Southfield City Council Regular Meeting - May 19, 2026
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Southfield City Council Regular Meeting - May 19, 2026
The Southfield City Council held a regular meeting on May 19, 2026, at City Hall. The meeting began with a moment of silence for former Councilman Myron Fraser, who passed away. The council approved two joint resolutions, conducted public hearings on three rezoning requests, and handled routine business. The most contentious item was a proposed rezoning for a transitional housing facility for pregnant women, which failed after substantial public opposition and council debate.
Consent Calendar
- The council approved the minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting on April 21, the regular meeting on April 27, and the Committee of the Whole meeting on May 4, 2026, all by unanimous voice vote.
- The consent agenda (items A through F) was approved unanimously, including authorizations to purchase fleet vehicles and de-icing salt, a Granger purchase contract, an MOU for the 8 Mile/Greenfield Lighting Project, a public hearing date for the CDBG program, and a DTE billing agreement for street lights on the Nine Mile Pathway.
Public Comments & Testimony
- John Way (Southfield resident, Oxford Drive) opposed the Mary's Mantle rezoning, citing security concerns, tax loss (Mary's Mantle pays only $235/year as a nonprofit), and the need for single-family homes to increase the tax base. He argued the developer would not have proposed such a project in West Bloomfield.
- Ricardo Walker (Ravine Street) opposed the rezoning, arguing it would set a precedent changing land use patterns, erode rural character, and reduce property values. He cited studies from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.
- Terrence Lake (Birch Ridge Street) raised concerns about a driveway parking area being removed during street repaving; he was directed to speak with the public works director after the meeting.
- Spencer McChesney (Angstra Road) opposed the Mary's Mantle rezoning, noting he has lived in Southfield for 56 years.
- Lula Savage (Oxford Drive) opposed the rezoning, stating it is unfair to place transitional housing in a residential area and that the proposed 14 townhouses on a site currently with one house would bring too many people.
- Kimberly Brown (Oxford Drive) expressed concerns about property value uncertainty, increased traffic, and the need for thoughtful management of visitation and neighborhood integration.
- Lamar Williams (Oxford Drive) opposed the rezoning, noting the area's quietness and large lots. He argued that a nonprofit would not pay taxes and that the city would benefit more from residential homes.
- Donna Vader (Orman Drive) raised concerns about pre-existing flooding and water table issues, stating that any development would increase runoff and worsen basement flooding.
- Larry Vader (Orman Drive) echoed environmental concerns, showing photos of standing water on the property, and noted lack of sidewalks and public services for the proposed facility.
- Greg Keeler (Southfield resident) criticized the council for not allowing residents to show photos, referencing past issues with Lawrence Tech rezoning. He expressed opposition to the Mary's Mantle project.
- Rachel Vines (Providence Drive) spoke in support of the gun violence awareness resolution, identifying as a victim and survivor of gun violence.
- Bart Eddy (Ormond Drive) expressed concern about stormwater runoff impacting neighbors downstream.
- Susan Eddy (Ormond Drive) urged consideration of the destruction of nature, trees, and wildlife regardless of the project.
- Pamela Girrell (Southfield resident) criticized the council for how they treated residents and urged them to listen to community opposition. She suggested alternative locations for Mary's Mantle.
- James Jenkins (West 10 Mile) opposed the Mary's Mantle rezoning, concerned about property values and whether it meets zoning requirements.
- John Way (again) spoke in favor of the Kiefer Street rezoning, noting it would add taxes and not change aesthetics.
- Pamela Girrell (again) supported the Kiefer Street rezoning.
- John Way (again) supported the 8 Mile Road rezoning, calling it common sense.
- Pamela Girrell (again) supported the 8 Mile Road rezoning, applauding the business for staying in Southfield.
- Numerous residents spoke against the Mary's Mantle rezoning during the public hearing, including Kathy Sally, Gloria Boynton, Ron Simpson, Lola Savage, Ricardo Walker, Kimberly Brown, John Shelton (who spoke in favor as a neighbor of the current facility), James Jenkins, Lamar Williams, William Johnson, James Jeffrey, Fred Nader (owner of the property, in favor), Aaron Sylvenis (attorney for seller, in favor), Pamela Girrell, Gail Masy, and others. The majority opposed, citing changes to neighborhood character, property value impacts, traffic, water issues, and the appropriateness of the location.
Discussion Items
- Joint Resolution: National Gun Violence Awareness Day – The council approved a resolution declaring June 5, 2026, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Southfield. The resolution cited statistics (130 gun deaths per day in the U.S., 1,423 gun deaths per year in Michigan, costing $16.8 billion). Millie Hall of the Brady Gun Violence Organization thanked the council.
- Joint Resolution: Opposition to Oakland County School Enrichment Millage – The council approved a resolution opposing the proposed 1.5-mill countywide school enrichment millage on the August 4 primary ballot. Mayor Ken Syber explained that Southfield taxpayers would generate over $5 million but receive only $3.1 million in return, and that the city already has a high property tax burden. He noted the 28% office vacancy rate and the challenge of attracting young homebuyers due to tax pop-up.
