MINUTES

PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE

Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 10:00 A.m. - 11:00 A.m.

1340 Coleman A. Young Municipal Center [phone] Detroit, MI 48226

To attend by phone only, call one of these numbers: [phone], [phone], [phone], [phone], [phone], [phone] - Enter Meeting ID: 85846903626

 

With advance notice of seven calendar days, the City of Detroit will provide interpreter services at public meetings, including American Sign Language, language translation and reasonable ADA accommodations. Please contact the Civil Rights, Inclusion and Opportunity Department at [phone], through the TTY number 711, or email [email protected] to schedule these services.

 

COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM JAMES TATE, CHAIRPERSON

COUNCIL MEMBER FRED DURHAL III, VICE CHAIRPERSON

COUNCIL MEMBER LATISHA JOHNSON, MEMBER

COUNCIL PRESIDENT MARY SHEFFIELD, EX-OFFICIO

 

Glenn Kersey

 Asst. City Council Committee Clerk

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1.

ROLL CALL

Present: Tate, Johnson
Absent: Durhal

2-1 Quorum Achieved

2.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Johnson Motion to Approve July 3, 2025 Minutes; All in Favor (Tate, Johnson); Motion Carried 2-0

3.

CHAIR REMARKS

Tate leaving after 11am; several discussions & hearings

4.

PUBLIC COMMENT

1:30 Minutes: Karen Winston, Deb SW, William M Davis, Carol Hughes, Tahira Ahmad, Cunningham, Betty A Varner, Demeeko Williams, Galaxy S22 (Halloway), Ronald Foster, Malik Shelton

5.

10:15 AM - PUBLIC HEARING - RE: 

Establish a Commercial Facilities Exemption Certificate, in the area of 16900 E. Warren Ave, Detroit, Michigan, 48224 in accordance with Public Act 255 of 1978 on  behalf of Baobab Fare RE LLC (Petition #2025-014). (The Housing and Revitalization Department has reviewed the application of Baobab Fare RE LLC and find that it satisfies the criteria set forth by P.A. 255 of 1978 and would be consistent with development and economic goals of the Master Plan.)

Justus Cook (Housing & Revitalization), Lakisha Barcliffe (Legislative Policy), Cassandra Kale (Architect), 

Durhal takes seat 3-0

Public Comment (1 Minute): Karen Winston, Reuben Crowley Jr, William M Davis, Tahira Ahmad, Cindy Darrah, Carol Hughes

Tate leaves seat 2-0

Johnson Motion to Send to Formal Session with Recommendation to Approve; All in Favor (Johnson, Durhal); Motion Carried 2-0 

6.

10:30 AM - CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING - RE: 

Text amendment to Chapter 50 of the 2019 Detroit City Code, Zoning, to streamline and update the current set of landscaping and screening requirements that apply to a limited set of specific land uses and site features, and to modernize related fence and wall standards for nonresidential uses with the goal of proactively improving the appearance of commercial and industrial properties and corridors.

Johnson Motion to Bring Back TBD; All in Favor (Tate, Johnson); Motion Carried 2-0 

7.

10:50 AM - DISCUSSION - RE:

Brightmoor Stormwater Improvement Project

Gary Brown (Director - Water & Sewage), Sam Smalley (Deputy Director - Waters & Sewage),  Durhal, Johnson

Johnson Motion to Send to Formal Session with Recommendation to Approve; All in Favor (Johnson, Durhal); Motion Carried 2-0 

8.

11:00 AM - CONTINUED DISCUSSION - RE:

The Detroit Land Bank Authority Memorandum of Understanding.

Johnson Motion to Bring Back 1 Week (with 10.9) ; All in Favor (Tate, Johnson); Motion Carried 2-0 

9.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

9.1

Status of Planning and Development Department

Transfer of Jurisdiction, Surplus, and Property Sale of 5669 Newberry Street.  (The City of Detroit, Planning and Development Department ("P&DD") has received an offer from Quince Primaveras LLC, a Michigan limited liability company (the "Purchaser”), to purchase certain City-owned real property at 5669 Newberry Street, Detroit, Michigan 48209 (the "Property") for the purchase price of Fifty-Five Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($55,000.00). The Property is currently under the jurisdiction of the City of Detroit, Public Lighting Department (“PLD”). Pursuant to Sec. 2-7-3 of the Detroit City Code, and in order to facilitate this transaction, PLD has requested that the Finance Department transfer jurisdiction to P&DD for administration. Additionally, pursuant to Sec. Sec. 2-7-4 of the Detroit City Code, it is hereby requested by P&DD that the Property be deemed surplus and available for sale.) (BROUGHT BACK AS DIRECTED ON 07/03/25)

Johnson Motion to Send to Formal Session with Recommendation to Approve; All in Favor (Johnson, Durhal); Motion Carried 2-0 

9.2

Status of Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero

Submitting memorandum relative to “Bridge Plaza” as a land-use zone requiring screening. (REFERRED TO THE PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE ON 07/03/25)

