all right. Good morning, everyone. Good morning. There we go. There we go. There we go the regular session of Tuesday, October the 22nd will now come to order. Madam clerk, please call the roll. Council member
Scott Benson. Council member Fred
duha the third council member Letitia Johnson, present. Council member Caballo San Dr Romero, present council member Mary Walters,
Councilman Angela Whitfield Callaway,
Council Member Coleman Young,
the second council president pro Tim James Tate and
Council President Mary Sheffield present.
We have a quorum present. Mother president,
alright, there being a quorum present. We are now in session, and we will start off as always, with our invocation. And this morning we have none other than my father, Bishop for Sheffield, who will lead us in an invocation for today. He is the pastor of new destiny. New Destiny fellowship, missionary, Baptist Church. And just press the button at the bottom, it should turn green. Yep,
there you go, Lord. We thank you for this day, and we know that every day above ground is a good day. We thank you for these who've given their life and service, often thanklessly, with folks who misunderstand and misconstrue their positions. But we thank you that they're willing to serve. Now, God help us to all understand that the true measure of our lives are not how much we have, but how much we give. And we ask this in the name of whomever we call on. We need someone the most Elohim, El Shaddai, Jesus Christ, we pray amen.
Amen. Alright. Thank you so much, Bishop Sheffield. And if anyone is here to make public comment, please make sure that you raise your hand at this time, we will be cutting off public comment. Very shortly, the Journal of the session of Tuesday, September the 24th will be approved. There being no reconsiderations or unfinished business. We will proceed to the budget, Finance and Audit standing committee. Okay, all right. And before we continue with our referrals, we do have a special presentation by my colleague, Council Member Callaway. Floor is yours. Thank
you, Madam President, and good morning everyone. It is my honor and privilege to present this Spirit of Detroit award to Mumford High School to commend them on celebrating 75 years of excellence in education in the city of Detroit. Mumford High School officially opened in september of 1949, and constructed their new building in August of 2020, 12. It is set. It is named Samuel C Mumford, who served for 22 years on the Detroit Board of Education and was elected president of the board. Mumford High School embraces over 900 students from ninth to 12th grade, students can receive additional education that includes hands on training and carpentry, the culinary arts and computer programming. Monfort high school also offers athletics, including football, tennis, track, baseball and swimming and wrestling, right? Wrestling? Um, we gotta, we gotta fix this, because you guys are champions in wrestling. So this Spirit of Detroit award has to be revised. I hope my staff is listening. We have to include wrestling, because you guys are the state champions, or we're up there in terms at the state level. So that serves around. Adults, that's important, and those students went off to college, and I know that to be true. Mumford High School is the first compact high school in Michigan and the first Metro Detroit high school to offer a state of the art computer technology center. It also is the pioneer school for channel one, a unique national presentation of news focused on the youth. I need to know more about that. On behalf of myself and the Detroit City Council and the entire city of Detroit, we congratulate Mumford and all of their alumni on the contributions that you add to the community. We appreciate you very much.
And I don't know if anyone has anything they want to say, going to come down and wave and Miss Stahl were and these two keep that school going. They will tell you a little bit about the Alumni Chapter. They have a wonderful annual pancake breakfast. Everybody is there. If you're anybody, you are at that breakfast. It is a wonderful place to interact with neighbors in district two. So Ms Stallworth, morning. Good morning Council.
I am Jasmine Stallworth, the president of the Mumford High School Alumni Association. And we, thank you. We thank You. We thank you for this award. This year, we are celebrating 75 years, and this weekend, we culminate the 75th year anniversary by honoring several of our alum for example, Jamal Hill, Joel Tober, Gerald McBride, which are you all here on Channel 92.3, and then also Sam Bernstein, which is also an alum, and a list of others. So we thank You. We thank You. We thank you for this prestigious award, and we look forward to seeing you on Saturday at the Grand Celebration. Thank you.
I have a question for you. Mr. All work. The SAM Bernstein, just call Sam.
The SAM Bernstein, just call Sam. Yes. If you know, Mumford was a Jewish it was a Jewish community when it first, when it first opened. So we have a lot of Jewish alum that went to Mumford
High School. Yeah, and I'm not going to say their names, but there are some prominent developers in this city. They grew up in district two and one. Particularly, I'm going to say that. I'm just going to say the street, and he'll know if he's listening. Griggs. And then we have another one. I'll say his name, Steven Ross, who grew up on wildermir, and his house is still there. And he told people he grew up from humble beginnings, Mr. Ross, that is not a humble house, so you need to fix that story. But Steven Ross grew up in district two, correct? And I don't know if he went to Mumford or not, but he grew up on Wilder mayor, yep, he did. And also Gary turgal grew up on a street I think was Griggs in the district. So I've been meeting a lot of folks who grew up in the district and went to Mumford. So Mumford has a rich history, so thank you. And I don't know if Jeff way wants to say anything, Mr. Wafer,
I want to thank the council and ask that you all just come and support any way fashion that you can. We have a parade on Friday. Homecoming football game. We got the gala on Saturday and Sunday, we have our culminate with our breakfast there inside the new Mumford. Yes, thank
you. Thank you both beautiful. I
don't know if my colleagues want to say anything. We will join. Yeah, okay. We thank you all for what you mean to the city, and we appreciate you, and we will be there to support you all so colleagues, we can come down now enjoy In the picture.
No,
Congratulations.
Thank you. Congratulations.
I love it.
Thank you. I'm loving it green.
All right, let's give Montford High School another round of applause,
and thank you so much to council
member Calloway for recognizing Mumford high school a staple in our community. We thank you for that recognition. If the clerk will note we've also been joined by President Pro Temp Tate, Council Member door Hall and council member waters. Is all here so long, alright? So we will proceed now with referrals for the budget Finance and Audit. Standing Committee,
eight reports from very C departments. The
eight reports will be referred to the budget Finance and Audit, standing committee for the internal operations. Standing Committee, eight reports from very C departments, the eight reports will be referred to the internal operations standing committee for the Neighborhood and Community Services, standing committee
five reports from various city departments. The
five reports will be referred to the neighborhood and community services, standing committee for the Planning and Economic Development, standing committee
for reports from various city departments,
the four reports will be referred to the Planning and Economic Development standing committee for the public health and safety standing committee,
when the reports from various city departments, the
23 reports will be referred to the public health and safety standing committee. We will now move to the voting action matters under other matters, there are no items. Madam President, under communications from the mayor and other governmental officials and agencies, there are no items. Madam President, alright, we will call now for general public comment. We do have a lot of cards and callers. Um, so we will do a minute and a half
for
Okay, so we'll do a minute for public comment this morning, and we will start with those who have joined us in person, starting with Reverend Sheffield, followed by Gerald Smith, and we're going to ask people to kind of line up so that we can get moving this morning, followed by Ronald Lockett, Good
morning, members of the council, many of whom I know personally. We thank you for the opportunity. Think I should start with the folks that I didn't really come for, but I need to speak on behalf of Earl curiton. Was a student of mine at Finney. The last school I taught at in the Detroit Public Schools was Finney High School. He was a student of mine. In fact, he was with me a week before he passed at one Mike comedy club for one of our openings. So I certainly hope that we remember him. What a wonderful person. And then the intersectionality with Vincent Chin. My dad was one of the champions who stood up when Vincent Chin was murdered. And I've done stuff all over the country, been on MSMC, MSNBC, honoring the life of Vincent Chin. I know his family, and I certainly hope you will also remember him. Then, of course, my dad Honor thy mother and thy father that thy days may be long upon the earth. Five plus one. I was talking somebody today about what happened when my dad came down with Buddy battle and members of TLC because African Americans were being police officers, and they went back and said, we going to take over the city. Jerry Kavanaugh became the first mayor and liberal council so Horace Sheffield, I
didn't want to have to cut you off, father. Thank you so much that before we move forward, I did want to recognize former Mayor Dave being is here. Wanted to give him acknowledgement as well. Thank you so much for being here, and thank you for your service and all that you do here in the city of Detroit. All right. Gerald Smith, good morning,
honorable council members. I'm here on behalf of the street naming petition for Reverend or Sheffield Junior. You know, in Detroit for over 100 years, the name Sheffield has been synonymous with labor unions, civil rights, political, civic and religious leadership. In 1968 one year after the 67 rebellion, I worked as a clerk for the new Detroit Committee. It was at that time that I was introduced to Mr. Sheffield by new Detroit president and the first black city council, Councilman William T Patrick Jr, and from that moment as a young man, I had nothing but admiration and respect for him. In summary, it's only fitting that a secondary streak bearing the name of horse l Sheffield Jr will serve as a reminder that freedom, justice, equality is emblematic of his legacy in this great city and for generations to come. Thank you.
All right. Thank
you so much. Ronald Lockett, followed by Walter McKinney, followed by Andre ash, followed by Isaiah McKinney.
Good morning to this honorable body. I'm Ron Lockett. I'm the president of the board of directors of day boat Detroit Association of Black organizations, organization founded by Horace Sheffield Jr, a great hero to me as a young man coming up in Detroit. He just his leadership was just absolutely outstanding. I knew him I was east side. I knew him more from work on the east side. Had no understanding of the role that he was playing on the west side. His legacy is still alive and well through the work of his son, bishop or Sheffield, the third uh involved in social justice, uh, housing, uh, food, uh, delivery, uh, housing, the legacy still lives, and Grand River is alive and well, social a secondary Street.
Thank you so much. And we are also going to cut off our public comment as well. If I did not mention that,
good morning to this body. This morning, I'm making complaints, making that aware of when you renew ground crew tree cutting service, that's if a employee of Detroit that he's not he's still liable for when he do bad work. He cut a tree down beside of my building, which is a church, and a big limb which fell into the dealing unto the roof of the building. In short, I would like for him to be accountable with my tax dollars that he got paid for, and if he was bonded and insured, he should pay, not the city. So he's really made me angry, and he's a very intolerable man to talk to. He should be accountable, and I will ask you not to renew his contract. Thank you, right?
Thank you so much. And I didn't get a chance to hear the contractor's name fully.
It's ground crew, tree cutting service. Okay, okay, and the law department do have the files and the pictures that I have of him on the building. Thank you. Thank
you. So we'll get that information to see what area you live in as well to see how we can assist you. All right. Carolyn Carter,
good morning.
I'm here to speak about Reverend Sheffield and Horace Sheffield Junior's legacy, which is over 50 years in the city of Detroit that established in 1979 we'll hear a lot of applications today, but how many of them are actually standing today? How many of them are actually providing opportunities for our community today that are still his legacy is still leaving today, living today a secondary street sign his honor is not only befitting, it serves as a daily reminder of the impact that the city continues to benefit from horse Sheffield Junior's legacy. This tribute will preserve the legacy of his contributions reinforce the importance of community leadership and assuring that his name and the values he stood for continue to inspire future generations of Detroiters. Recognizing his achievements will be with this sign will offer the community a chance to celebrate and reflect on the ongoing fight for equality and justice that Sheffield champion in the city of Detroit. Thank you,
great. Thank you so much. All
right. Good
morning Council. My
name is Andre ash, Director of Media Relations at daybo. We received this letter of support from Dr Wendell Anthony, the president of Detroit and Detroit branch NAACP, and he writes this letter in support of the official street naming destination in honor of one of the nation's most historic labor leaders, Horace Sheffield, Junior. Horace Sheffield has long served as an iconic figure in the area of both labor and civil rights. It he has been a champion for the rights of workers, the rejected and the neglected, not only in the city of Detroit, but nationwide. President of the Detroit Coalition of Black trade unionist and founder of the trade union leadership council, along with Robert buddy battle, Mr. Sheffield, has led a trail for workers, minorities and women throughout this nation. For Sheffield was involved in the historic Walk to Freedom held in Detroit in 1963 with Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. He was also a participant in the infamous Selma to Montgomery, Alabama march
in 1965
and just Doctor, what do Anthony adding his
voice, right? Thank you so much.
Good morning. Good morning, everyone. I know. I've only a couple of seconds because I want to let you know that your grandfather was one of the people who came to the academy when I was there in 1965 Reverend Bishop and told us what we should do as good police officers. Thank you. Thank him. Thank your grandfather. Now if I guess I could go on, I'm here on behalf of the secondary street or Earl curaton, and you can see here by the great number of people, from his wife to Greg kelser, Joyce blah, Mayor Bing and on and on. We're all in support of this because of the great things that Earl did during his lifetime. Earl passed away in in February, and one of the things that myself and my family did, we said we're going to try and get a secondary street named after Earl, and that's why we're here, if you can think of the great number of things, not only was he to help the young people, but he talked to them every day. I remember the things that Earl and I would talk about. I want you to do some research into the things that Earl curtain did for our city that would be perfect for us. Thank you all so much. Thank
you, Mr. McKinnon, thank you, sir. Timothy Kenny, followed by Richard Walker, followed by Miss Williams, morning
Madam President and members of the city council. My name is Timothy Kenny. I'm a recently retired chief judge from Wayne County Circuit Court. I am here to speak on behalf of secondary street naming for Dick Night Train lane. When we all move on from a chapter in our life, we like to think back on, how are we going to be remembered? We'd like to be remembered, I think, for what have we done? What have we left to make the community better? Dick nytrain Lane had an illustrious career here at Michigan and Trumbull in the old Tiger Stadium, is a Detroit Lion superstar remember the Hall of Fame. But it didn't stop there. He invested 17 years of his life leading the police athletically for the city of Detroit, touching lives of 10s of 1000s of young people, and PAL is now located right where Dick Night Train lane. So thank you.
Thank you.
Good morning everyone. Good morning. I'm Richard Walker, the
middle son of Dick, Knight train lane. The secondary street name is a significant location for my dad, because that's where he started his career with the lions. So to make this come full circle, and then just career there, it would be the ultimate thing for us. So a lot of you people that may not know of my dad, we just did a film documentary for my dad as a kid as him being thrown away in the garbage to becoming one of the greatest football players of all times. So the film has won the African American sports I mean, the African American black film festival world premiere in Miami, Florida. And if we can make this happen, we're going to make sure that this ending goes on that documentary.
So thank you. All right, thank
you.
Ready. Hi.
Good morning, everyone. Good morning.
My name is Steven Rogerson. I'm the owner of batch Brewing Company in Corktown, and I'm appearing on behalf of the Friends, family, colleagues and fans of Greg Mudge and mudgee's Deli wine shop. I wanted to thank this body for their efforts. Thank more than 120 people who have written into city council to express their support for Greg's secondary street name. While we think all of these Detroiters are deserving, we think it would be particularly inspiring to also honor a humble, hard working, everyday man like Greg, alongside civic leaders, Grammy winners and professional athletes. Thanks for your
time.
Thank you as well. Jason Timon, good
morning, Council. My name is Jason Tinsley, market president for JP Morgan Chase, and here today I am to ask for your support in the secondary street signing of Aubrey Lee. Aubrey Lee, senior was the first black bank president in the state of Michigan for MBD, which is the predecessor bank for JP Morgan Chase, our belief, his testament is his commitment to our community, not only in helping introduce African Americans to the banking industry within Metro Detroit, and the fact that he would recruit train lead and help us see a path that we too could be represent, a representation to our community for what is super important, which is financial services. And without his leadership in a time back in the 60s, as you can imagine, without his leadership then, and his fortitude to stand in that in that space, doesn't allow for a person like myself and so many others, some of whom are in this audience today and on the phone, to take that path, and for that, we're extremely excited with the opportunity.
Thank you. Okay, thank
you. Thank you so much, Joy Hunter.
Good morning. My name is Joy led Hunter. I'm here on the behalf of Jay Villa and in honoree of getting, of becoming a honorary secondary street sign. J Dilla, for those who don't know, J Dilla was a producer that was born and raised on the city east side. He made a new sound. He made his own sound, as the legendary pete rock would say, he was the new thing, the new King. And so for him to have this secondary street sign here in the city of Detroit just represents how he just persevered through his sickness. He still continue to work as well as it'll just inspire other people, as well as inspire me. I'm his daughter's mother, so I'm here on his behalf, and this will be a great thing in the city of Detroit. He's already in the Smithsonian, so this would just be great for here. Thank you.
