Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee Meeting - July 23, 2026

The Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee convened on Thursday, July 23, 2026, with Councilmembers Letitia Johnson, Gabriela Santiago Romero, and President Pro Tempore Coleman present. The meeting included general public comment, public hearings on brownfield and zoning matters, and discussion of several contracts and resolutions. Key actions included approvals for a 48-unit mixed-income development in West Village, a 17-unit project in Corktown, a rezoning for a trade school at City Airport, and a rezoning for a credit union drive-thru.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the meeting minutes from the previous session.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comment: Fourteen virtual callers spoke. Topics included:
  • Dr. Denise Darnell expressed strong support for the newly passed 21st Century Road to Housing Act, emphasizing limits on corporate ownership of homes, streamlined zoning for housing supply, updated federal housing programs, and reallocation of existing funds.
  • Black Bag made aggressive, personal remarks about the mayor and council members.
  • Betty A. Varner promoted an upcoming Arise Detroit event on August 1, 2026, seeking volunteers.
  • Denise Lyles urged that city contracts prioritize Detroit-based businesses and training for Detroiters.
  • A caller advocated for an entertainment tax on downtown venues to benefit neighborhoods and for better support for city retirees.
  • A caller questioned the sale of properties acquired through the Solar Equity Fund at a potential loss.
  • Caller 534 raised concerns about drug activity and bus stop issues.
  • Tyson Gersh questioned a $378,000 contract for window AC units in a privately leased co-working space.
  • Brother Cunningham and others spoke on transit and voting.
  • A caller presented highlights from the reparations task force report, including cash payments, housing grants up to $40,000, and utility debt forgiveness.
• Public Hearings: Testimony on individual agenda items is summarized under the respective discussion items below.

Discussion Items

• CO2 Brownfield Plan (1025 Public Hearing): Developer Woodborne Partners proposes a 48-unit, four-story residential building at Co and Van Dyke in West Village. The $15.6 million project includes 20% of units (10 units) affordable at 80% AMI for 30 years, with 43 on-site parking spaces. A $3.2 million TIF reimbursement is requested for eligible activities including demolition, infrastructure, and affordable housing rent loss. The developer committed to retail space and community engagement. Questions addressed parking, traffic, accessibility (one Type A unit), and fire-damaged historic homes on site (offered for relocation; 700 inquiries but no viable taker). The project will follow Executive Order 2024-2 requiring 51% Detroit resident construction workers.
• Corktown NEZ (1035 Public Hearing): Developer Bosco requests a 15-year Neighborhood Enterprise Zone abatement for 1350 Michigan Avenue, a $10.9 million rehabilitation of the former Spaulding Electric Building into 17 residential units (4 affordable at 80% AMI, inclusive of parking and utilities) and 3,818 sq ft of retail. The abatement saves the developer approximately $1.3 million, with a net positive cost-benefit to the city of $439,213. No elevator; walk-up units. Developer noted a 5.9% cash-on-cash return. The item was held for a required 60-day gestation period.
• City Airport Rezoning (1055 Continued Public Hearing): Proposal to rezone 2.8 acres east of Conner from R3 to B4 to allow a commercial trade school (Aviation Institute of Maintenance). The school would train aircraft mechanics, with engine run-ups lasting 5–10 minutes, 2–4 times per day, Monday–Thursday, 9:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. Sound walls and air monitoring were discussed. The airport director confirmed the property was previously undevelopable due to runway protection, and a lease is still being negotiated. The planning commission recommended B4 to provide flexibility. Motion approved.
• Michigan First Credit Union Rezoning (1105 Continued Public Hearing): Request to rezone 2825 Trumbull from SD1 to B2 to add a drive-thru and expand parking. The $8.5 million project involves zero city incentives. The credit union absorbed the Teamsters Credit Union membership. The drive-thru is intended to serve the 55,000 Detroiters with ambulatory disabilities and 94,000 seniors. The building will be fully ADA-compliant with an elevator. Stormwater detention will be added. Motion approved.
• Alley Sewer Repair Contracts (11.2, 11.3): Two contracts totaling $30 million for alley sewer repair using CDBG-DR funds. DWSD Deputy Director Sam Smalley confirmed that surface alley repairs will accompany sewer work. Contractor Precision Infrastructure (Wisconsin-based) is establishing a Detroit facility. Total program is $184 million across seven districts.

Key Outcomes

• CO2 Brownfield Plan (Line Item 6): Moved to formal session with recommendation to approve.
• Corktown NEZ (Line Item 7): Held for 60-day gestation period; to return September 17, 2026.
• City Airport Rezoning (Line Item 8): Moved to formal session with recommendation to approve.
• Michigan First Credit Union Rezoning (Line Item 9): Moved to formal session with recommendation to approve.
• Line Items 10.1–10.3, 10.7, 11.2–11.5, 11.7–11.8: Approved and sent to formal session.
• Line Items 10.4–10.6: Held for return on September 10, 2026.
• Line Item 11.1 (ARPA down payment assistance): Removed from agenda at administration's request.
• Line Item 11.6 (DLBA quarterly report): Held for future presentation date to be determined.
• The meeting adjourned until after Labor Day recess.