Public Meetings - Southfield, Michigan

The Southfield City Council held a regular meeting on April 21, 2026 at 6 p.m. (as per the recorded date). Key actions included adopting resolutions regarding state housing bills, approving a conditional rezoning and special land use for a landscape contractor yard, and advancing a point-of-sale ordinance. Public comment featured strong opposition to the proposed ICE legal office in the city. The meeting also included presentations on transit grants and election preparations. Presentations - Oakland County Transit Access to Transit Grant: Lindsay Wallace (Principal Transit Planner) presented a $420,000 grant for the nine-mile mid-block safety crossing. Commissioners Smith Charles, Taylor, and Woodward presented a check. Commissioner Woodward highlighted the funding source as the countywide transit millage. Council thanked them. - Clerk's Election Update: City Clerk Gabby Grossbard presented plans for the 2026 election, including new precinct locations, targeted postcards for affected voters, a mailed informational trifold, early voting in Room 115, and partnerships with the Secretary of State Mobile Office at high schools to register seniors and recruit poll workers. Council praised the transparency and design. Resolutions and Motions - Resolution opposing Michigan House Bills 5529-5532 and 5581-5585: The Mayor and Council adopted a joint resolution opposing these bills that would preempt local zoning authority (including allowing accessory dwellings, 500 sq. ft. minimum, and reduced setbacks). Councilwoman Banks and Councilman Mandelbaum detailed concerns about infrastructure, property values, and loss of local control. Passed unanimously (7-0). - Resolution supporting House Bills 5660-5661 (Michigan Home Program): The Mayor and Council adopted a joint resolution supporting incentive-based housing reforms that preserve local zoning authority. Passed unanimously (7-0). - Appointments: Reappointed Jeffrey Lee Gunn to the Art Commission (absent); appointed Devin Hampton to fill a vacancy. Sworn in by the Clerk. Passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Nicole Massey: Opposed the documentary proof of citizenship ballot initiative, citing financial backing from a single billionaire and impact on low-income voters. - Diane Martin: Raised concerns about traffic, car repairs, and code enforcement response in her residential area. - Cameron Fink (Southfield resident, with daughter): Called for a town hall with Redico regarding the lease to OPLA (ICE legal arm). Criticized lack of transparency and urged council to act. - Ann Lehman: Asked council to pressure Redico to hold a public town hall on the OPLA lease. - Jill Spadafora: Supported citizen involvement and urged residents to become election workers. - Ben Gardner (Wayne County resident, All Voting is Local campaign): Supported a resolution opposing the documentary proof of citizenship ballot initiative, calling it a barrier to voting for low-income and minority populations. - Alex Carter (Southfield resident, SNAC): Demanded council send a letter to Redico for a public meeting, citing Lathrop Village's example. Described ICE actions and said Redico is not part of the community. - Elliot Carter (Southfield resident, SNAC): Criticized council for not publicly demanding a town hall, referencing the city's resolution on community safety. - Garland McWilliams: Complained about poor road conditions on Mount Vernon, asking for repaving status. - Robert Johncox: Raised concerns about blight, unpaid taxes, and lack of developer progress at the former Leonard School. - Greg Keeler: Criticized the city for not addressing sewer line issues dating back 26 years, leading to lost property and tax revenue. - Susan Yegissian: Asked council to send a letter to Redico for a public meeting, citing community fear. - Harold Tyler: Complained about construction disruptions and lack of communication on Silvercrest. - Jessica Mahalik: Raised two issues: possible asbestos exposure at the Northland Mall construction site and demanded end to ICE lease. - Keith Harris: Called for diversity in the local Democratic club and criticized a person named Joe Persons for threatening statements. - Pam Zero: Criticized some council members for late campaign finance filings, demanding accountability. Discussion Items - Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): Planner Terry Croad presented a six-year, $267 million CIP (FY2026-27 to 2031-32) covering equipment, facilities, parks, technology, and pedestrian enhancements. Fire station replacement ($13M) and crime lab renovation were noted. Council approved after discussion. (Vote: 