No. Thank you so much.
Janelle Hunter, followed by Elaine Stanley, followed by Miss Stuart finlar, Finlay.
I'm Janelle Richardson now, okay, okay. My name is Janelle Richardson, and I'm here on behalf of James DeWitt Yancey, aka J Dilla, becoming a secondary street sign honoree. J Dilla was born and raised here on the east side, and he created a sound that could not be duplicated, and this would be a great opportunity and historical for all of us. Thank you. All right.
Thank you so much.
Good morning. Elaine.
Good morning, good morning. My name is Elaine Stanley. I am no one important or anything, but I am here for some important people. I'm speaking on behalf of James DeWit Yancey, also known as J Dilla, and I'm also speaking on behalf of Horace l Sheffield Jr, both becoming secondary street sign honorees. This will be history in the making for the hip hop and the civil rights community for the city and the city of Detroit, I'm proud to say that I knew both of them and have interacted with them, and they're so deserving of this award, this street signing. So thank you.
Thank you.
Morning, Good
morning. My name is Tony Stewart fitler. I am fitler's wife. I'm here to advocate for a secondary street sign in his name. AMP is a humble, selfless legend to the legends who created legends and a brilliant talent that is ground that was brought groundbreaking in his own musical journey. But it is how he used his life while living and his gifts to serve that make him extraordinary. J Dilla is only one of the many artists that was inspired by amp and sought him out that he mentored and gave selflessly to that we celebrate and elevate who we're creating prior to meeting him, but until they encountered amp, their journeys would have looked much differently. The impact and significance of what he symbolizes to music and culture is recognized worldwide. Saturday, amp was honored in the memorium at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in honor of all that amp has done for Detroit and for the world, it would be fitting and more than deserving for a street sign to be placed steps away from Camp amp, the very place where so much talent was cultivated.
Thank you so much.
Thank you. If the clerk will note member Young has joined us.
Oh, Miss Stewart, hi. I'm
Rosalynn Stewart. I'm a retired educator, and I'm here to advocate for Aunt fitler to have a secondary street sign. Aunt was an amazing, incredible artist who touched, motivated and inspired up and coming artists, current and now, legendary artists across diverse genres with his musical talents, amp was honored in Memorial tribute this Saturday at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. You know, music would be very different without amp. Amp positively put Detroit on the map globally through his ingenious talents and through all the artists he helped develop, mentored and poured into as you might know, he also wanted all the children to have access to music, touch instruments and personally refurbished and tuned and hand delivered them to Detroit youth. Let's amplify amps name as he positively amplified Detroit and its you.
Thank you. Jim Brown, followed by Ms Williams, good morning, Council. First of all, I
like to thank Councilman Tate for the way he handled the hearing last week when I was here, very professional. I'm here on behalf of AMP Fittler, and I'm a lifelong friend of amps. I met him at age 13, and we continued our friendship, very close friendship throughout life and amp was the same no matter when you met him. He always had a smile for you, always encouraging you, even dealing with his sickness, he was still encouraging. He was never down. I've never known them. They have a down moment, and I think it's very befitting that he would have a secondary streets time named after him, because not only was he a city treasure, but he was a global treasure. Thank you. Thank you. Hello.
It's 26 homeless shelters in the city of Detroit. 9000 people in the system, so roughly like $75 million come from DC. And I'm going to continue to talk about the homeless epidemic in the city of Detroit, in the state period. It's very unfortunate that officers that have the means to pay for rent stay in shelters. That's not acceptable. And like I said, the weather's getting ready to change. Something needs to be done. And Start from the Top, accountability, transparency.
Okay, we're good to go. Mr. Kelser, go right ahead.
Thank you very much. Greg kelser, good morning Council. Thank you for this opportunity. I'm here in support, along with our contingent here for the naming of a secondary Street in the into honor Earl Curtin. Earl is someone I knew for 51 years. You know, we were just here talking about his legacy as a basketball player that might hold its own right there as a two time NBA champion, but his true legacy lies in the work that he's done in his community for all of that time, and certainly well on display during the last 10 or 12 years as a community ambassador for the Detroit Pistons, it was hard to go anywhere and not see Earl very actively, passionately involved in helping people in this city, obviously, in our limited scope, gone too soon passed in February of this year, unexpectedly, but not too soon to leave what we feel is a very, very shining example of what it means to give and to be selfless. So we think it would be an excellent Honor for his family and for all of us if this is to come to fruition. Thank you.
Thank you so much. Mister Kelson.
Courtney Hall, Madison Westmoreland, good morning, good morning. I'm
here requesting divestment. The war machine is a mode of capitalism that feeds our greed for money by using our investments and weapons and surveillance manufacturers. We are a nation of over consumption and greed. It's built into the fabric of our society. But when you know better, you should do better. There's concern that the investments of this city are tied into the systems of oppression, apartheid and genocide, and it somehow always affects nations where people look like you and me. The longer we continue to leave our money and investments that fuel the war machine, the longer we continue to fuel genocide in our streets. In Palestine, Congo, Sudan and Haiti, at the bare minimum, you can begin to divest from the everyday products you use in your homes and Detroit offices that invest in genocide, such as Nestle, Pepsi, coke, Microsoft, HP and coffee mate, just to name a few. To the more covert large scale items such as our cars, restaurants we patronize, and surveillance and AI technology purchases for the city, it's time to disclose and divest, because there are plenty of very lucrative alternative, conflict free investment options versus investments that meet our greed while at the same time funding genocides. Thank you.
Hello. Good morning. My name is Madison. I'm here with the Detroit anti war committee to call on the city of Detroit, to divest from so called Israel and to stop any cross training or affiliation with the Israeli occupation force. The terror in Gaza has not ended or lessened or slowed. Is only intensified in the last two weeks in northern Gaza, this campaign is not possible without us funding, without our armaments and our support, our silence and apathy, are directly funding this genocide. We call on Detroit for transparency of investments so we can assure Detroit's tax dollars are not being used to fund genocide in the death of Palestinians across the world. We also call an end to cross training. We can't allow the iOS tactics to come into the city of Detroit. We have already lost innocent lives due to police violence, and we ask that we don't have more intense violence created by this cause trainings. Thank you and free Palestine,
thank you.
Hi there. My name is Joe. I'm from Detroit anti war committee. I'm here once again to speak to you all about our Detroit divest campaign, which calls for, one, a stronger ceasefire resolution, which would encourage BDS compliance within the city. Two, disclosure of all city spending, and three, obviously, divestment from the so called State of Israel, week after week, time and time again over the past several months, but especially the past several weeks, I've come here and I've seen my friends and myself be met with apathy by the city council. Not only is this morally repugnant because we're here to talk to you about a genocide, I think it also shows that you're really not willing to listen to your your constituents when it comes to matters that are a little bit more complicated, when it comes to standing on the right side of justice, and because of that, all I have left to say is just as a reminder, you serve the people we elect you. Please listen to us. Thank you.
Thank you so much. Good morning.
Hello. I'm I'm also, I'm Jackson. I'm also here with Detroit anti war committee. We're once again here to demand divestment. We recently saw the city of Dearborn start the process of divestment for more profiteers. As a genocide is happening, I don't know why people are looking down at their computers while there are a genocide. People are being slaughtered. There was just a hospital in Gaza where people were hooked up to IVs while a fire rage dropped by missiles that our tax dollars are invested in, and yet we don't feel the moral responsibility to refuse to see deep injustice, to see an apartheid state, mass slaughtering people. And yet we don't feel any sort of moral intuition to say yes, maybe we should think about divestment. Yes, we should look at a city right next door that is starting to divest. It is morally disgusting that people cannot look up and at least look at their constituents when they feel a disgust with slaughter that our tax dollars are paying. So I feel like the bare minimum is starting a process of starting the process of disclosure, Divestment and ending connection to genocide.
Thank you so much. And just to note, I have not seen a resolution that has been formally submitted to this body to take action on. And so if you would like to submit that, then we could possibly consider but to this date, you all have come down, but I have not seen any official document that has been submitted for us to take action we have in the past, passed a resolution regarding a ceasefire at this table. I think you all came down for that, and we're willing to take up any other documentation that you have. So next time you come, you guys want to submit that so that we can review it as well. Okay. Yes. Council Member Santiago Romero, thank you, Madam President. I just also really want to encourage the folks that are coming down to speak with us, to work with impacted community. I have been organizing with folks that have family in Palestine. They are directly impacted, and I am following their lead. So I would encourage you to please work with folks that are directly impacted, to follow your lead as well. So that great so that we can all work together. All right, thank you. Excuse me, and I hear that there is a disconnect, so I encourage you to go back to the table that we work together, because I want to make sure that we're leading together, and that there's not any kind of we should be leading the most impacted. And want to make sure that we do that together. So let's do that better, so together and be happy to work with you, because we do have a council member that is working directly with people that are impacted. Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. All right, thank you, George.
My name is George Blaha. It's an honor to speak before the council this morning, and I will say this, I'm sure there'll be no differences of opinion with regard to Earl curiton. A number of us are here to support the naming of a street after Earl near Saint Cecilia, where he and so many others did great things for their personal lives and their careers. I will say this, those sitting behind Special K Gregory kelser and myself piston broadcasters, if we put those guys on the court in their prime, we could probably win an NBA championship. So that's how much we all care about Earl and how saddened we are that we lost him. A high character guy who represented our city, University of Detroit, the pistons and the NBA at the highest level, a wonderful guy. Thank you.
Thank you, sir. Thank you for being here. Michael Tyson, good
morning members of city council. I'm supporting a three time rollover applicant for a secondary street sign, Aubrey Lee, senior, your challenge today with well known entertainers, athletes and pastors before you, is to lift Mr. Lee, who is pivotal in kicking the doors open in the banking industry, Aubrey Lee was the first black president at Nbd, which is now chased, who paved the way for notables like Shirley stancato And Mayor Bing. Mr. Lee's leadership ensured people of color were at the table where banking decisions to small businesses and residential mortgages were made. Council members imagine young girls and boys looking up, seeing his sign, Googling Mr. Lee, and realizing what once was seemed impossible is now attainable. Please acknowledge Mr. Lee's impact on the banking industry and his wife will be greatly appreciated. Also, I'd like for you to acknowledge Anthony chin.
Thank you. Okay,
thank you. Good morning, good
morning, good morning, good morning to one and all. Protocol already being established. I'm wearing the sign that this mask that says Detroit is magical, created by my daughter Mrs. Anne fitler, and one of the positive things that it says under Detroit is magical, is that it's a little bit of rock and roll. And I'm so proud that my son in law has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On his block, there's about 20 little young black males that play basketball that had that secondary street sign up would be such an inspiration to them, to let them know that there's other things besides basketball that they can be engaged in. So I won't take long. I'm going to waltz on out of here like a ghetto fly, like his main album I've never heard. Thank you.
Thank you, sir for coming down. Okay, responding
Good morning City Council.
My name is Roger Turner, the head of the Sherwood heights Tennis Association apartments on the city of the on the east side, on the west side of Detroit. I'm here this morning because my wife Emily and I are being unfairly treated by the owners and are being forced to move the management company Best Tech has reclined the least renewal they gave us and told us to find another place to live or stay or stay, but paid 300 more than a month than the renewal offer and live there on a month to month basis. We have lived here for 16 years, paying our rent on time and never causing any problem. Clearly, we are being retaliated against for starting a Tennis Association. We started the association to collectively address management, work together to get several to live in a clean, safe environment, some of the sewer backup, how water bills are calculated, electrical systems
supports. Sorry, sir, that's your time.
Timer is on,
okay, okay, astronomical
rent increases
I'm about to add with, okay, no, sorry, so we have to give everyone equal time. Okay, um, but what building? I'm sorry, what building did you stay Sherwood heights. Sherwood, oh, out of God, yeah. Okay.
Madam Chair, yep. Hi, Mr. Turner. Um, I've been working with this group for over a year, good, and they have a lot of complications and issues in that area, just like we're having in Palmer Park, where, before I joined the Council, 14 buildings were sold to one out of state property developer, and they did nothing in 20. I think they got the properties in 2020, from what I understand, but they're in Arizona. Well, now all 14 of those properties are in receivership, and I'm hoping this won't happen to Sherwood heist, but I'm very familiar with this case, and we'll continue to work with BC. But these are privately owned structures, and it's very difficult to even get them to Kate with us. We've had beach we've had BC out there, we've had Dave Bell out there. We've had his staff out there. And these are to in my opinion, slum landlords and ruthless in the way that they interact with the residents over in Sherwood High so we'll continue to work with this group and hold this property owner accountable as best we can, but it is a problem over there. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Turner, Council Member waters,
thank you, Madam President. I just want to say, I want to remind people that we've two ordinances that are that are at play, the tennis Rights Commission, which we are trying, currently trying to field staff who will be helping in situations such as that, open buildings to set up and you absolutely have the right to organize. You do if you are HUD funded, of course, you have to follow those specific particular guidelines. But if you are not, then you get to follow this ordinance to to a T we also have the compliance ordinance where we going to hold people accountable, landlords accountable for what they do and the repairs and all those things that they should be making in those buildings. So stay tuned. We'll be coming around to you as as well, because we're going throughout the city.
Thank you. Member Callaway,
we've been saying something similar since I took office in 2022 How do we hold the landlords accountable? I've been saying that since I've been sitting on this council, they are not accountable, and I don't know how to do it. I personally need help with holding these landlords accountable. I don't know how to do it. I admit it from this table. I don't know how to hold them accountable, because right now they're not being accountable. Right now, they're still renting units that have led base paint. They're not even in compliance with our ordinances, How do we hold them accountable? That's my app.
In Arizona. I don't even know where these people are, who own Sherwood heights, but we're talking people been in that structure for 30 something years, retired principals and teachers being uprooted for whatever reason. They won't even have their electrical box are hanging out of the wall. I've taken pictures. I've sent them over to BC, I need to know what to do. The news has been out there. I don't know what to do. I don't know what to do. So, I mean, I don't know who we need to talk to through the chair. Is it the law department? Yep.
So we can, I don't know if you want to do this right this second. No, definitely follow up. And I would definitely say, if it's been sent over to BC, we should definitely have a response from BC as well as to what exactly is going on. Excuse me. Okay, so. Member Callaway, thank you for your work on it, and we will work with you LPD and law department to see how we can bring some thank you so much. Thank you. Member Calloway, Thank you, ma'am. All right, we will continue now.
Yes, my name is Emily Turner, uh, that's my husband, Roger Turner, yes, we've been residents at cherwood Heights apartments for 16 years, and they've asked us to vacate or either pay for $300 more in rent and live month to month at Sherwood heights, now we feel that there needs to be regulations when it comes to the landlord and and tenants, because tenants ought to have rights. And we've been fighting for this for at least two years, and we thank Miss Callaway and also Mary waters and also Regina Weiss has come and talk with us, and so we need help. And being seniors, it's difficult to just get up and move. You know when, when you're our age, you're settled, and it's so difficult for us now. So we need help. What we're doing on Fridays is organize a protest in front of our building. So we solicit your help, all of the council members. So if you would help us on Friday, we would appreciate
that member Callaway. Can we maybe line item this as well for committee so that we can get a report on status of what is excuse? Excuse me. Can we please not yell out in the middle of session? We you all have an opportunity to talk during public comments, so please do not disrupt the session. Please, if we can add that member Callaway to the committee so that we can get a full report from law NBC,
yes on
the building. Okay. Yes. Is there a motion to add Sherwood heights
and Palmer Park and Palmer Park. In Palmer
park to the budget Finance and Audit Committee for a thorough report on the status of what is taking place in those buildings. Motion, okay, Hearing no objection, that action will be taken. And do you know what time the protest is? On Friday? Okay, we will find out and make sure that the information is given to the community. All right, go right ahead. Good
morning. My name is Deborah, Patrick, and I'm here in support of Roger and Emily Turner at Sherwood heights. They have been there for 16 years, and they are the best neighbors anyone can ever have. They keep their apartment in pristine condition. It's beautiful. They're kind and generous to their neighbors, to everyone living at Sherwood heights, and I am here to support them, because they do not deserve to be evicted from their home, and it is their home. I have been there for 12 years. It is my home also, and I do appreciate also, Mrs. Calloway for your help in the past, but we need all of all of you to come out in support of the seniors who live at Sherwood heights apartments and townhomes. I am the co founder with the Turners, and I believe I'm next on the list to be evicted, and I have done nothing wrong either. We are being retaliated against because we dare to organize our fellow tenants, to fight back, to show to the people that they have power to speak up and fight back and not take the kind of treatment that we receive. Thank you so much.
