OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee - July 9, 2026

City Council — Thursday, July 9, 2026
BodyDetroit, Michigan
SessionCity Council
DateThursday, July 9, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:13:32

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Planning and economic development standing committee back to order.

0:04

Madam Clerk, will you please call the room?

0:08

Councilmember Letitia Johnson present.

0:10

Councilmember Gabriela Santiago Romero.

0:13

Member Santiago Romero did indicate that she would not be present today.

0:16

Clerk has noted Council President Pro Temper Comune the second.

0:20

Here.

0:22

Thank you.

0:23

We are back in session.

0:25

And we will return back to the 1020 public hearing.

0:30

And my apologies, Mr.

0:31

Rosenhouse.

0:33

You may proceed with your presentation.

0:37

Sorry about that.

0:38

Absolutely.

0:38

Thank you so much.

0:39

My pleasure.

0:41

So as far as uh construction jobs and the construction component of this project, Uniland works with all of our subcontractors and local suppliers and encourages them to source Detroit-based workers, many of the contractors and a few of the suppliers.

1:00

And please keep in mind nothing is in contract right now, but uh are intended and are currently Detroit-based companies.

1:08

Uh we also encourage our contractors as well as any self-performing staffing needs that Uniland may require uh to use Detroit at work as a resource.

1:20

Uh and then, you know, we are uh uh contractors as well as we have uh partaken alongside Bobby in uh our little part of redeveloping a few buildings in the city, and we have found uh not only to it be an advantage to the city, but frankly an advantage to the project uh when we do source Detroit-based workers and contractors, and that is our plan uh for ultimate success for this project.

2:00

You're muted, Bobby, if you're talking.

2:03

Next slide, please.

2:08

So in terms of uh community engagement, uh wanted to be noted that we are working with a uh third-party vendor mission list to um really leverage the um potential in terms of reaching the community in a way that we really get the feedback to have their input that's gonna guide us and uh bringing this project to market.

2:31

Um this just lists some of the things that have already happened.

2:35

Um we've uh done some cabin thing between um Central and Wildermere going door to door.

2:42

Um the next one just shows some of the partners that we are working with already, but that's not an inclusive list.

2:48

We will expand that.

2:49

Um the last one is the uh a naming process.

2:53

If that was something that um the community would want to do, and we we feel strongly enough about this building, this project, um bring it back to the state of usability by the community.

3:07

That um you know, if there's a desire to put a name to the building, then we certainly engage that process as well.

3:14

So I want to conclude this uh slide by getting some feedback from um uh from Luis, who is a resident of the area.

3:23

And if you could add your comments in terms of our community engagement, that would be helpful.

3:29

Yes, uh happy to uh being a resident of these district and uh an architect of El Barrio of the region.

3:40

Uh, have done many projects and I have seen many on Werner.

3:43

I think this portion of Werner really is needed for the community.

3:47

It it needs opportunity to bring uh affordable housing, but also um uh some interesting businesses to the side of of Werner, that is a kind of uh getting quiet as it goes to their one.

4:01

Uh so I think it uh the community and what they have expressed all the time is is about re-engaging and getting all these vacant lots and and buildings that are empty and not functional backing in in the works in this side of the community.

4:18

So very excited that this project is going forward and and happy to see it on my neighborhood.

4:26

Thank you, Luis.

4:27

I think that concludes our presentation.

4:32

Thank you.

4:35

All right, I will kick things off um with a few questions.

4:40

Just curious to know if the the back of the building, if you will have any fencing or if it is open to the Joe Lewis Greenway.

4:51

So the intention is that it would have uh around uh five feet um uh gate that is semi-transparent.

5:00

The gates can open.

5:02

So the idea is that obviously for safety and things like that, it would stay close, but it's semi-transparent.

5:10

And then use light it to completely open the backyard for for people and things like that.

5:16

So and also it's five feet, so you really can see on top of it.

5:20

So it's not intended to be a 12-foot uh fence, it's in intention to be a low a low fence that interacts with the Joe Luis Arena.

5:28

Okay, thank you.

5:30

It looks like a beautiful building.

5:32

Um can you all talk about your projected timeline?

5:41

So we're currently working on securing the funding and of which this is a part of that uh process.

5:51

Um so after we've secured that, um if you could just speak to the timeline in terms of the construction of the um building itself or um renovation of the building itself, I should say.

6:06

Yeah, absolutely.

6:08

So as soon as we uh collectively all work and make our best efforts to meet the starting line, then then I I get to have my fun.

6:18

Um so as soon as we have permits, as soon as uh uh lending is secured and the financing is closed, we project a six-month duration to redevelop the building.

6:34

Okay, thank you.