- Mary's Mantle Rezoning (PZR RUDD 26-0001) – The petitioner, Dr. Ken Kernan, presented the plan for a residential unit development district on 7.52 acres at Inkster Road. The project would include a maternity house (8 rooms), a community building with childcare, and 14 townhouses (reduced from 16) for transitional housing for pregnant women. The planning department noted the city assessor found no negative impact on property values, and the city engineer confirmed stormwater would be contained on site. The petitioner argued they have been good neighbors for 16 years with zero police incidents. Public comments were overwhelmingly opposed. Council members expressed support for the mission but concerns about the location, water issues, and the precedent of rezoning. The motion to approve failed 0-6 (all no).
- Zoning Text Amendment (PTZA 26-0002) – The council approved repealing zoning regulations for unattended collection bins, as a new annual permit ordinance already covers the issue. The amendment passed unanimously.
- Liquor License Transfer for TGI Fridays – The council approved the transfer of the liquor license to new ownership at the same location. Council members raised concerns about past complaints of loud music, dancing, and a nightclub atmosphere. The general manager acknowledged past issues but stated the atmosphere has changed. The motion passed with a voice vote, with some council members urging the restaurant to improve its environment.
Key Outcomes
- Approved unanimously: Joint resolution declaring June 5, 2026, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
- Approved unanimously: Joint resolution opposing the Oakland County School Enrichment Millage.
- Approved (voice vote): Rezoning of 1.01-acre vacant lot on Kiefer Street from IL Light Industrial to RT Attached Single Family (PZR 26-0002) and associated site plan (PSP 26-0004) with conditions, including a covered front porch.
- Approved (voice vote): Rezoning of 0.5-acre parcel at 18940 West 8 Mile Road from IL to I-1 Industrial (PZR 26-0003) to allow a detached storage building.
- Failed (0-6): Rezoning for Mary's Mantle (PZR RUDD 26-0001). No council member voted in favor.
- Approved (voice vote): Zoning text amendment PTZA 26-0002 repealing unattended collection bin regulations.
- Approved (voice vote): Liquor license transfer for TGI Fridays.
- Postponed to June 8, 2026: Item PZR 0DD 25-00 (Northland Sub-area Redevelopment Plan amendment) to allow further council review.
Tributes to Former Councilman Myron Fraser
The council and staff remembered former Councilman Myron Fraser, who served for over 20 years. Council members shared personal stories of his mentorship, wit, and dedication. The city administrator noted that staff had driven Fraser to meetings after his health declined. The council observed a moment of silence.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. The City of Southfield regular meeting for the City Council for May 18th has now come to order. Mr. Clerk, if you can please do a roll call. Good evening. Councilwoman Banks is absent with notice. Councilwoman Bland. Here. Councilman Brightwell. Here. Councilwoman Haynes. Present. Councilwoman Pro Tem Hogue. Councilman Mandelbaum. Present. Council President Hicks. Here. Sir, you'll have a quorum. Thank you, sir. If we can please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. One nation under our individual liberty and justice for all. The City of Southfield is saddened to announce the passing of former Councilman Myron Fraser. A respected public servant whose decades of leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on this community. Councilman Fraser served the residents of Southfield for more than two decades through multiple appointments and elected terms on the Southfield City Council. During his tenure, he served in numerous leadership roles, including Council President, President Pro Tem, and Chair of several community, I'm sorry, several council committees. He also contributed his time and expertise to the Southfield Wildlife Commission, Charter Review Committee, Green Dolphin Homeowners Association, and many civic and community organizations throughout the region. A Southfield resident since 1980, Councilman Fraser dedicated his life to service, advocacy, strengthening the community he loved. Beyond his work in government, he supported organizations including the Carmanos Cancer Institute, Common Ground, Southfield Goodfellows, Dominion Family Services, the Southfield MLK Task Force, and the Southfield Police, I'm sorry, the Southfield Public School Partnership Council. Councilman Frazier will be remembered for his compassion, integrity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to public service. He was also a devoted husband to his beloved wife Ann, who preceded him in death, and dedicated father whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations. If we can have a moment of silence to honor Councilman Fraser. Thank you. PZR 0DD 25-00. The request as Council President, I'm removing this item, the request to amend the existing agreement for the Northland Sub-area Redevelopment Plan overlay, development district to update the project phasing timeline. We're postponing it to June 8th to allow City Council an opportunity to further review and discuss what's being considered. We will now have two presentations being presented by our mayor. Mr. Mayor. Please come up. Good evening, Council. Good evening. This evening we have a resolution that we've supported numerous times in the in the past. This is a joint resolution of declaring the first Friday in June, which is June 5th, to be national gun violence awareness day. This proclamation declares the first Friday in June as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in the City of Southfield to honor and remember all victims and survivors of gun violence and declare that we are a country, we as a country must do more to end this public health crisis. Whereas every day nearly 130 people in the United States are killed by gun violence, and more than 200 are shot and wounded, with an average of more than 19,000 gun homicides every year. And whereas people in the United States are 26 times more likely to die of gun violence than people in any other high-income country. And whereas Michigan has 1,423 gun deaths every year, with a rate of 14.2 deaths per 100,000 people, a crisis that costs the state 16.8 billion a year, of which 380.5 million is paid by taxpayers. Michigan has the 28th highest rate of gun deaths in the United States. And whereas cities across the nation, including Sealth, are working to end the senseless violence with evidence-based solutions. And whereas support for the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens goes hand in hand with keeping guns away from those who are in danger to themselves or others.
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