Thank you And Madam Chair, thank you, ma'am, Madam Chair, and I appreciate everybody coming down Absolutely. Yes, ma'am, they did even hire an attorney. I won't say the attorney's name. I don't know what you got. I don't know if you got the bang for your buck that you pay, but they did hire an attorney, and that didn't get them very, very far in the process. But I'm hoping we can really take action really bad. Yeah,
I see.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Ma'am, right. Good
morning. Council. My name is Steven Rimmer. I'm a lead organizer with the Detroit Tenant Association known as the DTA. Here in support of the Turners and Sherwood heights Tenant Association. They are a chapter of the Detroit Tenant Association. The Turners are being retaliated against for organizing, standing up for themselves, and now best tech management has told them they have to move out by October 31 few days away, and they said, if they don't, or they're not going to renew their lease as well. I would like to ask this body, can you look into who owns this property, if they have any ties or deals with the city of Detroit, and if they do come up in the future, remember this situation and how they're treating Detroiters. We've worked with the shore high Tenant Association for over two years, and we've also mentioned to this body about a right to renew with good cause protections. Uh, this will protect the Turners in this situation. Right now, we've had talks with members of this body who said they supported this ordinance, but yet we're still here watching people be evicted. So I ask you all to support the Turners, support the tenants, the residents of Detroit. You can follow us on Instagram. We will post all the information. Anybody wants to come be a part of it.
Thank you. Thank you so much.
Thank you. Thank you so Madam Chair. I just have one question, is it is privately owned and it's it. HUD is not involved. I don't know about Palmer Park. They're already in receivership, but with this particular apartment and condo campus, it's a campus. Is there any way that we can as a city place a moratorium on these owners because they've changed hands several times. I don't know who owns it now. I don't even think they know who owns it. They have changed hands, and it's hard to track, because it's different LLC that happens a lot. I'm wondering,
I'm what? Excuse
me,
hey, Chair,
can you please? We don't want to interrupt, please. Thank you, Madam
Chair, through, through you. I'm wondering if the law department or if we can put some type of moratorium together so these folks are not evicted just for speaking up. And I don't know if we have a right to do that, since this is a privately owned campus. So
what we can do is, I don't see the law department now, but prior to us closing out public comment, we can have someone come and speak before Council, okay, regarding this specific issue. Okay, thank you. Malik Washington, if you're listening, if we can have someone from the law department either come on or come here physically in the auditorium before we close out public comment. All right, thank you.
Good morning, members of council. I'm Roland Wong, president of American citizens for justice. We are strongly in support of secondary street naming in the name of Vincent Chin. American citizens for justice is devoted to civil rights advocacy. It was founded in 1983 with the killing of Vincent Chin, a case was brought, a federal civil rights case was brought against his assailants. The movement was the justice for Vincent Chin movement, and included groups like ADL, NAACP, Detroit branch, Detroit Association of Black organizations led by Horace Sheffield JR and other organizations that followed through with two civil rights trials, Vincent Chin, frequented Chinatown is buried in Detroit, has been buried for 42 years. It would be very appropriate for Vincent Chin and the Vincent Chin justice movement to serve as an appropriate just basis for a secondary Street Meeting, also in favor of Horace Sheffield Junior.
Thank you so much, Sir Francis,
good morning Council members. My name is Francis gruneau. I'm co chair of the Chinatown vision Committee, which came together after the demolition of 3143 Cass Avenue, the former Chinese Merchants Association in the lower cast corridor, I'm here for the secondary street hearing. We circulated a letter to you all regarding this. There are many worthy applications this year, as you know, including one for the important civil rights leader or Sheffield Junior, which I support, and another Vincent Chin, which we've been hearing about as a kid growing up in Detroit in the 1980s I was aware of the brutal, racially motivated beating of Vincent Chin, a tragic story that resonated with people around the world. Now, over 40 years later, it is time to honor Vincent Chin's memory and his connection to Detroit so a new generation of Detroiters can learn about his story and the social justice movement that was inspired by his untimely death. Thank you for your consideration.
Thank you so much.
Morning City Council. My name is Eric ringcon. I'm here to represent the teamsters 283 local fight against the
marathon. Speak a little bit more into the microphone for a fair contract. Thank you.
Sorry about that.
I just want to bring the light some safety issues that we've had at the refinery, and I've been there almost 24 years now. And there was once a time where, when something would happen, you know, a leak of some sort, or something like that. You know, things were taken care of right away. We have this term that is kind of used widely in the industry. It's called workarounds. And the company will come and they will do a temporary fix on a on on an item that that's, you know, of concern. And lately, the trend has went towards very unsafe conditions, and I just want to bring that to light. If you all can help us with our fight with against marathon, that would be greatly
appreciated. Thank
you so much. We're looking forward to taking up the resolution today to support the Teamsters and the work that you all do so that will be forthcoming. All right, thank you so much for being here. All right. Mark Delaney, good
morning Council members. My name is Mark Delaney. I
Teamster for 29 and a half years. I
work at Marathon Oil Refinery.
Each refinery is site Pacific. As far as safety is concerned. We have procedures. Safety procedures. We have protocols. And every site is different. Each dynamic, as far as rivers, roadways, trains, anything that delivers our product, is very specific, and the men and women that work for marathon are very educated in how to safely and effectively deliver those products. The people that they are replacing the workers with a 283 are not trained as well or as properly as Eric had mentioned about workarounds, they're doing kind of the same thing, and we just look forward to the resolution. Appreciate it. Thank you
all right. Thank you so much.
Good morning City Council. What a great day to be a Teamster and a Detroiter. My name is Ronald Barnes. I'm a proud Persian high school graduate 2021 year old, 21 year retired Army sergeant. Came back home from family, friends and for opportunities. I've been working at Marathon for 21 years, and I tell you now they have not kept with their promises to the city. It's a shame, in a majority African American city, less than 15% of us work at this plant that's been there forever. Councilman Romero in your district, which the refinery is that I can count on one hand how many people, Hispanic people have worked there. Marathon promises diversity. They're not delivering on that. Also, Marathon is thumbing their nose right now as the city. They're feeding these scabs with suburban and down river caterers their housing, not even to Detroit. They may they commit to Detroit too to go in and do things for the city. They're not doing any of that we work with swing shift. They're still giving us Jim Crow wages. We're the lowest paid refinery in the marathon system. So we want to take a stand with us. Three, one unit, one contract. Thank you very much.
Thank you, sir.
Right ahead, sir, yeah,
Jeff, try cough with marathon Teamsters. 283, just want to give a reminder of most of the people in this community don't realize what we do there at the refinery. We make gasoline, we make propane, we make things that go boom and it's right here in the city. Just 12 days ago in Texas, a refinery had a chemical release that killed two people, injured 35 and put a Shelter In Place on two cities surrounding them. They are not built in the middle of the city. If that were to happen here, it would have been much worse. You don't have those incidents because of my brothers and sisters at Teamsters, 283, that operate that plant. And right now we're not in there doing it. We appreciate the support you're giving us so far. I'm going to ask you to continue to support us until we get this done right.
Thank you so much the case President
Sheffield and council people. I'm here to support our members the marathons. You guys stand up with your red shirts on. They keep this plant, this refinery, safe. 270 them, the safest refinery in the United States. Now, they've had numerous fires since the turnaround, since we They pushed us out on strike for six weeks now, it's crazy. What marathon is doing. They're an evil company. They don't support Detroit. You've heard the reasons they're putting people in hotels outside of Detroit, bringing them they can't even put them in Detroit to let them work at the refinery. They bring people from down south. They made promises to this city and to this council for tax abatements that they would hire people from Detroit. They can't even bring people in from Detroit or the state of Michigan. They're bringing them from down south. It's completely wrong that planet plant is not safe right now. We need to get the teamsters back in there. They're about ready to put the plant back online, which is the most dangerous time these guys can tell you, it's one of the unsafe, very unsafe. They put it back online. We need the inspections on there. We need the resolution passed and inspectors in there checking the license of these people from down south. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Hicks,
hi. My name is Kate stenvick, organizer with BAM by any means necessary. I'm also a resident of Sherwood heights apartments and a member of the tenants Association, along with the Turners, I've been there since about 2009 and that apartment complex has had, I think, three or four management since I've lived there. This is the absolute worst. They raise the rank constantly, and it's clear they are retaliating against the Turners, because they're not the only people that are facing eviction. Now there's something like, there's like, dozens of people in that apartment complex. And it's, it's really clear, first of all, not only is the rent bank going up, but it's in complete disrepair. It's really unsafe for a lot of retired, like, older people, um, there's never been so much turnover of people that they're just driving out, and it's really clear that it's another example of these managements trying to drive out long term black residents of a Detroit apartment complex. That was quick.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
Good morning Council members. My name is Richard lane. I am the youngest son of Dick Knight train lane. And on behalf of all three brothers, I'm proud to say we look like Detroit because our father served this great city for 17 years as the executive director of the Police Athletic League under former Mayor Coleman Young. He was also the executive director, the third deputy chief of police here in Detroit. He served 1000s and 1000s of young boys and girls through the Police Athletic League. He gave them a chance to be able to be greater than themselves, one of them, another Detroit Hall of Famer by the name of of Bennis. And so again, we thank you very much for this opportunity to be able to recognize arguably the greatest defensive back to ever play the game of professional football, who will always go down as a Detroit Lion. Thank you very much for your consideration. God bless.
Good morning City Council. My name is David Greenwood as director of Detroit PAL and a pal kid who played in PAL in 1970s and 80s under the direction of lion legend, NFL, Hall of Famer, Dick, Knight train lane, I rise in great support of dedicating the street next to the historic site of old Tiger Stadium, where Night Train and the lions played and where pals current headquarters resides. Night Train lane, he dedicated countless hours to Detroit youth like myself and to commemorate his memory in this way is the least that we can do. I also rise in support today of Earl curaton. Earl was a personal friend and a friend to many and any who knew him. No one cared about the Detroit community more than the twirl please honor both Night Train lane and Earl curaton with secondary naming rights. I also ask at this time if everyone here who is supporting Earl curaton and Night Train to rise so you can see the support.
Thank you all. Thank you so much.
Morning city councils. My name is Stefan clay, on behalf of M Fiddler with a secondary street name after him, one of the benefits of Detroit and his revitalization is having having the youth get to understand and get a chance to meet and and learn about a man who has such an international impact, not just only musically wise, but just in terms of some of the opportunities and things he has for the young youth, and just to have someone like that with just an international name, I think would be a great benefit for the youth to learn and grow from. Thank you.
Thank you. Right again. Miss Betty Lyons,
Attorney Whitaker, I'm requesting an appointment with you, since you refused to provide proof that Detroit residents were notified in black and white and signed away stolen, overpaid property taxes over $600 million of penalty and interest, which should be included, which that demonic Dugan is holding on to is that same closed mouth when Whitaker, Benson, Tate young and durhall, all of you gave no praise to that young black man of intelligence, Mister Howell, as though your NASA Dugan for bad you to praise a young black man. What's that phrase? Divide and conquer? Shame. Shame, shame. Palestinians and so called Jews stop hiding over here behind us. Go fight your own battles. I paid enough money for killing men, women, childrens and unborn babies, right?
Thank you, Miss lion. Good
morning. Council, council members. My name is Ebony Westfield. I'm here on behalf of Big Night Train as a secondary street sign. I just wanted to say, after we've achieved all of our success and everything that we've come forth. The greatest thing would be for us to have is a street side. It's about the legacy that we leave behind, what we've done, what the children that's come before us, that's going to come before, to be able to see what they can accomplish. And I think it will be only fitting for it to be the streets, the street name to be named after, uh, Night Train lane, uh, for after everything that he's accomplished around the city of Detroit and from what, where, if you start with Powell and all of his successes. Thank you, right. Thank you. Good morning.
Good morning. My name is mama Shu I'm the founder and CEO of Avalon village in Highland Park. I'm here to support a secondary street sign for amp Fittler. I love that. This is an option to honor our ancestors that have touched our lives in beautiful ways. This is something tangible for the loved ones that are still earthbound to help them heal, stay connected and be a reminder of their beloved ancestors. Thank you, peace and love. Thank you.
Hello, honorable city council members. My name is Jerry Flynn Dale, and I'm here to in support of Aunt Fiddler having a second street sign, as you will all know, because y'all voted for me to have a historical landmark in the city Detroit. Aunt Fiddler was one of the persons who supported me as a teenager. He was a member of parliament, Funkadelic, and he came over and did a session with me, because I did hip hop. He was doing all different types of music around the world. And he came over along with George Clinton junior, and they taught me how to record. And he took the time out to answer every phone call that I ever made to call him even when he was out of the country. Also, amp was the first one to allow me to build a build a computer. He paid for it out of his own pocket. So I'm very much in support of Mr. Amp fiddler. Thank you all.
Thank you. Thanks. Sharon
Benson, discussion quickly,
and so I just want to thank everybody who comes down and understand that public comment is an entitlement. It's your right. But we are also a welcoming city, and so I hope that we are prepared to ensure that all members in the city of Detroit are welcome despite race, creed, sexual orientation. We are a welcoming city, and I hope that we can appeal to our inner humanity as well. There divisive, negative comments I don't believe have a place of this city council or this city building. Thank you.
Thank you. Member Benson,
that's the line I as co founder of Detroiters for Tax Justice. We're here as a team today to talk about the pilot program. We need more real, positive, soundly financed housing that's affordable in Detroit Public Housing. You've seen our data on tax abatements costing $500 million lost to our public institutions in just seven years, when projected for 10 years, is three quarters of a billion dollars. The proposed pilot program allows millions of dollars to to be lost from our schools, libraries and city services, the use of our schools by and libraries and cities by those residents will be tech tax free, and they can use our services because their landlords and owners will not pay taxes to the people, the 60 to 100% AMI rent rates target higher incomes than the Average Detroiters, the 5% over 15 years of annual increases each year will escalate an $800 $1,660 we can do better.
Good morning.
Good morning.
My name is Lauren Lincoln. I'm a lifelong Detroiter, resident of district five, and a researcher with Detroiters for Tax Justice. I'm here on behalf of the pilot program. I urge you to vote no on this proposal, as it would disenfranchise Detroiters and and bypass City Council and the community benefits ordinance. It is imperative that housing is developed that meets the needs of the community through accessibility standards for the disabled, multiple bedrooms for families and actual affordable housing for a period longer than 15 years, what we need is an immediate cap on rental rates. Thank you for your time.
Thank you Good
morning. Thank you for the time and consideration. I'm here to speak on behalf of Earl Curtin. I met Earl 39 years ago as a freshman at the University of Detroit. He came back and he worked out with us. We went to St Cecilia's. We became a pretty quick connection. Because I was born on the east side, on Nottingham. He was just down the street a few ways. We both started playing basketball at Cannon rec, right next to Phinney. I He was a Finney Highlander. He was a Titan. He was a piston. He was of Detroit. About Detroit, for Detroit, in Detroit, everything about Detroit is Earl Curtin Greg said it best, it's not just about sports, because that stands on its own. All of his accolades, he was an absolute Detroiter, a man for others, a servant leader. The Jesuits have this great saying, which is servant leadership. Men and women for others. Earl was 100% that in every respect. So thank you for your support and consideration. Thank
you, sir, thank you. Good
morning. My
name is Judith. I just
want to thank everyone
for being here for Earl.