6:35

And Mr.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning and Land Use███████████████████████████27%
Workforce Development██████████████████18%
Public Engagement████████████12%
Housing███████████11%
Economic Development███████7%
Environmental Protection███████7%
Community Engagement█████5%
Procedural█████5%
Disability Rights██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee - July 9, 2026

The Detroit City Council Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee met on July 9, 2026, to hold four public hearings on proposed developments and rezoning requests. The committee considered projects including a mixed-use rehabilitation on Warner Avenue (Uniland), a Woodward Avenue mixed-use redevelopment (Landy Land LLC), a rezoning to allow an aviation maintenance training campus near Detroit City Airport, and a rezoning to permit a drive-through for Michigan First Credit Union. Several items were advanced to formal session, and two public hearings were continued.

Consent Calendar

  • Line Item 5 (1020 Public Hearing – Uniland Project): Motion to send to formal session with recommendation to approve. No objections.
  • Line Item 6 (1025 Public Hearing – Landy Land LLC): Motion to send to formal session with recommendation to approve. No objections.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • 1020 Public Hearing (Uniland):
    • Mr. Foster (in person) questioned the effectiveness of PA 146 (Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act) and noted that properties cannot have simultaneous tax exemptions.
    • Marguerite Maddox raised concerns about ADA accessibility, automatic door openers, and lack of parking.
    • A caller (phone ending 534) asked why solar panels and energy efficiency measures were not required given the city’s use of eminent domain for solar projects.
    • Cindy Dara expressed skepticism about enforcement of developer commitments and suggested stormwater capture and solar panels.
  • 1025 Public Hearing (Landy Land LLC):
    • Cindy Dara questioned the history of the property, referencing previous owner Joel Landy and potential past city funding.
    • Joanne Warwick asked about planned obsolescence, why buildings sat vacant, and again raised solar panel requirements.
    • Marguerite Maddox asked about the number of commercial entrances and availability of side-by-side washer/dryers in units.
  • 1030 Public Hearing (Aviation Institute of Maintenance Rezoning):
    • William Davis asked about the number of jobs, whether Detroiters get preference, and if the ownership includes African Americans.
    • Jadante Smith asked about proximity to Michael Kelly land, noise impacts on nearby homes, and reiterated job and diversity questions.
    • Cindy Dara expressed support and noted the long efforts of Beverly Kendall Walker and Keith Hines.
    • Beverly Kendall Walker expressed full support for the project as a workforce development win.
    • Marguerite Maddox commented on disability access.
  • 1035 Public Hearing (Michigan First Credit Union Rezoning):
    • Michael Tarniff (Teamsters) expressed 100% support, noting the drive-through was requested by retirees for accessibility.
    • Legendary Detroiter made a general comment about city plans.
    • Caller (ending 169) made a general comment.
    • Cindy Dara asked if the credit union is taking over the former Manufacturers/Comerica bank and mentioned Isaac Robinson.
    • Joanne Warwick asked about solar panels, idling cars increasing emissions, and proximity to the casino.
    • Marguerite Maddox expressed concern about the location near the casino.

Discussion Items

  • 1020 Public Hearing – Uniland Project (Warner Avenue):
    • Uniland presented a mixed-use rehabilitation of a vacant building, including four affordable rental units at 60% AMI or less, 3,600 sq ft of commercial space, and community engagement efforts using third-party vendor Mission List. Construction duration estimated at six months after financing and permits.
    • Councilmember Johnson asked about fencing (5 ft semi-transparent gate), timeline, contractor (Uniland is a construction management firm), utilities (not included), accessible restrooms, and retail space breakdown. Developer committed to using Detroit-based workers and contractors.
  • 1025 Public Hearing – Landy Land LLC (3135-3161 Woodward Avenue):
    • The $6.4 million project will reactivate 22,736 sq ft with 5,190 sq ft residential (4 units at 70-80% AMI) and 17,546 sq ft commercial retail. Developers reported two signed leases with minority-owned Detroit businesses and advanced LOIs for additional spaces. Project creates 60 construction jobs and 91 permanent jobs (1 direct, 90 tenant-created). Twelve-year tax benefit estimated at $210,169 ($17,514/year). Developers noted the project meets the "but for" test.
    • Councilmember Johnson asked about utilities (not included), and directed compliance staff to ensure conversation about utilities in affordable units. She also requested automatic doors for all retail spaces.
  • 1030 Public Hearing – Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) Rezoning:
    • The rezoning from R2 to B4 on airport-owned land (former Delasalle High School property, purchased for runway 725 approach protection) would allow a commercial trade school. AIM plans an $8-10 million, 50-job facility for FAA-certified aviation maintenance training. Timeline: end of 2027, with 10-14 month construction. AIM will offer dual credit partnerships with Wayne County schools and universities, and scholarship pathways with airlines. Engine run-ups limited to Monday-Thursday 9:30 am-7:30 pm, with potential sound wall. The airport director noted the noise does not change airport noise contours.
    • Councilmember Johnson (District 4) expressed enthusiasm and asked about timeline, tuition costs (approx. $52,000, reduced by one-third for Davis Aerospace graduates). Pro Tem Young requested a specific day-night average sound level (DNL) number and asked about emissions monitoring. The chair noted the hearing would be continued to July 23, 2026, for further discussion.
  • 1035 Public Hearing – Michigan First Credit Union Rezoning:
    • The rezoning from SD1, R2, R3 to B2 on parcels at Temple, Trumbull, and Perry Streets would allow a drive-through at the existing credit union (formerly Teamsters Credit Union). The $8.5 million project is entirely privately funded. The drive-through is requested by membership, including seniors and disabled residents. Developers cited 117,000 Detroiters with disabilities and 94,000 over 65. The nearest drive-up teller is 1.6 miles away. Community engagement resulted in 177 support letters and one letter of opposition regarding traffic. The North Corktown Neighborhood Association remains neutral.
    • Councilmember Johnson noted noticing challenges and expressed willingness to work through them. Developers highlighted at-risk investment of $600,000 already spent on demo and permits.