Johnson Motion to Bring Back in TBD; All in Favor (Johnson, Durhal); Motion Carried 3-0 

9.3

Status of Planning and Development Department

Amendment to Development Agreement Midtown West Project.  (Pursuant to the Resolution adopted by your Honorable Body on November 20, 2018, the City of Detroit (“City”) and PDH Development Group LLC, a Michigan limited liability company; PDH Parcel 1 LLC, a New York limited liability company; and PDH Parcel 4 LLC, a New York limited liability company (collectively “Developer”), are parties to a certain Development Agreement dated December 17, 2018, and as amended by that certain Amendment No. 1 to Development Agreement dated December 21, 2021 (collectively the “Development Agreement”), regarding the sale and redevelopment of real property commonly known as 831 Selden, 931 Selden, 830 Brainard, and 900 Tuscola (formerly referred to as 3701 Fourth Street) Detroit, Michigan 48201 (“Property”).) (BROUGHT BACK AS DIRECTED ON 06/26/25)

Discussion: J. P. Mansolf (Housing & Revitalization, Peter Percitta, Durhal, Johnson

Johnson Motion to Send to Formal Session with Recommendation to Approve; All in Favor (Johnson, Durhal); Motion Carried 2-0 

9.4

Status of Council President Mary Sheffield

Submitting memorandum relative to Recovery Park Update. (BROUGHT BACK AS DIRECTED ON 06/05/25)

Durhal Motion to Bring Back in 1 Week; All in Favor (Johnson, Durhal); Motion Carried 3-0 

9.5

Status of Council Member Angela Whitfield-Calloway

Submitting memorandum requesting Injunction and Resolution on Anti-Speculation Legislation. (BROUGHT BACK AS DIRECTED ON 03/20/25)

Johnson Motion to Receive & File Memorandum; All in Favor (Johnson, Durhal); Motion Carried 2-0 

10.

NEW BUSINESS

OFFICE OF CONTRACTING AND PROCUREMENT

10.1

Submitting reso. autho.

Contract No. 6007237 - 100% Grant/Choice/CDBG Funding – To Provide Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant Subrecipient Agreement. – Contractor: Detroit Housing Commission – Location: 1301 East Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48207 – Contract Period: Upon City Council Approval through September 30, 2026 – Total Contract Amount: $547,499.00. HOUSING AND REVITALIZATION (REFERRED TO THE PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE ON 07/10/25)

Discussion: Alexis Alexander (Neighborhoods), Johnson, Durhal

Johnson Motion to Send to Formal Session with Recommendation to Approve; All in Favor (Johnson, Durhal); Motion Carried 2-0 

HOUSING AND REVITALIZATION DEPARTMENT

10.2

Submitting reso. autho.

Second Amendment to Memorandum of Agreement between City of Detroit, Michigan State Historic Preservation Officer, and Bagley Development Group - 150 Bagley Project. (The City of Detroit, by and through its Housing and Revitalization Department ("HRD"), entered into a Memorandum of Agreement ("Memorandum") with the State of Michigan Historic Preservation Officer ("SHPO"), Bagley Development Group, LLC ("BDG"), and the City of Detroit Historic Designation Advisory Board for the adaptive reuse of 150 Bagley Street, Detroit, Michigan (the "Project"). The City and BDG have agreed to amend the Memorandum to provide an additional three (3) years to complete the Project, thus allowing the Memorandum to expire on August 14, 2028.) (REFERRED TO THE PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE ON 07/10/25)

Discussion: Tiffany Ciavattone (Preservation Specialist), Larry Catrinar (Housing Underwriter HRD) , Durhal, Johnson

Johnson Motion to Send to Formal Session with Recommendation to Approve; All in Favor (Johnson, Durhal); Motion Carried 2-0 

10.3

Submitting reso. autho.

Memorandum of Agreement between City of Detroit and Wayne State University Gordon L. Grosscup Museum of Anthropology for the Donation of Artifact Collections. (The City of Detroit, by and through its Housing and Revitalization Department (“HRD”), is requesting to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (“Memorandum”) with the Wayne State University Gordon L. Grosscup Museum of Anthropology. The MOA will assist the parties in coordinating their respective duties and responsibilities in transferring ownership of artifact collections where the City maintains ownership at the time of excavation.) (REFERRED TO THE PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE ON 07/10/25)

Discussion:  Tiffany Ciavattone (Preservation Specialist), Penny Dwoinen (Environmental Review Officer), Durhal

Johnson Motion to Send to Formal Session with Recommendation to Approve; All in Favor (Johnson, Durhal); Motion Carried 2-0 

10.4

Submitting reso. autho.