I think everyone has said everything that is in our heart, Sarah, in my heart, to express the commitment that Earl had and the love that he has shown for the city of Detroit, Michigan, wherever he went, he had nothing but positive things to share about the city of Detroit and the things that he wanted to share with the youth of Detroit and people of Detroit. So I just want to thank everyone for your consideration. Deborah
may agree, greetings, honorable city council members. Mary Sheffield, President, my name is Deborah Mayfield. I'm here to support the Detroiters for Tax Justice group. I'm a former retiree city Detroit law department, legal secretary. But there are two ordinances that are going to be up for vote. And the one is the fast track pilot housing ordinance, where you will be amending the 2019
Tax Code, Chapter 44
and there was one that you all voted out of subcommittee yesterday that was about tax homeowners and blight, and it looks like, it looks like there's going to be a grab for our homes. Again, I'm a home warmer, and you know, there's a lot of things going on that we believe that you all are not representing us right as far as foreclosure and taking our home. So I'm asking you to vote no on this fast track pilot housing ordinance, and also the one that's coming out of committee going to for the full body. Vote, vote, no, and we ask you to really serve and represent us and the best.
Thank you.
Thank you. Ronald Foster,
good morning, good president. First thing I want to say is very happy to see a young daughter up live for father today and vacation. I think that's very admirable. Myself, having a daughter and a love for fathers and daughters, we have support. Secondly, I will say that today as a reminder that we all will be remembered by what we do in our communities. And so that's important, that whatever we do, we take care of our community and keep it first. Thirdly, one of the people I'd like to see and hear more about this bishop Albert cleach in 1963 and he established a party here. And they quote, We the black people of the state of Michigan and these United States, in this historic period of worldwide revolutionary change, recognizes our desire to achieve our own destiny through our own efforts, recognizing our desire for independent black political action of political servants, recognizing that our struggle for freedom and equality can issue meaningful only from our Leadership and candidates to establish the independent political movement dedicated to unity and liberation. Thank you.
Thank you so much. Mr. Foster. John Collins,
Greetings, madam president and Detroit City Council. I'm here on behalf of support for and Fiddler's secondary street naming, as you already heard lot, a lifelong resident of Kona gardens in Detroit, Michigan, district three. Just a brilliant vocalist, producer, musician who worked with parliament, Funkadelic. He crossed all genres of music, including seal. Was not was many, many artists in Detroit and around the world. Amp traveled the world and was a global ambassador for the city of Detroit, and was well loved. He could have lived in any other city or country, but he chose to stay in Detroit. He also mentored, as we said before, many up and coming youth in Detroit, and also techno and house music, he also contributed that as well. So once again, I hope that we finalize it and Fiddler will receive Secretary Street. Daming, thank you.
Thank you so much. Mr. Collins, you Michael Thompson,
yes,
how you doing? I'm here on behalf of street vendors for downtown Detroit. I've had talks with council member Callaway and her assistant, and Mary Callaway, I mean Mary waters and her assistant, and what they've been doing is I've been having problems with the business department and DPD. They've been taking 1000s and 1000s of dollars from us, taking our product, taking our money, telling us that we can't be downtown, but they give me a license to sell in the city of Detroit, but on a license, it says that downtown has prohibited, but I have the ordinance that says that there's no, no way that they can. There's no district that I could be in. I could be in the city of Detroit. So the city of Detroit Police is prohibited from being downtown to making money. So I'm thinking that they discriminated against us straight vendors from making money downtown. I've had 1000s of dollars taken from me. I've had a product taken away from it because of this, orders is falsely being enforced, and I need we need help, and if we don't get no help from the city, we're gonna take legal action. We don't wanna have technical action against the
city. Thank you so much, sir. Again, remember water you I was working with in Callaway. We will get your information before you leave, sir, so that we can get a better understanding of what you all are doing and how we can see how we can support you, working with both Callaway and member waters as well, and council member young or whoever else on council would like to lend their support to assist you, sir. Okay, Erica Hill, do
Eric, good morning, honorable body. My name is Erica Hill, along with my colleague at Foxworth, and we are here on behalf of Sheriff Raphael Washington to lend our support on the secondary street naming for the honorable Horace Sheffield Jr. A few have achieved the accomplishments of such a great man, including a labor leader, a union official, a UAW local 600 serving as president of the Detroit Coalition of Black train union list unionists, and co founder of the trade union leadership council, a trusted and highly valued associate and occasional confidant of industry titans like hearing for the second and government officials like Vice President of the United States, Hubert Humphrey, a warrior and a bridge builder a long time Michigan, Michigan Chronicle, chronicle columnist a long time. Wchb and WJ became television commentator and among a list of other accomplishments, including founder of the Detroit national, Detroit Association of Black women. We support this whole Harley on behalf of Sheriff Washington.
Thank you so much for being here. Thank you. Good morning.
Good morning. I see that city council is asked to listen to many people's pleas for justice. You have a great responsibility to be the avenue of redress for Detroiters, the tenants who are being evicted, the teamsters who need a decent contract. All of this comes to you. We ask you not to ever give up what power you have. Please do not support the pilots. And I just want to also mention that FEMA reported a $9 billion shortfall. FEMA who responds to hurricane victims, etc, the same day that the US sent 10 billion for bombs, for arms against the people with whom we have no grievance. This war is here at home. We need this money here. We need to stop supporting genocide, and I ask you to please stop these tax captures.
Thank you. Thank you so much.
Adam Barry.
Adam Barrett, Detroiters for Tax Justice, based on our current understanding of the fast track pilot ordinance, ordinance, we have concerns about the way that this new way of doing tax incentives cuts city council and therefore the people out of the process, and it may also be violate the CBO. If we're saying that this is for affordable housing, then it should be limited to 50% AMI and below, not up to 120% this new ordinance doesn't seem targeted to those who need it most. That would be low income families who need multi bedroom units, not Studios, which is what we often see built in these perhaps most importantly, this proposed ordinance only requires a 15 year commitment to affordability, which means new families or single mothers with babies will most likely have to move again before their children turn 18 and find they'll be forced to find a new place to live with teenage dependence, but if it's a pretty sweet deal for Mr. Developer who can now shoot the rent back up to the market rate that the taxpayers renovated for him, thank you, Madam
President. I just want to clear one thing about this ordinance, because I know we're going to hear about four or five more commenters, and we've heard already about a violation of the community benefits ordinance, which, by the way, is its own separate ordinance. The trigger of the community benefits ordinance for any development project is $75 million so if there is a project that can receive a pilot under this ordinance in order to trigger the community benefits. Ordinance which was passed by this council before I got here, which is a separate ordinance, that project has to be worth $75 million since I'm set on council, I don't know if I've seen any affordable housing unit project, by the way, specifically targeted for affordable housing and low income to trigger $75 million those are larger projects for development, so they want to put that on the record. Thank you, Madam President,
thank you so much. Iman Jordan, okay, we have a microphone we can bring over to her.
Testing.
I just want to say good morning. Um, bless everyone. I'm glad to be here today. I just need help with housing. I'm homeless. I wonder if anyone can bless me today to get housing and get put in the right place. I'm walking with the Lord, that's all. I love everyone. Everyone is doing good. Just watch what you do and stay safe.
Alright, God bless you. Ma'am, thank you for coming down. Yup, and we will definitely connect you while you're here. Okay, to see how we can support you. So I'll have my team come over now to to assist you. Okay, thank you, ma'am, Miss Jordan, Sister Jordan, excuse me.
Hello, everyone, members, honorable members of the city council.
Madam President, my Councilwoman, Angela Callaway, I'm the official historian in the city of Detroit. My name is jam Jordan, and I'm here to really I was here to support the secondary street naming of a a couple of streets, but really, Detroit is the center of so much. Is what we just learned. If you've been in here for a while, Detroit is the center of music, Aunt fiddler and J Dilla revolutionized funk, hip hop, Neo Soul. Detroit is the center of Oregon, bringing civil rights and the labor movement together, because they weren't always together. So the reason why labor and civil rights became united is because of the city of Detroit and forest Sheffield is a major reason why that happened. And of course, if you're talking about merging sports with community organizing, community Earl curitin and Richard White train lane, they fill that void. I support all of those street names.
All right.
Thank you. Mr. Gordon, this
all right. Cynthia Stewart, good
morning, honorable council. So glad to be here in front of you. I'm Cynthia Stewart from the Lavonia brand with Corporation, which is a nonprofit organization that feeds all over the city of Michigan. I'm here because of the tax captures. I would like to see you hold your power and have accountability of the mayor, because I'm not a trusting soul of one person having all that power, as we saw that with Donald Trump. So I hope that you will consider holding on to your power and checking and balancing all of this, because I'm not sure that this is the best thing for Detroit, because the rents keep increasing, the rich get richer, and this is going to kill the low income, the senior citizens and the poor. So if you care anything about us, please help out. Thank you. God bless you. And Councilman Benson, I will be speaking to you about my organization when we're finished here. Okay, alright, let's go.
Am I Atkin? Am I
Atkins?
Good morning. Uh, I'm Emma Akins, and I'm here about our neighborhood and the property there. Well, I've been there since 78 and I'm the only homeowner on that block. So land bank, I'm between two houses, and I've been trying to keep the grass cut, and I just paid $150 for someone to cut the grass, 19 222, Verona, they left it in 2020, and haven't been back and the grass, I had to have it cut so you can see my house, to keep my property up next door to me is land bank, which is 19 208, and they haven't fixed the sidewalk, and it says delink was in the property there, so I can't do anything, but just try to Social Security to try to keep, you know, the property up so the neighborhood won't look that bad. And I'm 86 years old, so therefore all of my money from Social Security to go to try to keep the property up. And I like to know that anything that you could do help me. And I talked to Scott, okay, I'm on district three. You're
in District Three. Okay, great. Hold on one second before you leave. Council member waters, Matt,
Madam President, let me. Let me just say to to this young to this young lady, hold on to your receipts, please. Okay, because you ought not have to be paying out of my she knows she is just not right. Do you have all of your receipts? Yes, when you pay to have this, this stuff done, Madam President, we will be submitting those receipts to the land bank. They can reimburse her.
That's right. Okay, alright, okay. We know she's going to get it going. Alright. Thank you so much. Thank you waters. Jalen Davis,
Hi, I'm Jalen Davis, and that's my mother and her sister, but we have a house on our street, and, you know, it's vacant, and two people got killed over there, you know, so I think it should be teared down. They only brought it up, and it's been set on fire, you know, water coming out of and everything. And it's not safe for kids, you know, I have two of my own, and I care about them, so I don't want them, you know, trying to go over there, playing that type of stuff. So at least try to, you know, make it something better than it, than it is now. And like, we trying to keep our neighborhood up, but without support, you can't keep nothing up. You know, like my mom always told me, You gotta always have a plan. If that plan don't work, gotta always have a plan B. So me and my dad, you know, we have our plan. We have our plan B. So, you know, we try our best to do what we can do around our neighborhoods and try to keep the kids, you know, like No, keep them busy and anything so they can stay out of trouble. And like, the kids missing program be also good, you know, for like, communities and everything, keep the kids out of, you know, the streets and the judges and stuff. Thank you.
Thank you. Jalen, thank you for coming down, sir. And we'll, we'll work with member waters and member Vince's office to see how we can support you. Minister Eric Blount,
good afternoon. Council. I'm Minister Eric Blount from Sacred Heart Catholic church right here in Detroit. I'm a lifelong Detroiter and a member of the coalition for police, transparency and accountability. I'm here to support line item 10.23 the video release ordinance. All we want is the truth. We want police body worn camera footage released within seven days when police offer use of force against our citizen. The body worn camera footage is the best way to know the truth, it doesn't lie. So we ask for it to be released timely so that we will know the truth and it can't be doctored
or
doctored up. Why do we ask this? The Coalition is has talked me down from one day release to seven days in our draft ordinance we supplied to you, I said one day because Hakeem Littleton was murdered and the video was released the same day.
Thank you so
much. Sherman Lee Butler has still not known how.
Thank you so much. You
council member waters, all right,
I just want to respond to that. I think that I I said it at the table during committee. We did send a memo over to Wayne County, Prosecutor, 36 District Court, Judge, Bill mechanical, chief judge and the Wayne County Sheriff the city of Detroit. DPD is not responsible for releasing that video. We had to send that request to Wayne County, so I wanted to clarify that. Thank you, Madam President,
thank you so much. Council member waters, Madam, Chair member Callaway,
Minister Blount, you're absolutely outstanding advocate, and you live in district two. And the murder of Sherman Burke, Burke Butler occurring District Two in one of those buildings that's in receivership, and that's why we got to take action as quickly as possible, because crimes are being committed in some of these buildings, and they're happening almost on the daily basis. So I thank you for your advocacy, and I thank you for providing a copy of that proposed ordinance. Thank you so much, sir.
Thank you. Mr. Golan, all right. Good morning. Good
morning.
I'm Jocelyn Harris. I'm a proud resident of district four and a lifelong Detroiter.
I stand really with those who are speaking the truth. The truth is what we need in our community. And I'm really standing on this principle, we learn from the past, we live in the present, and we look forward to the future. And so I'm standing here thanking our city council at this point for your professionalism or your accountability, because we're in a season of accountability, and I stand with the Detroiters for Tax Justice, because for me, they represent a group that is proactive and do the research, and the fact is that we Know that housing is needed in our entire city, but especially in our district four, where we've lost population. Here's a caution,
and I can't speak it, but I'll write it.
Thank you. Thank you so much. Did you want to just state briefly your call? I have to give everyone equal time, though, so I don't want to get into doing that. Member water, sorry. Okay, so moving along to Jocelyn Harris, you just spoke. Okay? Leon Massey, Justin Chong, Dante Smith, all
right. My name is Justin Chung, and I'm also a part of the civil rights group, immigrant rights group, band, by any means necessary. I'm also residents at the Sherwood heights apartments. And I will say something a little bit different is first, I do support the idea of moratorium to stop the eviction so that people can stay. But second, the fundamental problem of like fixing the facility is that it has been deteriorated and it has been not fixed, and that's the roots of problem that people are organizing for. So long as it does not get fixed, it will not get solved. I want to say that my friend who spoke her toilet is falling down onto the next neighbor downstairs, and there's shit coming out of it. And I want to say that my apartment is so hot that it's 90 degrees right now, and they will not fix the heat because it's uncontrollable. Today is 80 degrees. I'm going to get a heat stroke. And I want to say call away to come down, but they refuse to answer a call like since two years ago. All right. Thank you, sir.
Mr. Brown.
Attorney Anderson, good
morning, city council and City of Detroit, Graham Anderson law department. Through the Chair, I have spoken with some of the tenants who are dealing with this issue. It's a horrible issue to deal with, and I've gathered some facts. I've given them my contact information so I can speak with their council as well. In addition, I would request this body to send a formal, detailed looking into retaliation against tenant forming commissions, of course, Council Member waters, I know this was a passion project of yours, and we don't want people to be retaliated against for their legal right to organize and protect their home and their apartments and their living spaces. So I would just ask that we get that in writing request, and we will give that detailed response. I don't want to speak on it now. It's obviously a very important issue. I don't want to misspeak, so I just wanted to provide that, and I'm happy to speak with anyone additional that's having this issue here today. Thank you. Wait.
Hold on, Mr. Anderson, before you leave. Attorney Anderson, member Calloway,
thank you, Madam Chair and thank you, Attorney Anderson. I'm not so certain that letter speaking to retaliation should be coming from the council. We can but it should be coming from the law department. This is a legal these folks have rights, and allegedly, they're being violated. And what I've seen, we can take the alleged out. What I've seen, they're being violated against and retaliated against, and they're living in horrible circumstances right at, you know, Wyoming and West out of drive, and it's been going on for years. So, I mean, I don't know if the letter should necessarily come from this body. Why not the law department? Because this is a legal
issue. No, through the chair, you're absolutely right. Councilman Callaway, I'm saying, Could you know you? You represent the people. The people don't make those requests directly to the law department. They make it to you, and then you make it to the law department. Once we receive that request, we will provide a detailed response, which I imagine you would want to waive privilege for. So the city of Detroit and these kind of specifically could view it but, but that is my request.