7-0) - Conditional Rezoning (PCZR26-0001) and Special Land Use (PSLU26-0002) for 2777 Franklin Road: Redico requested conditional rezoning from Regional Center to I-1 Industrial (limited to landscape contractor yard and office) and a special land use to operate a landscape contractor yard on 4.87 acres. The site includes a maintenance building, storage of trucks/trailers, and landscaping materials. Public hearing featured opposition from residents, the American Center Commerce Association, and Commissioner Smith Charles, citing inconsistency with the Master Plan, spot zoning, and concerns about aesthetics and precedent. Supporters (including Redico) noted compatibility with adjacent uses, conditional zoning safeguards, and job creation. The City Attorney and Planner argued the request was reasonable and not spot zoning. Council voted 5-2 to approve both the conditional rezoning and the special land use (Councilwoman Banks and Bland voted no). Ordinance 1834 was introduced (5-2). - Vacation of 1984 Consent Judgment: The city approved vacating a consent judgment that allowed a two-story office building on residentially-zoned land at 2950 Telegraph Road, clearing the way for future rezoning. Passed unanimously. - Point-of-Sale Ordinance: The council introduced and adopted an ordinance requiring a point-of-sale inspection and certificate of occupancy for residential sales to ensure code compliance. Passed unanimously. Ordinance 1835 introduced. - Closed Session: Council voted unanimously to enter closed session to discuss an employee matter. Key Outcomes - Housing Bills: Resolutions opposing preemptive bills and supporting incentive-based housing passed 7-0. - 2777 Franklin Road: Conditional rezoning and special land use approved by a vote of 5-2 (Councilmembers Banks and Bland dissenting). Ordinance 1834 introduced. - Consent Judgment: Vacated by unanimous vote. - Point-of-Sale Ordinance: Adopted and ordinance introduced unanimously. - Capital Improvement Plan: Approved for FY2026-27 through 2031-32. - Appointments: Devin Hampton appointed to Art Commission. - Next Steps: The city will follow up on road concerns, Leonard School blight, and public communications; the legislative committee will review a resolution on voting rights.

This meeting, held on March 31, 2026, included recognition of Employee of the Month, public comments on the ICE lease at One Town Center and other topics, approval of several consent and public hearing items, and a major discussion on a proposed amendment to the Northland City Center Overlay Development District to allow a sports dome. The council voted on multiple items, with the sports dome amendment failing. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from Committee of the Whole meetings on March 9 and 16, and the Regular Meeting on March 23. - Approval of consent agenda items: receipt of bids for asphalt repairs (Item A), receipt of bids for concrete repairs (Item B), reimbursement agreement with the Rural Commission for Oakland County for 2026 street sweeping (Item C), and 2026 summer maintenance agreement (Item D, added during meeting: Orchard's Children's Services Game License Raffle on April 30). All items were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Bridget Mallory (Berkeley resident, Southfield business owner for 20 years): Expressed concern about the lease of space at One Town Center to OPLA, the lawyers for ICE, noting the agency is under federal investigation. Asked the council to continue engaging with Redico about the lease's impact on the community. - Barbara Talley (Southfield resident, former council member): Stated support for the city's resolution affirming community safety and civil rights, and called on residents to remain committed to a welcoming and inclusive community. - Patricia Talley (Southfield resident, Barbara Talley's daughter): Supported the resolution and announced upcoming International Day of Peace event on September 21. - Lauren Fink (Southfield resident, Southfield Neighbors Action Committee): Expressed disappointment that the council had not taken more action on the ICE lease. Asked the council to send a letter or pass a resolution asking Redico to hold a town hall meeting to answer questions about the tenant. - Greg Keeler (Southfield resident): Raised concerns about the sewer line on Circle Drive, stating that residents did not deny the sewer line installation. Requested that $3.1 million in federal funds be used to help residents with septic systems and code violations. Noted he is a senior and cannot sell his house without sewer connection. - Robert Barrett: Deferred his comments to the dome discussion. - Sue Egbert: Wanted to hear