Request for a Public Hearing on the Establishment of a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone as requested by Detroit Five and Dime LLC in the area of 3700 3rd Ave, Detroit, MI in accordance with Public Act 147 of 1992 Petition Number (2025-147).  (The Housing and Revitalization Department, Planning and Development Department and the Finance Department have reviewed the Master Plan and the neighborhood preservation and development goals of the City and find that establishment of the Detroit Five and Dime LLC Neighborhood Enterprise Zone would be consistent with all of the aforementioned.) (REFERRED TO THE PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE ON 07/10/25)

Discussion: Justus Cooke (Housing & Revitalization), Durhal

Johnson Motion to Bring Back at the End of the Agenda; All in Favor (Johnson, Durhal); Motion Carried 2-0 

Johnson Motion to Receive & File Request; All in Favor (Johnson, Durhal); Motion Carried 2-0 

10.5

Submitting reso. autho.

Request for a Public Hearing to Establish a Commercial Redevelopment District for Detroit Five & Dime LLC around 3700 3rd Ave, Detroit Michigan, in accordance with Public Act 255 of 1978. (Petition #2025-147)  (The Housing and Revitalization Department has reviewed the request of Detroit Five & Dime LLC to establish a Commercial Redevelopment District and find that it satisfies the criteria set forth by Public Act 255 of 1978 and that it would be consistent with the development and economic goals of the Master Plan.) (REFERRED TO THE PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE ON 07/10/25)

Discussion: Justus Cooke (Housing & Revitalization), Durhal

Johnson Motion to Bring Back at the End of the Agenda; All in Favor (Johnson, Durhal); Motion Carried 2-0 

Johnson Motion to Receive & File Request; All in Favor (Johnson, Durhal); Motion Carried 2-0 

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

10.6

Submitting reso. autho.

Approval of Property Transfer between the City of Detroit and the Detroit Land Bank Authority.  (Pursuant to the Land Bank Fast Track Act, 2003 PA 258, MCL 124.751 to 124.774 (Land Bank Act), the Detroit Land Bank Authority (”DLBA”) was created as a separate legal entity, in order to assemble or dispose of public property in a coordinated manner, to foster the development of that property, to promote economic growth in the City of Detroit and to combat blight.) (REFERRED TO THE PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE ON 07/10/25)

Johnson Motion to Send to Formal Session with Recommendation to Approve; All in Favor (Johnson, Durhal); Motion Carried 2-0 

10.7

Submitting reso. autho.

City Acquisition of Property Part of 17601 Mound Road.  (Pursuant to State of Michigan House Bill No. 4090 enacted as 2025 PA 6 (the “Act”), the State of Michigan (“State”) has offered to sell to the City of Detroit, by and through its Police Department (“DPD”), a portion of certain real property located at 17601 Mound Road, Detroit, Michigan 48212 (“Property”) for the purchase price of One and 00/100 Dollar ($1.00).) (REFERRED TO THE PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE ON 07/10/25)

Discussion: John Truong (Housing & Revitalization), Hasan Beydoun, F.D. Hayes (Asst. Chief - Detroit Police), Deputy Chief Mark Bliss (Detroit Police), Johnson, Durhal, 

Johnson Motion to Send to Formal Session with Recommendation to Approve; All in Favor (Johnson, Durhal); Motion Carried 2-0 

MISCELLANEOUS

10.8

Council Member Latisha Johnson

Submitting memorandum relative to Tree Screening Amendment to Chapter 50 of the 2019 Detroit City Code. (REFERRED TO THE PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE ON 07/10/25)

Johnson Motion to Bring Back TBD; All in Favor (Johnson, Durhal); Motion Carried 2-0 

10.9

Council Member Latisha Johnson

Submitting memorandum relative to Amending the Land Bank MOU to Allow for Property Sales at a Discounted Rate for the Community Land Trust Program. (REFERRED TO THE PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE ON 07/10/25)

(with Line Item 8) Johnson Motion to Bring Back 1 Week; All in Favor (Tate, Johnson); Motion Carried 2-0 

10.10

Council Member Mary Waters

Submitting memorandum relative to Michigan Land Bank Authority Oversight of Detroit Land Bank Authority. (REFERRED TO THE PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE ON 07/10/25)

Johnson Motion to Bring Back in 1 Week; All in Favor (Johnson, Durhal); Motion Carried 2-0 

10.11

Council Member Mary Waters

Submitting memorandum relative to Detroit Land Bank Authority Properties – Taxes and Revenue. (REFERRED TO THE PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE ON 07/10/25)

Johnson Motion to Bring Back September 4th; All in Favor (Johnson, Durhal); Motion Carried 2-0 

10.12

Council Member Mary Waters

Submitting memorandum relative to Properties owned by Real Token LLC and other crypto-currency entities. (REFERRED TO THE PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE ON 07/10/25) 

Johnson Motion to Bring Back in 2 Weeks; All in Favor (Johnson, Durhal); Motion Carried 2-0 

10.13

Council Member Mary Waters

Submitting memorandum requesting a comprehensive report on the current state of rental housing in the City of Detroit. (REFERRED TO THE PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE ON 07/10/25)

Johnson Motion to Bring Back September 25th; All in Favor (Johnson, Durhal); Motion Carried 2-0 

11.

MEMBER REPORTS

-NONE-