Alrighty. Thank you. Thank you. And I just want to say, you know, this is not just a district two issue. I mean this, this issue is happening, unfortunately, city wide, and a lot of our senior buildings. I was just at a building, actually, with the tenants association of a couple of weeks ago, similar situation. The building conditions are deplorable. Management has changed over time, over the years, and tenants are organizing. They're finally understanding the importance of organizing and their rights as tenants. And so I think we as a city have to dive a little deeper, how we can address the issue. So I'm looking forward to the conversations, because it's multiple buildings that are experiencing similar issues, unfortunately, and I think the housing department needs to be looped in as well too,
absolutely happy to incorporate them. And Madam Chair, your excellent point. We as a body have been encouraging tenants to do exactly what they're doing, and they should, and so we got to gird them up. We have to continue to urge, encourage them, and give them the support that they need, because it's this body that's encouraging for them to do what they're doing right now. Yeah, now they're doing what they're doing right now. And then what? So we got to take action, and tomorrow is just too late. We got to do something today, and it's been going on for quite for quite a while in the city. Thank you, Madam Chair, thank you. Thank
you. Council member waters, the
one of us will submit a memo to you making such a request for all of us. Yeah, you know one of the other but I will get it to you today. Yeah,
I think we should thank you. I think we should all sign up on that. If you're comfortable, I'm comfortable,
thank you definitely.
Thank you. Okay.
Thank you very much.
Thank you so much. Jadonte Smith, good afternoon, honorable
body. I just want to give a shout out to Mary waters. See you tomorrow. I represent mother's King boosting the ground. I just want to stay for public record. I mean, it's not the city of Detroit forum, but I'm pretty much like their political advocate. I'm a community advocate to them also their scheduler. I want to mention there was a seven year old Lebanese girl who had her next class in the city of Detroit by a white man, which is a hate crime. So the Palestinian knowledge, the Arab American hate. It does affect Detroit. Things are happening inside Detroit. I'll make sure that they get a resolution to the to the board. I also want to ask about the toll rate commission. Did that? Did that ordinance pass? I want to know if that the ordinance that was suggested passed. I also want to mention that the murder Lee Butler literally will be televised. I would like for you guys to pass the ordinance to release, uh, footage from, uh, from officer involved shootings. Chief White made a blatant disregard to the charter and just release his own thing, and he only follows it when he wanted to glad that he is gone. Also, I want to say the pilot, the pilot ordinance, should not be passed. Also, I will bring in a resolution to stop outside police agencies from coming into the city of Detroit, ravaging our residents. You
Tim Watson, followed by Ruben Crawley,
good morning Council, Madam Chair. My name is Tim Walton. I am the current president of the NFL Players Association. Also sit on the Board of Directors. I'm here to support secondary names, two individuals, legends, Dick Knight, train lane, and, of course, Earl Curtin, as you can see, the NBA legends are here representing, well, I'm here supporting and representing for the NFL Players Association, Detroit chapter. And David Greenwood said, the best these guys are legends on and off the field. And I think I see my boy, Dc, in the house. It should be a done deal. Thank you. Thank you,
Mister probably.
Ed Coleman,
every time I jump in a rod I expect to get wet. Fred duha, he was cheated in 2021
evidence, proof. Now
I would like to send out my acknowledgements to two legends I see in this auditorium, Mr. Ike McKinney and Mr. DC Derek Coleman, and they will probably both attest to me being one of the coldest in the last 40 years here the city of Detroit, that's real talk. Coleman, it ain't funny. Me want what she want. She won't. Y'all the city of Detroit, Detroit Police Department to stop saying her mama killed himself. That's why I endeavored to do all this investigating and spent all this time, money and effort to say what I'm saying now, Tanisha Coleman didn't shoot herself. The Michigan State Police review the investigation the DPD case number two, zero, dash, 1112, is in the hands of the board of police commissioners. Press the copy right. Thank
you so much, Mister.
All right, sir. Did you fill out a card? We don't have a card for you. No, I
did. I just, I'm just here for Earl. Oh,
last one, yeah,
I'm Antoine Joe bear, and I'm here to support Earl character, uh, he's my best friend, and it would be an honor to have his name in the city of Detroit. He loved Detroit. He could have worked in any other state, and he always wanted to work in Detroit and for the community. Thank you.
Thank you, sir. All right. We thank everyone who came down in person that will conclude in person, public comment. And we do have several callers virtually. We have 51 callers that are online, just for those who are trying to wait. What we're going to do is after public comment, we will go directly to the secondary street name, so we will take that up first. That would be the first action or business that we take up, followed by the Teamsters. We will take up that resolution second and then go back to our agenda. So for those who are trying to wait, it's up to you, but we have 51 roughly calls online. We'll go straight to secondary street names and then followed by the Teamsters. Ari, we can move forward now with our online callers. Good
morning, Madam President, for actually 50. We're 58 callers who raise their hand before you cut off public comment and the first caller is phone number ending in 169,
Father, 169, good morning. Hey,
can y'all hear me? Yes, we can.
Thank you. Everybody listen. Get all the info for these brother Cunningham's Facebook page, ID for council meeting. I'm just confused. Cunningham, over the last election cycle, doesn't speak about politics. He used to be so into giving out free rides to the polls, letting people know who's you. This year, he doesn't seem motivated. No, he will vote. He's just not saying anything on social media or even at the public comments, I just want to say thanks again, council president, Council Member waters and council member durha for donating to the cause.
Thank you as well, sir, next caller, please.
The next excuse me, the next caller is and I apologize if I'm mispronouncing the name. Newshavemmapadi, yeah, you did great.
Good morning. Council. My name is Anusha. I'm a board member with American citizens for justice, and I'm advocating for Vincent Chin to be honored through a secondary street sign. Vincent Chin was unjustly murdered 42 years ago as a result of a race hate crime, and has been buried in Detroit since Detroit once had a thriving AAPI population that was driven out of the city due to the Detroit Housing Commission condemning Chinatown with the recent approval of $1 million invested into streetscaping to revive Detroit's Chinatown. This is a perfect time for Detroit City Council to show their support for the revival by supporting Vincent Chin as a candidate. We won half the battle already by successfully voting earlier this year to pass an ordinance change that will allow chin to be eligible for a secondary street sign. Voting for chin as one of the five candidates is the final push that we need. Vincent shins, Legacy matters in combating overall anti Asian sentiment, and political leaders like yourself play a huge role in inspiring solidarity among various multicultural groups in Detroit. Thank you.
Thank you. Next Caller, please.
The next caller is Stephen Harring. Stephen
Harring, the floor is yours. You have one minute? General public comment,
awesome. Can I be heard? Yes. So I'm here to speak in strong support of the fast track of housing pilot. You know, we have a problem with affordable housing, but even worse, we have a problem with construction and getting this affordable housing bill, you know, that apartment complex on Jefferson there, they just started building, you know, they were supposed to start building that in like 2017 but it's a construction cost and other things. And, I mean, it's just started construction almost six years later, that's why we need it. The only ones opposed are scam organizations. Detroit people's platform, which is spending million, hundreds of 1000s, in a campaign against it, a misleading campaign, and Detroiters attacks justice and that old ad, rust Belon. You know, we need this ordinance bad. We need more affordable housing, and I hope this Council supports
next caller, please.
The next caller is Tahira Ahmad.
Mister hero. Ahmad. You have one minute general public comment?
Good morning. I'm
with representing Detroiters for Tax Justice, the college for Property Tax Justice and Detroit action. It the want you to vote no on the pilot program that Mr. Harry just was in support of. It's the city council needs to know that that ordinance gives power to the mayor to approve property tax abatements for housing projects that are considered affordable housing, and you all stole our affordable housing with that, it's 600 illegal tax property tax. That means builders will pay no property taxes for 15 to 50 years, no public hearings will be held, and council now and for years to come, will have no voice on giveaways. All power will be in the hands of the mayor, no clear checks and balances, but little has been discussed about the significance of tax abatements. Abatements mean loss of property. Thank you.
Next Caller, please.
The next caller is foul. Lou faulu,
the floor is yours. You have one minute general public comment.
Caller, are you there? All right,
I really let's put this let's put the caller at the end of the queue and go to the next speaker.
Okay, the next caller is users iPhone. Users
iPhone. The floor is yours. We have one minute general public comment.
You Yes, I am calling for the street naming of James Yancy, also known as Jay Diller. My name is Colin, knows Todd. I am a 50 year resident of Detroit. I think that he was probably one of the most influential artists to come out of Detroit. I mean, there's a lot of artists that we named today, including ant fiddler, who was one of his inspirations. And I think it would be fitting, because it would give the youth, you know, a positive influence or a positive person to look at, as far as music is concerned, and I think he's deserving. Thank you.
Thank you. Next Caller, please.
The next caller is rachella Stewart,
that's Rachelle Stewart, the floor is yours. You have a minute general public comment
and good, good afternoon. Council member, Sheffield, President Sheffield and council members. My name is Rochelle, and I'm calling and asking you to vote no on that pilot program. As you know, we are having a national crisis on affordable housing, but in Detroit, it seems like the people that most need affordable housing is not getting it. That 30% and below 50% and below is not getting it and giving power all the way over to the mayor and the council not having any say. So over it, then that means the residence has no sales. So over it, I think that we're going into some kind of racial capitalism here. We're giving all the rich people money to build things, and they're not building homes. We don't only need studios, one bedrooms lost. We need homes for families. Most of the city here, 33% property level, 43% children in poverty. Come
on now, give these residents some affordable housing so they have somewhere to go when we have these evictions, like you got over there in Palmer Park. I thank you for listening, but please vote no.
Thank you. Next Caller,
please. And we can advise you folks who are out in the hallway, if they can lower their their volume, please.
Next Caller, please.
The next caller is William Harris.
Caller, the floor is yours.
Can I be heard? Yes, okay, I like to say I support the teams to work this marathon. I support more rights for the seniors that's being kicked out of these buildings with with no no calls, also that more information is needed in the pilot program. And also, I support the secondary naming of the street sign for Horace Sheffield Junior as a as a union organizer myself in the 1990s I organized a UAW supervisor group at the water department. I think we need to be looking more so, and need more leaders like that, that are, you know, helping to promote racial justice and also making sure that people have a livable wage, which frequently more people don't, less and less every day. Thank you.
Thank you. Next Caller, please.
The next caller is Diane mccuskey.
Did not get that name, but caller, the floor is yours. You have one minute general public comment,
good morning.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak this morning. I'm Diane McCloskey, a 35 year resident of Victor core, Executive Director of clear core Detroit and chair of the get the let out Detroit coalition. I'm in full support of the changes proposed to the rental registration ordinance, as presented today, it's an important step, increasing in compliance and ensuring safe and healthy rental housing for all. Preventing lead poisoning is a complicated issue, but we can make a great deal of progress by addressing home repair rental regulation and getting our children tested, especially this week, which is national lead poisoning prevention week. You can learn more at our coalition website, lead out detroit.com as an advocate for protecting our children, I urge this honorable body to approve the proposed changes to the current hope code.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next Caller, please.
The next caller is Betty a Varner,
good afternoon. This is Betty a barn, the president of the soda Ellsworth black Association. I want to use this time as a tool I'm trying to reach Deputy Chief Hayes. I attended council member COVID Young's meeting last week, and I spoke with Chief white, and I mentioned I was concerned about there had been some shooting in our area. And the Shot Spotter also mentioned that our fence, part of our fence, had been stolen for the park. We are creating Digi bus community park, and I was very surprised. Chief White said, Oh, we can help you, and we'll get your fence replaced. You need to speak with Deputy Chief Hayes. I've sent email to Deputy Chief Hayes. I'm going to take it that he's just busy and hasn't responded. Is that anybody within the sound of my voice. Can get the word out to Chief Deputy Chief Hayes. We need his help. I take chief white as a man of his word. Thank you. Thank you,
Mr. Chair.
Thank you Miss Varner. Member kettlebell, yeah. Thank
you Miss Barner. I just texted Deputy Chief Franklin Hayes, and you should be hearing from him momentarily. Thank you, Mr. Chair, thank
you. All right. Next Caller, please.
The next caller is Nate Phillips,
many Phillips, the floor is yours. You have one minute general public comment. You it. Nate Phillips, my apologies. Nate Phillips, the floor is yours.
Caller, are you there?
All right, Ari, let's go put that caller at the end of the queue and go to the next caller, please. Okay, the
next caller is Karen Winston. Karen
Winston, the floor is yours. You have a minute? General public comment,
hello, hello,
hello,
good morning.
Yeah,
I got something for you right here. This is going to be from Detroit city code, which want to be section nine. We're going to have here 9.6, removal of chair and vice chair, standing committee. Now it says that if a standing committee chair can't attend a meeting, that she should notify the vice chair and and the city clerk and and then if the vice chair, you know, if she can't make it, and vice versa. In other words, it's Oh, some more things you can do. Decide all questions of order, determine order of business, determine the speaking order of members, limit debate. Nowhere does it say cancel and celebrate indigenous or anybody else's day. So I think that's out of way far beyond her authority. And to stand up and to say, Well, I did it because I can she's wrong. She needs to give us some cold references to where she's given that authority. Otherwise, somebody needs to check and see why the all in cities business has been canceled for illegal stage holiday.
Thank you. And just for the record, this was not an illegally staged holiday. It was not something that was bilateral or this was autocratically done by the committee chair. This was a action that was taken by the entire city council, and the entire council shut down operations to celebrate indigenous peoples day, as opposed to some other day that others decide to celebrate. And that was something that was put out in advance, and we went through an open process so the public had an opportunity to chime in. We know you are always listening, so I know you were available that day as well. If you need a copy of that information, please reach out to our office and we will send you all of the relevant documents. Thank you again.
Member Young,
thank you, Mr. President, what I just wanted to say to Ms Barnum spoke earlier.
First of all, thank
you so much for attending my virtual meeting. Secondly, I just wanted to say we I received that information, I passed it on to police chief white, and we are looking into that, and to attend care of that. We will land that plane shortly. And I just wanted to say, just really quickly, I respect everybody's right to have their opinion. I just want to say, the reason why we celebrate Native American days, because we're talking about 15 million people who were slaughtered in this country. They were here. This was their land. I also just want to say, remember that there are also a lot of black folks that not also, that also were part of the Native Americans, but also, you had Juan Garrido and others in 1525, that came here, before 1619, that were here, that were also part of the natives as well. So there's a lot of history and culture involving Native Americans, not just with them, but also with African American people here and being since we're the blackest city in America, I just want to make sure that we're respectful of that, and we respect and we know the fact that when you're talking about Native American history, you're not just talking about Native American history, you're also talking about black history as well. Thank you. Thank you, next caller,
please. Next caller is Jay Eston.
Caller, the floor is yours. You have a minute general public comment?
Caller, are you there?
Yes, I'm here. I'm on behalf of native Detroiters. What up though? Okay, good day to the board council members. I am calling come on note. Okay, here it is. Good day city of Detroit, council board members. My name is Janine Estes. I had the pleasure of speaking with Rashida to leave Eric Sabri along with Willie Don well at my graduation from Detroit rescue mission ministries, whereas I discussed where a topic that I am bombarded with at every of my every one of my family members, holiday events. This here is a $600 million talking piece and the city of Detroit taxpayers need to be made whole with the grievances and the proposals from Mayor Mike Duggan, whom we all owe a great gratitude, he's proposed a restitution
Thank you. Next Caller, please.
Next The next caller is Nicole Conaway.
Nicole Conaway, the floor is yours. We have a minute general public comment. Thank you. I
am an organizer with the Civil Rights immigrant rights organization bam. I stand in support of a moratorium on evictions, and in solidarity with the tenants Association, and I urge council members to vote no on the fast track housing ordinance Duggan is boiled to the developers, not Detroiters. We need council to maintain oversight. As a current school board candidate, I'm asked regularly about chronic absenteeism, and a major contribute to this is housing instability. We need council to ensure more stable affordable housing. We need to end the tax abatements. I also want to express solidarity with the Teamsters and support of their resolution as well.
