Detroit City Council Meeting - June 18, 2026: Rezoning and NEZ Public Hearings

On Thursday, June 18, 2026, the Detroit City Council convened with a quorum present. Councilmember Gabriela Santiago Romero was absent. The meeting covered general public comment, a public hearing on a zoning map amendment (1015), and a public hearing on a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) for the Renaissance Center Tower 600 redevelopment (1020). The council also recessed a third public hearing (1025) to the call of the chair.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Adrian Tines (in person) described ongoing issues at 375 West Grand Boulevard, including infestation, illness, and lack of response from the owner. He requested FBI investigation and noted he had been contacted by Marquetta Samuels.
• William M. Davis (virtual) invited retirees to the City of Detroit Retiree Task Force meeting, criticizing the city's treatment of retirees since the bankruptcy and calling for more support.
• Owner Papa (virtual) requested information on the current nuisance abatement program (agenda item 8.2) and criticized the council for providing $2 million to DEGC without community benefit.
• Tyson Gersh (virtual) commented on agenda item 9.2.2, noting that BZA activity had not been incorporated into the community outreach ordinance as requested. He also criticized the law department's FOIA responsiveness and questioned what obligates departments to act on community input.
• Cunningham (D. Mobility Access Ambassador) (virtual) pleaded for prayers and assistance, alleging bullying.
• Blackbag (virtual) accused council members and city officials of cheating, referencing a complaint filed by Janice Winfrey.
• Jadante Smith (virtual) agreed with Tyson Gersh about FOIA issues, criticized the focus on DDOT over other crises, and raised concerns about Conrad Mallett's law license and conflict of interest.
• Betty A. Varner (virtual) promoted free or discounted haircut services at D's Corner Unisex Salon for youth, seniors, and veterans.
• Ralph (virtual) spoke on behalf of residents at 24247 Mile, who received reclassification notices but no details. He asked for information about the redevelopment plan.
• Solar farms caller (virtual) argued the city violated the charter regarding solar farms, citing a recent fire in Los Angeles and questioning fire department preparedness.

Discussion Items

1015 Public Hearing: Zoning Map Amendment (Chapter 50, District Map 71)

• Dr. Bolger (Planning) presented a rezoning of multiple properties in far northwest Detroit (Council District 1) from Plan Development (PD) zoning to various residential classifications (R1, R2, R3, R5). The PDs originated from 11 ordinances dating back to the 1950s–2000s, including failed projects like a Home Depot (2004) and an extended-stay hotel (2009). The rezoning is a legal correction to comply with current requirements—no new development is proposed. The Planning Commission recommended approval on May 1, 2026, after an April 3, 2026 community meeting.
• Council President Pro Tem Young clarified that the rezoning is a legal correction, not tied to any economic plan, though it returns most land to residential use.
• Public comment on the hearing included:
  • Mr. Foster (in person) emphasized the need to analyze why previous business ventures failed and called for better community engagement.
  • Caller 534 (virtual) noted notification problems and suggested council help residents learn how to participate in meetings.
  • Owner Papa (virtual) asked if the rezoning stemmed from a state ruling about parkland conversion and questioned costs to the city.
  • Tyson Gersh (virtual) observed that the city follows rules correctly for uncontroversial matters but not for controversial ones, citing examples like Northern Landing.
  • Ralph (virtual) expressed disappointment that the rezoning is only a correction, as residents hoped for new development in an underserved area.
• Director Todd (Planning) noted that the failed projects did not involve city investment, only private deals.

1020 Public Hearing: Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) for 590 East Jefferson (Renaissance Center Tower 600)

• David Howe (DEGC) presented a $65 million adaptive reuse of the 600 Tower, converting it to 86 rental units (18 affordable at 60–80% AMI), 6 condos, a 200-room hotel (brand under NDA), 40,000 sq ft commercial/retail, and 240 parking spaces. The project is expected to create 100 full-time jobs and 150 construction jobs, with a net fiscal benefit of $4.27 million to the city over the incentive life. The NEZ abates property taxes for the residential units; a separate PA 146 Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) will be sought for commercial/hotel.
• Christine Rader (Miller Johnson) detailed the developer's experience, universal design, sustainability goals, and community engagement with Downtown Detroit Partnership, Visit Detroit, and Rivertown Detroit Association.
• Justice Cook (Housing and Revitalization) confirmed the project's eligibility and the abatement structure.
• Councilmember Johnson asked about green stormwater infrastructure and parking. The developer noted underground parking and potential surface lot use.
• Council President Pro Tem Young asked about amenities within the complex, minority/women-owned business procurement estimates, public-to-private leverage ratio, and economic multipliers. The developer stated amenities include restaurants, gym, spa, and meeting rooms; procurement numbers are not yet granular; the capital stack is 60% equity/40% debt with no public cash; the project is projected to generate $200 million in local spending over 15 years. The $4.27 million fiscal benefit is driven by income tax from new jobs and residents, with a 30% capture rate.
• Public comment on the hearing included:
  • Mr. Foster (in person) questioned whether taxes would actually go into the general fund, raised concerns about hotel worker wages and protections, and asked about plans after incentives expire.
  • Tyson Gersh (virtual) supported tourism as a revenue source but noted past NEZ issues.
  • Owner Papa (virtual) asked about developer return on investment, criticized the $1 million reduction to the general fund, and opposed subsidizing riverfront condos.
  • Legendary Detroiter (virtual) echoed opposition to subsidies, accused officials of cheating, and questioned the legality of NEZs.

Key Outcomes

• 1015 Public Hearing (Zoning Map Amendment): A motion was made and seconded to send the item to formal session with a recommendation to approve. Hearing no objections, the motion carried. The item will proceed to a formal council vote.
• 1020 Public Hearing (NEZ): The hearing was held and public comment concluded. No immediate vote was taken; the item was recessed to the call of the chair for further consideration.
• General Public Comment: The council collected public comments from 12 virtual callers and in-person speakers. No formal actions were taken on those comments.
• 1025 Public Hearing: The meeting included a recess to the call of the chair for a third public hearing (agenda item 1025), but no further discussion occurred in the transcript.