about the rezoning of Lincoln Drive before commenting. - Chasad Johnson (Southfield resident, Southfield Neighbors Action Committee): Asked the council to be partners with residents on the ICE lease issue, noting they understand the council cannot overturn the lease but asking for support in engaging Redico. - Jessica Merrick (Southfield resident): Expressed concern about the ICE lawyers' office at One Town Center, recalling previous work with the council on a gun shop issue. Asked for zoning changes to prevent such uses in the future. - Keith Harris (Southfield resident): Demanded that awards given by the Black Caucus to certain individuals be returned and reissued to Barbara Talley, whom he considered more deserving. Called for recognition of Talley's contributions. - Pamela Gerald (Southfield resident): Criticized council members for late campaign finance reports and suggested an ordinance barring swearing-in if reports are not filed on time. Also praised Barbara Talley. - Public comments on the sports dome: Several speakers expressed support, including parents, youth sports coaches, and business representatives. Leo Pastor, Matthew Katz (hotel developer), Robert Barry (DCFC South Oakland), Matthew Williams (Detroit Tigers), Tim McAvoy (Detroit Tigers RBI), John Perry (athlete/architectural designer), Pamela Gerald (supporting but asked for unique sports), Iva Williams (resident, on the fence, concerned about lack of town hall and non-resident support), Chrissy (resident, supported), Lana LaFleur Jackson (resident, supported), Steve Cook (former coach, supported). Discussion Items - Employee of the Month Recognition: Rhonda Terry was recognized for 30 years of service as an outreach caseworker. Council members and staff praised her compassion, initiative in creating programs like Tone Up for Tune Up and Adopt a Family, and her role as a greeter. The recognition was approved unanimously. - PSLU 26-0001 – Special Use Request for 248 Garage: Request to add a Class B used vehicle dealer to an existing vehicle storage facility at 2085 Telegraph Road. The business operates entirely online with no public on-site sales. Council approved the request after a public hearing and questions. Motion carried. - PC ZR25-0004 – Conditional Rezoning for 24050 West Nine Mile Road: Request to rezone from I1 Industrial to B3 General Business to operate a 24-hour coin laundromat and medical office. The petitioner, Dr. Zwaleed Asta, presented plans for a modern facility with security cameras. Concerns about 24-hour operation and monitoring were addressed. Council approved the rezoning with conditions. Motion carried. - PZR 26-0001 – Conditional Rezoning for Yeshiva ORA: Request to rezone 16500 Lincoln Drive from R2 Single Family to ERO Education Research Office to operate a private school with dormitories. The school currently has 12 students, with plans to grow. Traffic concerns were raised, but the petitioner noted the dormitory may reduce traffic. Council approved the rezoning with conditions. Motion carried. - PZR OD 25-0003 – Northland City Center Overlay Development District Amendment: Request to amend the ODD to allow a sports dome (120,000 sq ft) at the Northland City Center, update the prohibited uses list, and adjust the development timeline. The petitioner, Detroit Rising Development, argued the dome is a catalyst for the district, bringing 200,000 annual visitors and economic impact. The DDA board changed its position to full support. Planning staff and the city administrator raised concerns about design standards (mid-century modern), brownfield financing, infrastructure, and soil stabilization. Council debated extensively. Council President Hicks suggested tabling for further discussion, but the motion to approve was made and seconded. The roll call vote resulted in 3 in favor (Brightwell, Hogue, Mandelbaum) and 4 against (Banks, Bland, Haynes, Hicks), so the motion failed. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approvals: Employee of the Month recognition, minutes, consent agenda items, special use for 248 Garage, conditional rezoning for 24050 W Nine Mile, and conditional rezoning for Yeshiva ORA. - Ordinances: Introduced and enacted ordinances 1830, 1831, 1832, and 1833 (related to the approved rezoning items). - Sports dome amendment: Denied (3-4). The applicant may return with substantial changes after a one-year period. - Future actions: The city administrator indicated that further discussions on Northland infrastructure, brownfield plan, and design standards are needed. Council members noted the need for better communication with neighborhood associations and traffic improvements at Stevenson School.