Again vote no on Fast Track housing and support the tenants Association and the fight for more stable housing, affordable housing in Detroit. Thank you. Thank you.
Next Caller, please.
The next caller is, excuse me, we see you.
Call it the floor is yours. You have a minute general public comment,
good morning, and through the Chair, may I be heard?
Yes, yes. It
appears that Miss Santiago Romero believes that the Democrats are some type of dictatorship, and you as well. Mister Tate, it was an unpaid holiday. I don't care what you call it. It was unpaid, and I like to know how all of those people were paid. I hope you all took vacation days, because if you took it out of the city funds, it's illegal. 27.2 speaks of UT geo funds now up to 8 million for fixing a rec center. I'm not sure. I don't remember voting on that, but can you profit? Can you tell me when this was this project was noticed to the people it is utgo funding. You're turning Detroit into an apartheid 16.1 is an absolute shame. You're you're trying to give cover to people for misusing low income housing. Lie tech funds to fund AMI, which automatically prices Detroiters out. By the way it's formed, it's illegal as well as the freeway. Thank you.
Next Caller, please.
The next caller is Peggy, do Penny
do the floor is yours. You have a minute general public comment?
Oh, good afternoon, council members. My name is Patty du, and I'm here today on behalf of the Association of Chinese Americans, a nonprofit in Metro Detroit to support a second territory naming for Vincent Chin. Standing with me are hundreds of former residents of Detroit historic Chinatown, as well as 1000s of supporters from the broader AAPI community. Vincent Chin may not have been famous for personal achievements in his lifetime, but his tragic death sparked a civil rights movement that forever changed the course of justice in America. The intersection of Cass Avenue and Peterborough Street, where Chinatown once thrived, holds unforgettable memories for so many in our community. Naming this corner in Vincent, Vincent's owner not only preserves his legacy, but also serve as the lasting tribute to the resilience and unity of our AAPI community. Thank you for your time and consideration. Thank you, next caller, please.
The next caller is Sonia Mays. Sonia
Mays. You have one minute general public comment?
Hi. I want to express gratitude to this Hi. I want to express gratitude to this honorable body, honorable body for its ongoing commitment to increasing affordable housing options in Detroit, the affordable housing pilot ordinance is an A excellent example of our government leaders working together to deliver a solution that will lower the barriers faced by neighborhood developers. I am an executive committee member of read as well as the founding CEO of develop Detroit, while I wear both hats, I'm actually here today to speak from the perspective of a nonprofit builder and an owner of affordable housing. The Fast Track pilot ordinance will not fix all of the housing obstacles we face, but this approach will create more equity in accessing development tools, especially for nonprofits and neighborhood developers. Detroit is unlikely to ever see enough federal subsidy to solve all our problems, and so we have to work together to lower the cost and to reduce the time it takes to build and renovate housing, and ultimately, to increase housing production. I strongly encourage city council to adopt this ordinance and to help us create a more just, inclusive and prosperous city for all
you next caller, please excuse
me. The next caller is Mikko a Williams
play Williams The floor is yours. You have a minute general public comment.
Hi, good afternoon. I support the street namings. I also support the marathon workers, and I support the Sherman Oaks residents. This is exactly what I was talking to you about Councilman Tate a few weeks ago when I said that policy creates good conditions that we're in. And this is literally the policy I say no to the Fast Track housing. And I also want to express support for all of us to come together this election season is very important. And since the council won't knock on doors and won't inform you when they try to do that next year, how about we slam our doors, we keep our doors shut, and we don't have to vote for any of the people that are four in that chair that won't protect Detroiters. This is a very serious issue. Democracy is on the line, our rights, our freedoms, our liberties. Is on the line. What will you do? Will you sit at home and complain because you have no right? You have to get your ass up and vote, period. Thank you.
The next caller is Rod Hardiman. Rod
Hardiman, the floor is yours. You have a minute general public comment. Good
afternoon, everyone.
Thank you for the time. Just want to take a couple minutes to express my support for the pilot ordinance. I think it's gonna be an important tool in our for the city of Detroit and for Neighborhood Development. I think oftentimes the challenge that we have around development is about who is doing the work, and the pilot ordinance will be an important tool to allow neighborhood development that is sponsored and promoted by individuals who, like the residents, break to make sure they're taking care and being thoughtful about the impact of our city. And so I understood support of it. It's an ordinance that only provides, not only provides incentive to developers of all size and scale, even the smallest ones, but it has enough teeth in it to make sure that those who are doing the work and make an investment hold up the end of the bargain and produce quality affordable housing. Thank you.
Thank you.
Next Caller, please.
The next caller is and I apologize if I mispronounce the name zagbi,
namdi, the floor is
yours. Thank you. Yes, I support the pilot program, and then I also want to support the secondary street naming for James DeWitt, Yancey in both instances, instances, while different, they both carry a certain preservation of our community and the people who reside within it. And so both of those, I believe, are very important.
Thank you.
Thank you. Next Caller, please.
The next caller is Beverly Jones.
Beverly Jones, the floor is yours. You have a minute general public comment,
good morning. My name is Beverly Jones, Montoya. I'm the president of the petaska neighborhood association. The Fast Track pilot ordinance does support our initiatives here in the neighborhood, and also supports our economic strategic plans and our long term goals for our community growth and revitalization. You know, we'll be the first to sign up for the pilot program and show everyone else how well we can benefit this program within our neighborhood, for our residents, our small developers and our small investors who are actually boots on the ground, is turning our neighborhood around as we speak.
Thank you so much. Next Caller, please.
The next caller is Sun King,
one more time. Ari,
apologies, I was muted. Sanji King,
yes, good morning. Can you hear me?
Yes,
good afternoon.
Good afternoon, right? We
switched to afternoon. I'm sorry.
Good afternoon.
My name is Sanji King, and I'm calling on behalf of James DeWitt Yancy, also known as J Dilla, on becoming a secondary street sign honoree in the city of Detroit, where he was born and raised and created a new sound that we still listen to today.
Thank you so much. And everyone, have a blessed day. God bless you all.
Thank you. Next Caller, please, Dean.
The next caller is Mary Sue schottenhaus.
Caller, the floor is yours. You have one minute general public comment,
good morning. Can I be heard? Yes. Okay. Hi. My name is Mary Sue shot and falls. I was the executive director of clear core Detroit for 20 years, and I lifelong advocate for the issue of lead poisoning. I rise today in support of the rental property ordinance changes that will be coming in for forward to this body today. I think you all know that there's still many, many Detroit kids who are lead poison, over 1200 per year generally, and many more, because the testing rates are abysmally low. Like lead poison creates lifelong problems for kids. ADHD lowered IQ slowed learning later in life, those kids are more likely to drop out of school and be introduced to the criminal justice system. This ordinance should make it easier for landlords to make a house safe, but I will say that it's very incumbent upon the council to monitor the progress we make with this new ordinance, and please vote yes.
Next Caller, please.
The next caller is Deidre and rich lane.
Caller, the floor is yours. We have one minute general public comment.
Deidre and rich lane, are you there? All right,
every let's put them at the end of the queue and go to the next caller, please.
Okay. Next caller is Kia Mathis.
Kia Mathis, the floor is yours. You have one minute general public comment,
Hello. May I be heard?
Yes,
hello. My name is Kia Mathis, Detroit people's platform housing organizer. Today, I'm asking that you take the opportunity to be intentional about responding to the housing crisis through the pilot ordinance. Intentional about concessions for lower incomes, accessibility needs, intentional about maintaining your ability to advocate for your constituents. Why? Because housing development over the last nine years have consistently been affordable to renters with access and more opportunities. Higher earners are the minority, minority, yet they benefit from public support, while most of the renter population has not, community has long complained that considering considerations being set aside for affordable housing has not been equitable. Therefore, I would like to see language that shows specifics around the quantity of units for lowest incomes, bedroom size and accessibility standards that meet that's be above the ADA standards concessions for Detroiters at low income, below 50% AMI should be standard for all Detroit development projects, because they are the majority of renters. Thank you.
Thank you.
Next caller is Lisa Yee lizberg,
good afternoon.
Good afternoon. Honorable
council members. Thank you so much for the opportunity to allow me to speak in support of a secondary street name in honor of Vincent Chin in Detroit's historic Chinatown. My name is Lisa Yi litzenberg. I am the daughter of Henry Yee. He was the former unofficial mayor of Detroit's Chinatown for many years. I grew up working in my dad's restaurants in the Detroit area, including the Forbidden City, which once stood at 3148 Second Avenue at Peterborough, under the Seville hotel. I recall my dad teaching former Mayor Coleman Young how to use chopsticks at our restaurant. I'm also a member of the Detroit Chinatown vision committee. We are working to create a new vision for Detroit's Chinatown to revitalize it into a broader pan asian community and business center, and we strongly support the designation of a secondary Street in honor of Vincent Chin. Vincent Chin's tragic death spawned a National Asian American justice and civil rights movement that was centered in Detroit, Chinatown. So it'd be very fitting to have this secondary street designated in his honor, and also the million dollars
of Thank you.
Next Caller, please.
The next caller is Henry Duong.
Call the floor is yours. We have one minute general public comment.
Good afternoon members of the Detroit City Council. My name is Henry Duong. I'm with rising voices. We are an Asian American advocacy organization based in tech town in Detroit. So first up, I'm here in support of naming a secondary Street in honor of Vincent Chin at cast and Peter borrow, which is Detroit's Chinatown neighborhood. His tragic death in a brutal hate crime ignited national movement that United Asian Americans and others across the country. Over 40 years later, we have an important opportunity to commemorate his life and legacy. But what happened to Vincent Chin is largely considered a hate crime. The United States did not have hate crime laws in place at the time of his death in 1982 both local and national and nationwide, civil rights advocacy groups and community members have advocated for federal hate crimes legislation that would protect Asian Americans and all marginalized communities in the future, the violent crime the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 was eventually passed, ensuring that individuals Thank you.
Next Caller, please.
The next caller is Theo pride. Theo
pride, the floor is yours. You have a minute general public
comment. Theo pride with Detroit people's platform, I like to comment on the fast track pilot ordinance. The ordinance is supposed to fast track affordable housing, but the only thing is going to fast track is more gentrification. The city already has several tax incentive programs for for profit developers to build affordable housing, so called affordable housing, these programs have mostly led to the creation of small, expensive apartments for suburban newcomers, and the intensification of land values, which has pushed legacy residents out. We need to only look to Midtown over the last 10 years, and that 100,000 black residents have been forced out of the city. This ordinance does not fundamentally change the flaws with tax incentives to the business class for affordable housing, which is there are no guarantees for 50% am I and larger units for families. We know these flaws displace Detroiters. Thus, without these fundamental changes, the ordinance only accelerates displacement by removing city council approval and the community's right to weigh in on development projects, I asked city council to reject the ordinance and consider ways to
thank you. Next Caller, please.
Next caller is Kiana Cohen. Caller,
you have one minute general public comment. Good afternoon, honorable
body.
My name is Kiana Cowan. I am with invest Detroit, a nonprofit lender in the city of Detroit, focused on increasing access to capital to support small businesses create development by way of securing jobs and affordable housing, the Fast Track pilot program is going to be super critical in supporting the affordable housing because it provides Essential financial incentives that encourage developers to build and preserve affordable units by reducing property taxes based on affordability levels. These incentives will lower the long term cost of the development making it more feasible for developers to include affordable housing in their projects. This is especially important on high levels, high development costs and the elongated process, which often makes projects financially unfeasible or unviable. The pilot will help in bridging the gap between the old low income residents that can afford and it'll also promote equitable housing opportunities.
Next Caller, please. The
next caller is Stephen Grady.
Stephen Grady, the floor is yours. You have a minute general
public comment? Thank you. Considering 13 secondary streets from various areas of religious, sports, musical, business, arts and labor. I'm here to strongly advocate Shepherd, a junior who is a labor leader. He was a civil rights icon, a political advocate animals well known in the city of Detroit, and will represent us well. Thank you so much.
Thank you. Next Caller, please.
The next caller is phone number ending in 124,
caller ending in 124, the floor is yours. We have a minute general public comment.
You Yes, may
I be hurt, yes, okay, 10.4 on the agenda to spend millions more for the band shell after the just disgraceful sale of the Historic State Fairgrounds. It's just very hard to witness that absolutely no on this fast track, ordinance amendments, the language is not even there for us to see. And last Thursday, all there was is, what there is now is the one pager like this is really a slap in the face to Detroit residents who would like to know more. That's not good on transparency, also 18.8 the solar text amendment. I was I did a FOIA to find out if any studies were done about, you know, alternatives, etc. I was asked for over $300 This is ridiculous, and if you pass that, I know it's setting a hearing, you're basically conspiring to violate people's civil rights so that they cannot go before these bodies and have a say. So if you vote for these measures, that means you're not for transparency. You're not for people having
Thank you. Next Caller, please.
The next caller is Aubrey Lee.
Follow the floor is yours. You have a minute general public comment.
Good afternoon, esteemed council members. My name is Aubrey Lee Jr, and I'm here today alongside my mother, Jean Lee and my brothers mark and David, to express our heartfelt gratitude for your consideration of honoring my mother's husband and our father. Aubrey Lee senior, with the secondary street naming, you'll hear a lot from many that'll talk about my dad in terms of business perspectives, but on a personal note, my father's influence was instrumental in my own career in financial services. His encouragement and example inspired me to pursue a path where I could use my skills to help others, particularly in the black community and other underserved groups, to achieve their financial goals. His passion for service and dedication to uplifting others lives on through my work and the work of countless individuals, he is inspired. He was truly a one of a kind person, and we are forever grateful for the value. All
right. Thank you so much.
The next caller is Paul Holt truck,
hi. This is actually, hello. This is actually Dr Theresa holtrupp, I'm a pediatrician who worked for 24 years at Children's Hospital of Michigan, and I am speaking in favor of the proposed amendment for the rental registration in the time that I was at Children's Hospital, I ran a pediatric mobile team for 16 years, initially on the east side of Detroit, and that got me involved with lead advocacy. After finding five homes on one street from one block to the next, there were five homes with kids that had low level lead poisoning. The rental ordinance that currently exists, which was put in place in 2017 was praised at that time, but it has not had the hope for impact. The revised edition of the ordinance, the amendment that is being proposed combines approaches that give better protections to tenants to have a more more easily be able to hold their rents in escrow. It incentivizes landlords to do what is right, and it simplifies the process of getting a certificate of compliance.
All right, thank you.
Our next caller is Walt Watkins.
All right, go right ahead. Good afternoon. Good
morning, good afternoon. My name is Walt Watkins, former president of bank one Michigan, former chief development officer city of Detroit. I am here in support of the secondary signage for Aubrey W Lee senior. Aubrey Lee had many firsts, but he made sure he was not the last. And that's the mark, I believe, of a true Trailblazer, and I am a testament to that, Aubrey recruited me and other African Americans to banking when our presence in banking was very minimal. As he mentored us, we have also mentored others. He also gave many black businesses and professionals an opportunity when banks had not been very open to them. And this is also trailblazing, thus increasing Detroit's economic development, which should be important to us all. I encourage you to to support the street signage designates for Auburn W Lee senior, I believe his his legacy is still evident today. Thank you very much.
Okay, thank you.
The next caller is Lisa Gray,
good afternoon.
Good afternoon,
good afternoon. How
can I talk? Yes, you
can the floor is yours.
Can you hear me?
Yes, we can hear you. Oh, I'm
sorry. I didn't know I was seeing Keo. Okay, really quick. My name is Lisa Gray. I'm the chairperson for North American Chinese coalition and Chinese Association of green and Detroit. I'm here just fully support the Vincent Chin Secretary Street. I support with my community. That's what all I want to say. Thank you so much for your consideration.
Okay, thank you
the next caller. Tanisha Brown,
alright. Good afternoon. Tanisha Brown, hi, hi. Council.
