Warren for them to go ahead and um participate in the field. It's a beautiful agriculture. I agree, but you guys have made a parking area that you guys, after I'm looking at your phase three that you guys are building, and I'm opposed to it just because I know for a fact that same situation over there by the tennis court where no one is playing tennis, it's gonna happen, and it's in front of our house, in front of where they can see us go in our houses, they can approach us while we go in our houses, our kids, a lot of music smoking. I was told my mom's here. I was told if you come with a problem, come with a solution. My solution is over there by Lightguard Army, that's the plenty parking area. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. So uh it's it sounds like you have talked to Member Benson's office. No, I emailed them, but they never contact me back. Okay, I'm not sure. Uh typically we have someone from the staff that's here. Uh, hopefully they're hearing uh the voice uh and they can come out now and speak to you, but if you don't mind, uh we'll get leave your information and we'll make sure that we get that information to uh member Benson's office for certain. And wish you all the best. Thank you for for providing that information. All right, sir, the floor is yours. If you can hit that button in front of you until the red turns green. Just again advising folks if you're calling in about a public hearing, please lower your hand. We will have an opportunity to uh get you during one of those public hearings. One of the four public hearings we have today, sir. Good morning. Good morning to y'all. Blessings to y'all. Okay. And I'll just give that the solutions, the main solution to all of the uh economic problems we have right now is gonna be the reparations. Yeah, uh Judge Matthew started and uh and Mary Sheffield been trying to get and uh she will be mayor no matter who don't like it. And uh and Mary Waters gonna be up there too, no matter who don't like it. And uh I just want to also say that world is in trouble, been in trouble because they never did it right by us on reparations like they did everybody else. And uh time is clicking. Clock is ticking, time is running out on uh and quiet as people got to it about maybe a few more months in the gut in every nation on this earth, and especially this government gonna be borrowing down because uh the ancestors Mother Goddess and Father God, they all the way way now to watch it all see it happen. Fall of America and everything unless they want to cut a pull up a little bit about it. It'll be the fall of America and it only could be forgiven between within the next 90 days deadline January 4th or my birthbirth. Okay, but anyway, it can only do right by us in order to solve all the problems. And if they don't do it, guess what?
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