Detroit City Council Meeting - March 5, 2026

The Detroit City Council met on March 5, 2026, in a regular session starting at 10:00 AM. The meeting included general public comment, three public hearings (one postponed, one approved), unfinished business, and member reports. Key actions included the postponement of two public hearings related to a Corktown development, approval of a zoning change for the Schwitz Health Club expansion, and approval of a contract amendment to expand the Right to Counsel hotline. The council also received a presentation on the Detroit Latinx History Project and terminated two obsolete brownfield plans.

Consent Calendar

• Motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Unanimous approval.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comment (10:04 AM - 10:05 AM cut-off):

  • Jadante Smith: Expressed concerns about water affordability, blight, and high salaries at the city (e.g., David Whitaker at $117/hour). Called for better oversight and boarding up vacant houses.
  • Cunningham: Complained about poor bus service, new buses breaking down, and equipment shortages. Advocated for prayer and community support.
  • William M. Davis: Called for more economic development in District 7 and across the city, noting that recovery has been on the backs of retirees.
  • Betty A. Vernon (President, Soda Ellsworth Black Association): Questioned the lifeline water affordability program, noting that existing balances remain due after the program ends. Appreciated having a DWSD representative speak, but wanted clearer details.
  • Owner Papa: Criticized the city for spending on the Fisher Body Development ($6.9M ARPA) while not helping legacy Detroiters. Raised concerns about evictions, water department mismanagement, and lack of assistance for individuals like Cindy Dara.
  • Caller ending in 534: Accused the city of taking private property via the land bank and not treating all residents equally. Questioned the equitable development task force and the North End Landing project.
  • Caller ending in 039: Alleged election fraud and made personal accusations against council members. Was cut off due to language.
  • Luis Orozco (owner of Jose's Tacos): Expressed full support for the proposed hotel project at 206 East Grand River (Method Rivers LLC), stating it will bring visitors, activity, and opportunities for local businesses.

• Public Hearing Comment (for Schwitz rezoning):

  • Owner Papa: Questioned the Schwitz's history of discrimination and its outreach to the Black community, also asked about noise level measurement.
  • Caller ending in 534: Raised similar concerns about noise and disruption, referencing existing issues at Dolores Bennett Playground.
  • iPhone (Sunny): Suggested the Northwest Activity Center as an alternative for steam baths, but noted noise concerns. Also mentioned personal housing issues.
  • Jim Brunel (North Corktown): Chose to submit comments in writing.

Discussion Items

• Postponement of Public Hearings (Items 5, 6, 7):

  • The 10:15 AM public hearing for a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) at 1728 Michigan Avenue (Corktown Development Properties LLC) was adjourned to a date to be determined, due to time constraints from upcoming budget hearings. The 10:25 AM public hearing for the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority at the same property was also adjourned. The related 10:20 AM discussion item was similarly postponed.

• Zoning Change for Schwitz Health Club (Item 8 - 10:30 AM Public Hearing):

  • City Planning Commission staff (Kimani Jeffrey) and the developer (Patty Lynch, Grant Bradley) presented a request to rezone two vacant parcels at 656 and 662 Melbourne Street from R3 (low-density residential) to B4 (general business district). The purpose is to install an HVAC system for the historic bathhouse (operating since 1930) and expand an outdoor lounge area. The developer noted they purchased a neighboring house to buffer the residential area. Letters of support were received; one neighbor opposed but declined meetings. The City Planning Commission recommended approval on June 26, 2025.
  • Council discussion: Questions about noise from the HVAC system were addressed (sound-dampening panels, single unit, distance from neighbors). Councilmember Santiago Romero asked about affordability for Detroiters; the developer cited a $40 all-day fee, discounted days, and plans to keep prices accessible. Councilmember Young sought clarification on the need for rezoning (explained as required due to historic roof and outdoor unit placement). The public hearing was held, and the item was approved to be sent to formal session with a recommendation to approve.

• Latinx History Project Presentation (Item 10.5):

  • Kelsey Moss and Ian Tomashek (Historic Designation Advisory Board) presented the results of the Detroit Latinx History Project, funded by a National Park Service grant. The project created a historic context report, a public story map, and secured the Bagley-West Vernor National Register Historic District (approved January 22, 2026). The district includes 116 buildings in Southwest Detroit and provides tax credits for commercial property owners. The context report and story map are available in English and Spanish. Councilmembers praised the work and discussed the need for inclusivity and individual profiles of notable Latinx figures.

• Right to Counsel Contract Amendment (Item 10.1):

  • Diamond Conley (Executive Director of Right to Counsel) explained that the contract amendment (with Wayne Metro Community Action Agency) adds funds to include Right to Counsel services in the CAM hotline. This will allow callers to be screened for housing assistance and directly connected to attorneys, rather than waiting for their first court date. The timeline was initially unclear but is intended to run through June 30, 2027. Councilmember Johnson noted the need for an amended version to clarify the end date, and Conley committed to working with OCP to address it before the next formal session. The item was approved to be sent to formal with a recommendation to approve, noting the pending amendment.

• Termination of Brownfield Plans (Items 10.3 and 10.4):

  • Brian Vosberg (DEGC) explained that the Global Cold Storage brownfield plan (new construction in Eastern Market) was terminated because the project never started and no incentives were used. The Riverbend 3 plan (Jefferson Chalmers) was terminated because the Michigan Business Tax credit program expired, and no development occurred. Councilmember Young expressed concern that the termination might signal a lack of need for brownfields in the flood-affected area, but Vosberg clarified that the plan was specific and that other developers could apply for new incentives. Both items were approved.

• Other Items:

  • Item 9.1 (report on community outreach ordinance) was brought back in three weeks.
  • Item 9.2 (community benefits ordinance report) was brought back in one week.
  • Item 10.2 (report on home repair funds) was received and filed.
  • Item 10.6 (obsolete property rehabilitation exemption for Method River LLC) was approved, with a resolution attached.
  • Item 10.7 (revocation of obsolete property rehab certificate for Quality Pheasant LLC) was approved because the property is now a nonprofit daycare.
  • Item 10.8 (property sale at 8605 West Vernor to 8547 West Vernor LLC for $150,000) was approved.
  • Item 10.9 (memo on public notice distance requirements) was brought back in three weeks.

Key Outcomes

• Public hearings for NEZ and Brownfield at 1728 Michigan Avenue (Items 5, 6, 7): Postponed to a date to be determined.
• Zoning change for 656/662 Melbourne Street (Item 8): Approved unanimously to send to formal session with a recommendation to approve.
• Right to Counsel contract amendment (Item 10.1): Approved to send to formal session, with an expectation that the timeline will be amended to June 30, 2027.
• Latinx History Project (Item 10.5): Received and filed; council noted the report and story map.
• Termination of Global Cold Storage and Riverbend 3 brownfield plans (Items 10.3, 10.4): Approved unanimously.
• Obsolete property rehab exemption (Item 10.6): Approved to send to formal session.
• Revocation of obsolete property rehab certificate (Item 10.7): Approved unanimously.
• Property sale (Item 10.8): Approved unanimously.
• Budget hearings: Announced to begin Monday, March 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM with the Mayor's budget presentation. The council session on March 12, 2026, will start at 9:00 AM to accommodate hearings.