How are you today?
My name is Tanisha Brown. I'm
calling on behalf of the James Yancy, aka J Dilla, becoming the secondary street sign honoree. His ambition for his craft, of the sound that he created, which made us all stand up, deserves to be honored. And in his hometown, which began on the east side of Detroit, I want to thank everybody for your consideration, and everybody needs to go vote. Thank you.
All right, thank you.
Next caller is new@umich.edu
All right. Good afternoon. Hello. Can you hear me? Yes, we can.
Oh, great. Hi. My name is toy new Reeves. I'm a PhD candidate in economics the University of Michigan and lifelong Detroiter. What up to everybody? I also want to give a quick shout out to council member Johnson and callowian waters, who've been very supportive of me, myself and a few colleagues at the University and in Detroit working on a project called the Detroit residents Investment Fund, item number 21 on the agenda, which we requested time to speak before City Council. This project will, if possible, if we can establish it, will give Detroit residents the opportunity to collectively build generational wealth through investment and business ownership within their neighborhoods to truly an innovative, market based solution to genuine economic development in the city, while addressing systemic poverty issues as well. For this reason, we're looking forward to presenting the city council, and we think this is something that you'll all be very, very proud of, and we hope that you will get the necessary endorsements to seek federal fundings to bring federal dollars to city of Detroit. We also wanted to support this. I also want to take time to support the Detroit these raters for these Tax Justice as well.
Right? Thank you.
The next caller is, bl,
right. Good afternoon. DL, bl, GL, and GL, right. GL, good afternoon. Hi,
can you guys hear me?
Yes, we can Okay. Good
afternoon. I'm here on behalf of James DeWitt Yancy, also known as J Dilla, a genius for all things music. He left a positive influence in the city and across the world. He traveled the world, representing Detroit and spreading his unique sound, which remains infectious almost 20 years since his passing, and his influence continues to grow. I stand in solidarity with his family, the community and all of the supporters who spoken on his behalf today to continue to keep his legacy alive. His legacy and life's work will live on forever. The city has already shown him great favor, and this is a full circle way for the city to support his legacy. Thank you,
great. Thank you.
The next caller is Renard machunski,
good afternoon. Renard,
Hi, good afternoon. Can
I be heard?
Yes, you can.
Good afternoon, Madam President and members of council,
I with Detroit people's platform. My name is Renard maschefski as a transit organizer, but I wanted to speak about the Fast Track pilot ordinance that supposedly encouraging, encourages affordable housing. Of a huge concern about this, because it purports to cut regulation, but it treats public input and residents in this honorable body who has power over the purse, such as tax abatements given over to the mayor. We are not red tape to cut. We are part of we're a vital part of this local democracy, and we, the people, including this council, should have an input over how our tax dollars are spent on housing built in our neighborhoods. This needs to be redrawn and put back to the drawing board so that this ordinance can truly provide affordable housing for residents, because what this purports to do is only support people with 80% AMI and below, and the ordinance limits the capacity to six people, which is not family friendly. We have a lot of families here. Go back to the drawing.
All right, thank you.
The next caller is Jacob Molek.
Hello, everyone. My name is Jacob Molek, and I am the president of the OFM Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander Alumni Club, and I'm the co chair of Asian outreach for the Detroit Chinatown vision committee. And we've heard a lot of really good speeches about secondary street designations, and the two I would like to advocate for are Vincent Chin and Horace Sheffield Jr. Detroit has played a really, really huge role in the Black and Asian civil rights movements, and one of the best ways to continue that legacy is to name streets after Horace, Sheffield, Jinger, as well as Vincent Chin who both played very different but very integral roles in the Black and Asian American civil rights movements. The Vincent Chin street designation would also really help boost Chinatown's vitalization as a neighborhood as well. If you want to hear more about my opinions on these issues,
okay, thank you.
The next caller is Jason Jones. You
Good afternoon.
Good afternoon. You.
Are we? Can we come back to this Caller, please?
Okay, um, the next caller is iPhone?
IPhone, good afternoon. Yes. Hello.
Can you hear me?
Yes, we can hear you. Go right ahead.
Hi. My name is Jennifer Ray Norton. I'm a former background vocalist for amp fiddler, and I'm here in support of AMP fiddler. I just want to say that is it important that we, of course, recognize the students, but oftentimes our mentors and teachers are overlooked. And with that being said, I am support of Aunt Finlay receiving a secondary street sign because he was a mentor to so many in this city, including James Dylan, James jancy, J Dilla and many others. And he stayed here, and he continued his work until his last days. He contributed to the youth. He gave away instruments, he gave advice. He helped to shape and mold many artists here. So that's all he deserves. Secondary street sign,
okay, thank you so much.
The next caller is Marguerite Maddox. Scarlet.
Good afternoon, Miss Maddox.
I am going to make it as possible with the harvesting issue, go back to the ground board and to be able to Make sure that let me developers understand
the laws of
because we go Back to the ground board And
we use
and we
Please, because, do not complain.
You. Thank you very much. All right, thank
you as well. Miss Maddox.
Next caller, there are number of hands raised who had raised their hand after you cut off public comment, and so we're back to the people who were at the end of the queue who didn't respond the first time around, and the next caller is Tao Liu. All
right. Good afternoon.
Good afternoon caller.
All right, can you hear
me? Yes, we can hear you. Okay. My name is Tal Liu and I'm from the Association of Chinese Americans. I'm here today to support the naming of a secondary street sign in honor of a Vincent Chen. Vincent's tragic, tragic death in 1982 driven by racial violence, ignited a civil rights movement that United Asian Americans in the fight against hate by naming a street after him, we not only honor his legacy, but also create a lasting reminder of the importance of standing against racism and intolerance. This Act would demonstrate solidarity with Asian Americans and honor Detroit's crucial role in advancing civil rights for all. It will be a symbol of our community's commitment to justice, equality and inclusion, ensuring that Vincent's story continues to inspire future generations in the fight for civil rights. Thank you.
All right. Thank you.
The next caller is zoom. User,
right, zoom. User, good afternoon.
Yes, I'm calling on the behalf of James Yancy.
Can you hear me? Yes, we can hear you.
Yes. I'm calling on the behalf of James Yancy, aka James Diller, becoming an honorary secondary street sign. I just wanted to say that James Dylan music plays people all over the world and also inspire people here in Detroit, where he lives his home city. Thank you.
All right. Thank you.
The next caller is Catherine distelrath,
good afternoon applause.
All right, good afternoon. Caller,
Hi, can you hear me? Yes, we can. Sorry about that. Hi, I'm Catherine district with the Corporation for Supportive Housing. I'm here speaking in support of the pilot ordinance. The ordinance will make it easier and less risky to develop affordable and supportive housing in the city, and it'll help the city of Detroit and the Detroit continuum of care work toward their goal of ending homelessness. The Corporation for Supportive Housing hears from housing developers all over the country about the challenges that increasing costs create for developing affordable and supportive housing, and communities are taking creative steps, much like the pilot ordinance, to help remedy this issue all over the country. So thank you for your commitment to developing affordable and supportive housing in Detroit, and thanks for your time.
All right. Thank you.
Next, caller is Angela chi,
Hi, can you hear me?
Yes, we can hear you. Good afternoon.
Good afternoon. Honorable City Council. My name is Angela chi. I'm calling today in support for a secondary street name after Vincent Chin. Vincent's life was wrongly taken due to racially motivated hate crime. He was a American. He was American, Chinese like myself, and was just about to get married. I'm hoping to build in Detroit's second Chinatown and Cass corridor to create inviting space where we can gather, share nourishing food and convene to also share our home recipes. Vincent. Chin's name would be an important commemoration of all those who have organized to fight for justice, it would be very meaningful to see Vincent's name as a secondary street name as we rebuilt Chinatown in Detroit. And thank you all for this platform to share what we're going through and different thoughts. And I really appreciate hearing about all the monumental people who've impacted so many individuals in Detroit. So thank you.
Okay, thank you.
The next caller. The next caller is Dominique Beasley,
all right, good afternoon.
Can you can you hear me? Yes,
we can.
Okay, thank you. Hi. My name is Dominique Beasley, and I'm calling on behalf of James duenc, aka J Dilla, calling in regards to as an honorary secondary street signs. Just wanted to mention that J Dilla was one to set the tone of how to be an innovator. He truly did that with creating sounds that go down in history. He has made significant contributions to the community, committing to helping music development. He was one of the most influential producers in hip hop and popular and Neo stamp soul music. He raised the artistic level of hip hop production in Detroit, touching new school, old school generations, older, younger populations of Detroit, and just like his legacy, him being a legend and him having an honorary street sign would be legendary in his hometown of Detroit, historical.
Thank you.
All right. Thank you.
The next caller is Nate Phillips,
Hello, can you hear
me? Yes, we can hear you. Good afternoon. Hey. Um,
so my name is Nate Phillips. I am the property manager for central Detroit Christian who and I manage about 100 properties. And 4202 and 206 and we're trying to develop, uh, more affordable housing in the area, and I'm since sending in support of the fast track pilot program, because it has real life implications. This is by way of a case study. You know, I've got a an 11 unit building on second and you know, about four the tenants there, their only income is Social Security, disability. You know, we lost a pilot because of the 15 year affordable affordability thing, and tax liability went up by like $7,000 and, you know, we got to make choices, whether to raise the rent or sell to somebody who's not as invested in affordable housing. So, I mean, we have to do everything we can to build and develop affordable housing and
Detroit, right? Thank you.
The next caller is Jason Jones, good afternoon, honorable
city council members. My name is Jason Jones, managing principal of tech time development, which is a Detroit based business. I'm also a real estate developer, active member of reed and I'd like to speak in support of the pilot expansion. The expansion of the program is critical tool for addressing Detroit's housing crisis, particularly for low and moderate income residents up to 120% AMI for minority development firms like text on this program levels the playing field making it possible to develop housing that aligns with our neighborhood focused goals. The Sherwood height apartments discussed earlier is an example of what pilot could do. We looked at acquiring that community, but the taxes made it difficult to balance the capital needs while maintaining moderate rent levels there, the expanded pilot would have solved this problem and allowed a local minority firm like tekton to move more effectively to compete with those out of state. Private equity that bought that project with pilot in place, we likely could have avoided this entire ugly scenario. I'm pleased to support the affordable workforce pilot ordinance. We urge city council to adopt this ordinance today. Thank you for your time.
Okay, thank you.
The next caller is Deidre and rich lane.
Hello to know. And
this is Rich Richard Lane Jr. And I am the third son of Dick nytrane lane to speak today and today in support of the street naming for father dick nytrain Lane. Night Train was a champion of the phrase, children are our future. And as the first black director of PAL, Detroit pal, he was able to carry on his work building strong minds and bodies of our youth. He also paved the way for other Detroit sports greats like Willie Horton, who led Detroit pal when Night Train retired in 1992 I come to you from Houston, Texas, from outside of Houston, Texas, and ask for your vote for a secondary street name in my father, honoring my father, Dick nytrain Lane. Have a good day.
All right. Thank you.
The next caller is Pamela wise, yes,
good afternoon, my beautiful Detroit city council members. I'm here to advocate for the street naming of the great amp, Joseph fiddler, who was a dynamic musician, and his spirit is still alive, advocating for the city of Detroit. And his work was endless, and the work that he wanted to see done with his youths, we would like to continue his journey and his also. His work was inter generational, because he also worked with older musicians like my husband, the dynamic Wendell Harrison was 82 years old, but him and amp did a lot of work together. So, you know, we have so many great artists and musicians in Detroit and talented people. I would like to even see a part named after all of them, because we have the space to do it. So I want you all to really think about it, vote for it and have a great day my beautiful Detroit City Council.
Thank you so much,
Madam President, that was the last caller who had raised their hand before you off public comment, noting that there are still some hands raised. Had raised their hands before you would officially cut off I'm sorry after you would officially cut off public comment.
All right, thank you so much, and we appreciate everyone's patience and those who took the time to come down and also call in for general public comment,
Madam President,
did I hear someone Yes, Madam Clerk,
Madam President, on behalf of the clerk office, we would like to note that we have received many written public comments. So we want to go on record to acknowledge those people that submitted a writing their public comments showing support for the secondary street recipients. Thank you. Okay.
Thank you so much, and those will be placed on file and received by the clerk's office. Thank you, Madam Clerk, and we will proceed now to our agenda. If there are no objections, we can proceed directly to line item 18, point 27 which is the secondary street name process for the resolutions. And if we can have attorney bark and MS Chapman and all those who are here with us to briefly go over process.
All right, good morning. Lakeisha
Barclay, with the legislative policy division, what you have here before you today is the ballot for the second dairy street renamings. On the ballot. You have 13 names. However, you are to choose five names from the list, provided there is no punking. So you do have to choose five names
if there's any other questions. I do have members of H tab here to answer any further
questions. Okay? And then Miss Chapman, if you just want to speak really quick to and I know pro tem, this went through your committee, and you all had an extensive dialog, so I'll turn it over to you as well. But if you can just briefly talk about, if individuals are not selected, how the rollover process works, understanding that council only can pick five names, and we know that everyone here that was recommended is notable, is honorable, has done great things for our city, and we appreciate that this is very difficult for us to only select five when every single person is worthy of recognition. So we do appreciate everyone's family and everyone who took the time to come down, both in person, virtually in sending letters, but we are held to a requirement of only choosing five at this time. But if you could just briefly talk about the process of maybe rollovers and the opportunity for another opportunity as well.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Very briefly, there are 13 names that have been submitted and met the criteria for this round of secondary street signs. There are five that will be chosen. Those who are not chosen are automatically rolled over into the next into next year, and they would automatically be placed on the list of considerations for secondary street signs for our next round. They the petitioners, just to let everybody know there is no additional fee. Their names are just automatically rolled over. Nothing more has to be done. The only thing I would like to say is that there is that opportunity. There's a there's five years in which a person can be rolled over. Presently we have three. We have three who are
Yes, three
who are rolled over from last year, and each of those have been rolled over two for two years and one for one year. So they have at least two more years to be rolled over and given an opportunity to be considered for a secondary street sign. Other than that, again, I'll turn it back over to Keisha Barfield, Attorney Barfield, to talk about how the voting will be taking place unless there's questions or concerns.
Okay, right? Thank you. Attorney Barclays, anything additional? No,
nothing additional. Thank
you. Now we can move the questions from colleagues Council Member Santiago Ramiro, thank you, Madam President. Madam President, to you through, through you to H dab, would you mind sharing the names that have already been in front of us that will be rolled over, because that also means that they have been advocated for for a while now.
Good afternoon. Kelsey, mass preservation planner with the historic designation advisory board. So as was mentioned, there's a total of four that are rollover applications. We have reverend Dr Clarence Cruz, which was a rollover from 2023 so this is a second cycle. We have John Lee Hooker, who was a rollover from 2022 so this is his third cycle. We have Aubrey Lee senior, which was a rollover from 2023 so this is his second cycle. And then finally, we have Gregory Mudge, who has a rollover from 2022 so this is his third cycle.