Key Outcomes

  • Line Item 5 (Uniland 1020): Approved for formal session with recommendation to approve.
  • Line Item 6 (Landy Land 1025): Approved for formal session with recommendation to approve.
  • 1030 Public Hearing (AIM Rezoning): Continued to July 23, 2026, at 10:55 a.m. Further discussion on noise and emissions postponed.
  • 1035 Public Hearing (Michigan First Credit Union): Continued to July 23, 2026, at 11:05 a.m. due to noticing issues.
  • The committee recessed to the call of the chair and then the Neighborhood and Community Services Standing Committee was called to order.

Meeting Transcript

Planning and economic development standing committee back to order. Madam Clerk, will you please call the room? Councilmember Letitia Johnson present. Councilmember Gabriela Santiago Romero. Member Santiago Romero did indicate that she would not be present today. Clerk has noted Council President Pro Temper Comune the second. Here. Thank you. We are back in session. And we will return back to the 1020 public hearing. And my apologies, Mr. Rosenhouse. You may proceed with your presentation. Sorry about that. Absolutely. Thank you so much. My pleasure. So as far as uh construction jobs and the construction component of this project, Uniland works with all of our subcontractors and local suppliers and encourages them to source Detroit-based workers, many of the contractors and a few of the suppliers. And please keep in mind nothing is in contract right now, but uh are intended and are currently Detroit-based companies. Uh we also encourage our contractors as well as any self-performing staffing needs that Uniland may require uh to use Detroit at work as a resource. Uh and then, you know, we are uh uh contractors as well as we have uh partaken alongside Bobby in uh our little part of redeveloping a few buildings in the city, and we have found uh not only to it be an advantage to the city, but frankly an advantage to the project uh when we do source Detroit-based workers and contractors, and that is our plan uh for ultimate success for this project. You're muted, Bobby, if you're talking. Next slide, please. So in terms of uh community engagement, uh wanted to be noted that we are working with a uh third-party vendor mission list to um really leverage the um potential in terms of reaching the community in a way that we really get the feedback to have their input that's gonna guide us and uh bringing this project to market. Um this just lists some of the things that have already happened. Um we've uh done some cabin thing between um Central and Wildermere going door to door. Um the next one just shows some of the partners that we are working with already, but that's not an inclusive list. We will expand that. Um the last one is the uh a naming process. If that was something that um the community would want to do, and we we feel strongly enough about this building, this project, um bring it back to the state of usability by the community. That um you know, if there's a desire to put a name to the building, then we certainly engage that process as well. So I want to conclude this uh slide by getting some feedback from um uh from Luis, who is a resident of the area. And if you could add your comments in terms of our community engagement, that would be helpful. Yes, uh happy to uh being a resident of these district and uh an architect of El Barrio of the region. Uh, have done many projects and I have seen many on Werner. I think this portion of Werner really is needed for the community. It it needs opportunity to bring uh affordable housing, but also um uh some interesting businesses to the side of of Werner, that is a kind of uh getting quiet as it goes to their one. Uh so I think it uh the community and what they have expressed all the time is is about re-engaging and getting all these vacant lots and and buildings that are empty and not functional backing in in the works in this side of the community. So very excited that this project is going forward and and happy to see it on my neighborhood. Thank you, Luis. I think that concludes our presentation. Thank you. All right, I will kick things off um with a few questions. Just curious to know if the the back of the building, if you will have any fencing or if it is open to the Joe Lewis Greenway. So the intention is that it would have uh around uh five feet um uh gate that is semi-transparent. The gates can open. So the idea is that obviously for safety and things like that, it would stay close, but it's semi-transparent. And then use light it to completely open the backyard for for people and things like that. So and also it's five feet, so you really can see on top of it. So it's not intended to be a 12-foot uh fence, it's in intention to be a low a low fence that interacts with the Joe Luis Arena.

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