Detroit Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee Meeting - January 29, 2026

The Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee of the Detroit City Council met on Thursday, January 29, 2026, under the chairmanship of Councilmember Letitia Johnson. The committee addressed a range of items including zoning changes, contracts for housing and development services, and landmark authority updates. Public comment featured 10 virtual speakers who raised concerns about city debt, land bank property management, downzoning fees, disaster preparedness, and service equity. The committee approved several items for formal council consideration and deferred others for further review.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Caller ending in 169 expressed gratitude for prayers for a community member and promoted Cunningham transportation services, urging residents to consider them over rideshare companies.
• William M. Davis argued that the city must pay its debt to retirees, stating that the recovery has unfairly burdened them. He called for the land bank to drastically reduce its property inventory, especially side lots and occupied structures, to reduce blight and improve safety.
• Jadante Smith praised Councilmember Santiago Romero’s office for responsiveness on downzoning inquiries. He requested a fee discount for community downzoning applications (current fee: $1,500 for first acre, $50 per additional acre) and noted ongoing lawsuits against the city that could be avoided.
• Betty A. Varner (President, Soda Ellsworth Block Association) provided information about the Detroit Community Health Connection clinics, including the Noland Family Health Center at 111 West Seven Mile, which operates on a sliding fee scale with a $20 flat rate for services. She shared contact numbers for medical and dental care.
• Owner Papa criticized the dismissal of problems with HOME funds and the lack of resolution from a previous audit meeting. He urged the committee to plan for disaster recovery, noting that residents need to know where they would go in a crisis. Chair Johnson clarified that she responded to audit concerns and that a disaster recovery task force (co-chaired by Johnson, Santiago Romero, and Waters) is actively working.
• Tahira Ahmad expressed concern about inequitable FEMA relief after the 2021 flooding, stating Black homeowners were snubbed. She called for clawing back $600 million from Dan Gilbert’s Hudson project due to alleged breach of contract (failed to bring promised 2,500 new jobs) and urged use of the former mayor’s “Progress Fund” for home repairs.
• Michelle (caller) reported that sidewalks on West Graham Boulevard near Northwestern High School are not shoveled, causing injuries to children and elderly. She also requested a ban on retaliatory evictions by landlords, stating she has filed multiple complaints with Councilmember Miller’s office without response. Chair Johnson (also liaising with DPSCD) assured escalation to the school district; Councilmember Santiago Romero countered that her office is highly responsive to this caller.
• Inclusive Community Engagement Matters (caller) criticized the Board of Zoning Appeals for imposing high transcript fees, arguing that the city code requires transcripts regardless of appeal, and that the Law Department is interfering with residents’ right to petition. They urged the committee to exercise oversight.
• Cunningham requested that the city provide bus tickets or validate parking for residents attending public comment. He also highlighted the need to keep transit centers open overnight for the homeless and described charitable efforts distributing warm items.
• Caller ending in 039 made unfounded accusations against Councilmember Santiago Romero, alleging election interference, and claimed a property foreclosure was mishandled. The caller became agitated and was not called to order; their time concluded.

Discussion Items

• 5.1 – Status of Councilmember Santiago Romero’s memorandum on tax abatement in District Six: On motion, brought back in two weeks for further discussion.
• 6.1 – Lease agreement (Contract 6007573): 931 Selden as construction staging area for 900 Tuscola development. Discussion included dust mitigation during construction, parking plans, and the $500/month rental fee. Staff explained the gravel site and that the lease accommodates simultaneous use by Invest Detroit. The item was sent to formal agenda with a recommendation to approve.
• 6.2 – Home Repair Loan Program Design Consulting Services (Contract 6007618): $108,000 contract with The Ownership Initiative LLC for one year to redesign the zero-interest home repair loan program. Chief Rico Rizzo (HRD) reported that over 10 years the program served 825 households with $16.7 million loans, average income $41,000, default rate ~2%, and average age 58. Councilmember Santiago Romero raised concerns about contractor quality and inspector misconduct, urging a patient satisfaction evaluation. Chairman Johnson requested her office be included in the design process. Motion to approve passed.
• 6.3 – Rezoning former Alice Burney Elementary site (4094 DeWayne) from R2 to SD1: To permit senior housing by Presbyterian Villages of Michigan. CPC staff recommended setting a public hearing. Motion approved.
• 6.4 – Rezoning from R2 to R3 for Northwest Goldberg CARES nonprofit center (seven parcels near 15th & Marquette): Staff explained that R3 allows the proposed schoolhouse-style center by-right, avoiding a variance needed under R2. Councilmembers noted the area needs both housing and community services. Public hearing set.
• 6.5 – Rezoning from R3 to B4 for expansion of The Schwitz health club (656-662 Melbourne): Owner plans to add HVAC equipment and an outdoor lounge for the historic bathhouse, now open to all. Councilmembers praised the business and discussed economic impact. Public hearing set.
• 6.6 – CDBG NOF 2026-2027 list of applicants and conflict disclosure: Staff requested council offices review the list for conflicts. Received and filed.
• 6.7 – CDBG NOF schedule: Deferred for two weeks pending review by the new administration.
• 6.8 & 6.9 – Community Benefits Ordinance biennial reports: Brought back, date to be determined.
• 6.10 – Detroit Land Bank Authority quarterly report (Q2 FY2026): Brought back in one week for discussion.
• 6.11 – Planning & Development annual sign waiver hearing report (2025): Edwina King (PDD) reported 27 applications, 24 eligible, 20 hearings, 13 approved, 7 with conditions; signs approved in all seven council districts. Staff recommended amending the sign ordinance but referred to law department. Received and filed.
• 6.12 – Councilmember Benson’s memorandum on M4 Green Buffer Text Amendment timeline: Referred to City Planning Commission, bring back in four weeks.
• 6.13 – Council President Tate’s memorandum on Graham River Corridor update: Brought back in two weeks.
• 6.14 – Councilmember Waters’ memorandum on negotiations with Michigan Land Bank Authority over DLBA intergovernmental agreement: Removed from agenda to allow internal work on amendments concerning board makeup and residency.

Key Outcomes

• Approvals for formal agenda: Items 6.1 (lease), 6.2 (home repair consulting), 6.3, 6.4, 6.5 (zoning changes with public hearing settings) were all approved unanimously.
• Deferrals or bringbacks: Items 5.1 (two weeks), 6.7 (two weeks), 6.8/6.9 (date TBD), 6.10 (one week), 6.12 (four weeks), 6.13 (two weeks) were deferred as noted.
• Received and filed: Items 6.6 (CDBG NOF list) and 6.11 (sign waiver report) were received and filed without objection.
• Item removed: Item 6.14 was removed to allow council to develop proposed amendments prior to sending to the Michigan Land Bank Authority.

All actions were taken without objection unless otherwise noted. The committee adjourned after member reports.