Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee – January 15, 2026

The Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee met on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The meeting included public comments, discussion and action on several items, including a request for a public hearing on a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ), an amendment to the Home Repair Home Swap program, and referrals of memoranda. The committee approved the minutes, received and filed the NEZ request, approved the home repair fund transfer, and referred or held other items for future consideration.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved by motion with no objections.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Marla Prince (in-person): Expressed gratitude for Mr. Cunningham's volunteer transportation assistance, calling him an "angel." She raised concerns about bus reliability, driver attitudes, and the lack of a bus shelter at Six Mile and Woodward. The chair acknowledged the comment and committed to follow up with the Department of Transportation.
• Mr. Cunningham (in-person): Described his community work (providing hand warmers, gloves, bus tickets at bus stops) and promoted an upcoming meeting. He mentioned receiving a proclamation from the former deputy mayor.
• Mr. Foster (in-person): Criticized the city's snow removal and salt usage, arguing Detroit should leverage its own salt resources to create local jobs and revenue instead of relying on external suppliers.
• Owner Papa (virtual): Expressed frustration over perceived favoritism toward Corktown development and tax abatements benefiting newcomers, while legacy residents face higher burdens. Criticized the rehiring of officials like Julie Schneider and Conrad Mallet.
• Rochella Stewart (virtual): Congratulated council members, advocated for affordable single-family homes at 30% Area Median Income (AMI), noting most residents earn under $38,000 per year.
• Betty A. Verner (virtual, DeSoda Ellsworth Block Association): Provided details about the Franklin Wright Settlement Organization's Senior Tour Services (free home assistance for seniors 60+), and requested support for the Fink A corridor and Diva Community Park.
• Caller ending in 039 (virtual): Made critical remarks about council members and conditions in Districts 3 and 4, referenced an incident at 1443 Spring Garden, and accused Councilmember Benson of being fraudulent.
• William M. Davis (virtual): Criticized the former mayor for inaction on retiree pensions, noted Detroit's population decline from 18th to 26th largest city, and suggested council visit the salt mines.
• Jadante Smith (virtual, Vice President Helen Street Block Club): Discussed a property maintenance agreement with Crown Enterprises (Maroun family) covering 1,023 parcels for $50,000, questioned the agreement's value, and praised Councilmember Waters' work on the land bank. Expressed interest in running for council in four years.
• Caller ending in 169 (virtual): Thanked council for prayers for Mr. Cunningham, reported an assault on Cunningham that resulted in minor injuries, and praised his community contributions.

Discussion Items

• Item 6.1 – NEZ Public Hearing Request (Corktown Development Properties, 1728 Michigan Avenue): The committee initially deferred discussion. Upon return, Councilmember Santiago Romero raised concerns about parking, affordability, and the strain on existing residents in Corktown. HRD representatives Justice Cook and Rebecca Labove described other affordable housing developments in Greater Corktown, including Clement Kern Gardens (approx. 600 units, many at 60% AMI or below with project-based rental assistance) and Preserve on Ash phases. Councilmember Young requested data on NEZ usage and resident incomes for public transparency. The item was received and filed; a public hearing will be scheduled.
• Item 6.2 – Home Repair Home Swap Program Amendment: HRD's Rico Razo explained the pilot program: families in need of extensive home repairs move into fully renovated homes, then their original homes are renovated. Phase one had a $26,000 remaining balance; the amendment transfers those funds to phase two. The committee approved the motion to send to formal session with a recommendation.
• Item 6.3 – Councilmember Santiago Romero Memorandum on Tax Abatements in District 6: The committee referred the memo to the Legislative Policy Division (LPD) for review, to return in two weeks.
• Item 6.4 – Councilmember Waters Memorandum re Michigan Land Bank Authority Intergovernmental Agreement: The committee noted that a similar resolution was approved in October 2025. The item was held over for one week to confirm next steps with the new administration.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes: Approved unanimously.
• Public Comments: Heard and acknowledged by the chair.
• Item 6.1: Received and filed; public hearing to be scheduled.
• Item 6.2: Motion to approve the amendment and transfer funds from Phase One to Phase Two; sent to formal session with recommendation.
• Item 6.3: Referred to LPD, to return in two weeks.
• Item 6.4: Held over for one week.
• Meeting Adjourned.