Thank you. Any additional questions on the process before we start with our ballots? Pro Tim Tate, thank you, Madam
President, and I want to thank H staff for pulling all of this information together. That is not easy. There were some that I'm sure that came before you that did not qualify, and there were various reasons why, and it's always important to make sure that we ensure that our process is above board and so we don't find out afterwards that someone did not qualify, and then it kind of muddies up the waters if we indeed do approve them for this particular honor. So I want to thank you again from going through this information and providing us with the best details possible in the public. And I know that during the Planning and Economic Development standing committee, we did only give 30 seconds for those who wanted to advocate. And I know that some folks a little bit upset about that, but you clearly see that we are very aware and engaged in this particular process. We, as noted, we wanted to ensure that you did have another opportunity to speak before this body. Everyone did get a minute and a half for that. But in addition, I know Dr Chapman, you mentioned that there was a opportunity five years after these signs go up for them to be removed and replaced by another individual that will be honored. I did have an opportunity to speak with the DPW director and indicated there has been no signs that have been removed over the last number of years, and I think there's, there actually has to be an action that triggers that removal, if you can explain that, because I don't want anyone to think that it these, these designations are only four or five years because that wasn't, I don't it certainly wasn't the intent of mine, and it kind of caught all of us off guard, at least in committee, that that would potentially be the case. But I know there's a trigger to allow for it to happen, but it is not an automatic action that that is taken through you, Madam President,
yes, through
the honorable buddy. So there is an entire process in the ordinance that talks about the removal of secondary street signs. So there is several ways, essentially, not to get too into the leads. It can be requested by members from the public. It can be requested by this honorable body, and if a secondary street sign comes up at that same location, that can trigger the process, the five year period that was brought up is just what is noted in the ordinance of after five years, you can essentially request to to remove it or replace it, but it does have to go through a pretty extensive process. Notice is given it would go through this honorable body, go through the Planning and Economic Development Committee. So it wouldn't just happen very quickly, but there is a process, and there is also, I should note fees associated with that. So if someone wanted to remove it, depending on who's requesting it, they also do have to pay for the removal
of the sign.
Okay, just wanted for that clarification. And then again, just thank you all for the work that you have done on this particular aspect of the job that we do. Not an easy task whatsoever. As mentioned, all of these names are definitely worth the honor that is before us, but again, we only have five to select from. Thank you, Madam
President. All
right, thank you. All right. So everyone should have a ballot at this time, and we can fill out our ballots, and we will have Paris come by and collect our ballots, and we are to select five names.
Yes, pro tem.
I also wanted to note that this, the committee decided to not recommend any names, to send forward any recommendations, because of this particular process. We know that we have five names, five selections from committee, but 13 total names, and we determined that it would be more wise for us to send all of the names for without recommendation, to allow for us to have a equal and full opportunity for all of the names that that came before us. So just wanted to put that on the record as well. Thank
you. Thank you pro tem, and thank you for your work on the secondary street naming process and to the entire Planning and Development Committee. I got a chance to watch it, and I know that you all did a great job and tried to get through as many as you could, but we thank you all for the committee work that you all did, and to H dab into miss Barclay and everyone, thank you for making this process just so smooth and seamless as possible. Yep, again, so we will just pause briefly as They are going to tabulate The ballots.
Dr powers, You,
and a present discussion. All right, thank you. Just wanted to wait. I received a text from members of Reid, the real estate advocates of Detroit, who are the arm of the black developers within the city of Detroit, and they were saying that many of them were unable them were unable to get through through public comment today, they wanted to make sure that their voices were heard. They are in full support of the pilot ordinance this morning or this afternoon that will be up for votes. Want to make sure their voices were heard. I think it was very important everybody heard that as well. The black development community is very supportive
of this ordinance.
Thank you for sure, what happened. I know for sure, so if whoever raised their hands should have had the opportunity to speak, but thank you, member Benson, for ensuring that read is on the record that they just do support the pilot ordinance. We did hear from Jason Jones, who represents read as well, who spoke during public comment in favor of the ordinance as well. So thank you for that.
Okay, looks like we have our results.
Madam President, we have the count for Vincent Chin. Council member waters council member, Benson council member Johnson council member durha Council Member Santiago Romero council member, young Council President, Sheffield Council President, pro temp Tate, that's eight votes for Vincent Chin Reverend, Dr Clarence. L Cruz senior, zero votes. Gabrielle, Fred Crutcher, zero votes. Earl Curtin council member waters council member Benson council member Whitfield, Callaway council member Johnson council member durhall Council Member Santiago Romero, President Sheffield, that's seven votes. Joseph amp Fittler, Council Member waters council member Benson council member durha Council Member Santiago Romero council member young council president Sheffield council president pro temp Tate, seven votes. John Lee Hooker, zero votes. Dick Night Train Lane council member Angela Whitfield, Callaway council member young two votes. Aubrey Lee senior council member, Callaway council member young Council President, pro temp Tate three votes. Daniel J lope, Council Member Johnson, one vote, Gregory Mudge council member durhall Council Member Santiago Romero, two votes, forest l Sheffield Junior council member waters council member Benson council member Calloway council member Johnson council member durha council member, young Council President, Sheffield council president pro tem. Tate eight votes. John Sinclair, zero votes. James DeWitt, J Dilla Yancey council member waters council member Benson council member Callaway council member Johnson Council Member Santiago Romero Council President, Sheffield council president pro tem Take That's seven votes. Madam President, the five candidates that had the most votes, Vincent Chin, Earl curlton, Joseph ant, fiddler, Horace L, Sheffield Junior and James DeWitt J Dilla Yancey, okay.
All right, thank you. Anything else? I'm sorry. We do have the resolutions before us. Okay, thank you so much, you guys. All right, and so now we will take up line item, 18 point 28 Madam Clerk,
council president pro tem Tate, five resolutions assigning secondary street names
to
Vincent Chin Carroll, Cureton, Joseph M, fiddler, Horace L, Sheffield Junior and James DeWitt J, dilla Yancy also. President, pro tem five resolutions,
alright. President, pro temp Tate,
Madam President, I move approval of the names that have been listed by Madam Clerk for approval.
All right. Motion has been made. Any objections, Hearing no objections, the resolution will be approved.
I'm president. Yes. Request for a waiver online item 18 point 27
please. Right.
Waiver has been requested, and Hearing no objections, a waiver will be attached to the item. All right, thank you.
I'm sorry, President, I'm sorry, that's 18 point 28
you said 18 point yes, eight
point 27 it should be 18 point 28
Alright, the clerk will know a waiver will be attached to 18 point 28
now we can clap.
Alright? Congratulations. Paris, Harris. Here is Harris. Harris, all right. And if there are no objections, we will proceed now to the teamsters resolution, which is line item 20 point 43 line item 20 point 43 and we do have Ronald Barnes, who I would like to come up, who would like to say a few words. Motion on this item, Madam President, motion to discuss 20 point, 43 i
All right, thank you again, Madam President, council members, good to see you. I love the city I know most of us do. As a said before our retiree came back here to live that's kind of unusual. We usually go down south, but there's plenty of opportunities down here. Detroit is a big union Bastion. Always has been, and from being in the teamsters being forged in Detroit, my time in the military and coming here, I learned we do better together. Marathon has not kept its promises. It's putting us all at risk. Safety wise, it's not holding holding up this promises of diversity, as I said earlier, thumbing his nose at us, and we just need to stand together much stronger doing it. Thank
you so much. We appreciate you, and thank you for the resolution council member, for bringing this before us. I had the opportunity to go out to the picket line with the teamsters before definitely stand with you all. And as I mentioned why I was there, if there's anything forthcoming by marathon that we will be keenly aware and watching to make sure that we are holding them accountable as things move forward. So thank you for bringing this resolution forward, if we it's already moved for discussion. So Council Member Santiago Romero, thank you, Madam President, and thank you to a few of the colleagues who have hope, who have already gone to the front line. I know that there are a few of us. Thank you for being out there. Encourage the rest of us, if we can, to be there. And yes, today before us, we have a resolution in support of Teamsters. But I also want them to know, and my colleagues to know that my office is also following up on the concerns about there being workers that are on properly trained at their taxes not being paid for the city to the city, so we will be following up on that as well. And quite frankly, I heard it from them when politicians don't come out and pressure marathon hides, and right now it's what we're seeing. They're hiding. They're not feeling the pressure. So I'm happy that we're uplifting this trap, this this challenge, really, this fights, and encourage all of us to support, to continue to be out there and to ask questions of the administration and what we're doing to hold marathon accountable. Thank you, Madam President. All right, thank you. All right. Is there a motion to approve. So moved right and Hearing no objections. Line item 20 point, 43 will be approved. And thank you all. We'll continue to work with you all and looking forward to more dialog. Thank you so much for the work that you all do, and we stand in support solidarity with you guys. All right. Thank you so much. All right. If there are no objections, we will proceed now back to our agenda, to the beginning of the agenda. You
are we? Madam Clerk? I am,
yes, Madam President. I
All righty, give me a second. I'm trying to go up to it. You just want to go ahead and move. Move it, Madam Clerk, so that I can. Council
member Fred der Hall, joined by Council President Mary Sheffield, joined by council member Mary waters, joined by council member Coleman Young in ordinance noting a roll call line 16.1,
all right. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Council Member durha,
thank you, Madam President, I move to take from the table an ordinance to amend chapter 44 of the 2019 Detroit city code taxation. Article four, personal property taxes, real property taxes and special assessments. Division six, payment in lieu of taxes for government aided fast track and workforce housing development by amending section 44 dash four, dash 112, definitions. And by repealing and replacing section 44 dash four dash 113 classes of housing projects when city council approval is required section 44 dash four dash 114 establishment of annual service charge in Section 44 dash four dash 117 duration. And by adding section 44 dash four 118 Director of Housing and revitalization department to promulgate administrative rules to create fast track and workforce housing provisions for the city and arrange this ordinance to be consistent with state law laid on the table. October 1 2024,
right Hearing no objections, and that action will be taken. Council Member durha, thank you,
Madam President, I move the ordinance be placed on the order of third reading and considered read,
Hearing no objections. That action will be taken. Council Member durha, thank you, Madam
President, I move the ordinance be passed as submitted with discussion, okay. Discussion, thank you, Madam President, I'd like to turn it over to colleagues if there were just any outstanding questions or concerns. I know we've had opportunity to discuss this ordinance and length over Pat over the past few weeks, including this past Wednesday, a three hour public hearing in the budget, Finance and Audit Standing Committee, which was a very comprehensive presentation, presentation from HRD, as well as some dialog from the community as well. So with that, Madam President, through you, I'd like to turn it over to colleagues. If there are any further questions,
right, we will open it up now for questions, I see a few hands, starting with council member Benson. All
right, thank you. Just want to say thank you to everybody who worked on this. This is a great way to help encourage quality, affordable rental units within the city of Detroit, three tiers. I really do want to see in the future, though, that we take a look at the workforce housing. I think that is a missing component in what we do within the city of Detroit, it's critical that we support our dental hygienist, our police officers, our bus drivers as well, and those are the workforce. Housing is where we see a gap. Typically, people don't play in that space. But we need our development community to do that. We also have to obviously ensure that we're providing this type of quality housing for those of us who need the most, I also want to make sure we're extending that to our workforce housing as well, and really encouraging that missing middle to reside and stay here in the city of Detroit. Oftentimes, people look directly at the rental levels, but you also have to look at who we're supporting. That's your dental hygienist, that's your bus tribe, that's your police officer, that's your teacher. We have to support them as well in the city of Detroit and encourage them to stay rent, live, work, play and worship right here in the city. I want to thank all those who worked on this. Thank you all right. Thank
you so much. Council member Benson. Member Santiago Ramiro, thank you, Madam President. Thank you to member, durha, who worked really hard on this to ensure that we have a solution to create more affordable housing. And I also hear the concerns from the public. So through, through you, Madam President, to Director, if you didn't mind, or want to make very clear that we are solving for, for for problems here, and not creating others. The concerns that I heard. There were a few the ones that I want to make sure that we address our there's there's thoughts around us creating housing that is not ADA accessible. It's not meeting our housing expectations. Can you just make it very clear to us that housing projects that would be online are going to still follow HR these process just to make it very clear to the public that we are not just building, just to build without us building safe, affordable, accessible housing as well. If you wouldn't mind sharing a little bit about what HR these processes
through the chair to council members. Santiago Romero, so the ordinance makes three requirements. So first, an investment, an initial investment of at least $15,000 or more, which for a new build or a major rehab will easily be be crossed. An investment of $6,000 for renewal to make sure that there are updates made. It also requires a certificate of compliance to be achieved and maintained throughout the lifetime of having access to that pilot, and it also requires that affordable rents be offered and provided and maintained for both based on the household's income, as well as making sure the rent levels are maintained over time. It's something that HRD has a lot of experience with. We do it today with the 1000s of units that are in the portfolio that we manage, and we work with a third party to do that rental verification, to do that income verification, to make sure housing units that are meant to be affordable are being leased to people that need that housing, and that rents are being maintained at those affordable levels. So this pilot ordinance would expand who is eligible for the pilot. Traditionally, it's only been federally aided projects. Those funds are limited. They're competitive. You have to have deep experience to be able to do those units. That means that emerging developers, developers of colors, nonprofits, don't compete as well for those particular credits they want to offer affordable housing. That pathway is not as easy to get to. So the ordinance there were also you mentioned what some of the concerns were. So it's, it's not a, it's not a, it's on a shortcut to all of the things that people have to do, related to Ada, related to environmental review, all of those things will have to be continued to be done. Developers will have to be in good standing, meaning they haven't defaulted on a loan, they haven't defaulted on a development agreement, they don't have blight tickets. All of those things will be required in order to access this incentive the ordinance allows us should the Council adopted is it sets out standards that that the department will look at and say, Were these standards set by council met? If so, then, then it will be administratively approved if there is any variance from what is approved by Council, or if somebody is asking to to focus on those moderate income units, it will require council approval. Thank you through
the Chair. Thank you, Director. I really appreciate that, because I like this ordinance. I believe that this ordinance is going to allow for emerging black run, the developers to develop in our neighborhoods, to develop affordable housing, and the deeper the affordability, the deeper the tax cut, which would be incredibly important for our emerging developers. Thank you. The last thing that I'll mention is that we are not cutting corners here, and when I read this ordinance, what I'm giving up is my final yes at BFA, which I sit on, and neither has not been one pilot program that I voted no on because they all build affordable housing. So I am going to remove myself from voting that one last time yes for this affordable housing project that I'm already going to agree to in order for us to speed up the process so that we have more affordable housings online for folks. And also want to note there's been an amendment made to the ordinance so that any project that is going to receive a pilot's award, council will know about it within a week. We should know about the award, so we're not going to be in the dark about who's going to be awarded and what those projects look like. Thank you Director. Thank you everyone that worked on this, we really appreciate it, right? Thank you so much. Council member Johnson, thank
you, Madam President, and thank you to all of the sponsors of this ordinance. I do want to ask a question of the sponsors to the ordinance, but we'll have a question for HRD shortly. I'm just curious. So I recognize that deeply affordable units are usually heavily subsidized in order for them to be deeply affordable, I believe the housing and revitalization department has, in a previous year, provided information around housing needs for the city of Detroit, I'm wondering if there was ever any discussion about limiting the AMI limits based on a housing assessment or a housing assessment need housing needs assessment that was done by the housing and revitalization department, as to my colleagues, so
I'm not sure if that came up. I specifically, I'm not sure member Doha, but if I'm not sure, if you also would like director Steiner to come up as well to talk about the housing needs, but
through the chair to council member Johnson so HRD, just recently, in 2023 did an updated market study that included, of course, reviewing happenings in the market, our housing stock, age of our housing stock, the rents being offered, how that compares to the renters and homeowners in the city of Detroit. One of the things that we found is that the rate of how people households who are housing cost burden has moved has increased for all ranges of households, under 80% of AMI, and also we're starting to see an increases in cost burdens of moderate income households as well. That's that's different than when we did that work in 20 2016 was the last time that data was from. It was we did it in the results the study in 2017 so we updated it. And comparatively, the rate of cost burden households, not only is is is chant is a burden for people under 30% of AMI, but it's also up to 50 to 80 and and also we're seeing those moderate income households up to 120% of AMI also struggling to or an additional increase in the number of households in that income category who are were cost burdened as well.
I appreciate your response, and I know how expensive it is to live in the city of Detroit, beyond housing costs, I my husband and I made the decision to send my son to a private school we pay for. I homeowners insurance, high car insurance, all of those things that Detroiters have to deal with. And so my question is really around as as we recognize the need for varying levels of housing costs, are we willing to put limitations on 30% AMI, this pilot Fast Track being for X number of units that are that we're saying are needed in order for us to address the housing need that we have in the city of Detroit. So for every level, level of AMI, I'm just curious to know if it's something that we've considered, if it's something that we will that we are interested in adding to the ordinance so that we're encouraging developers to address the need of housing in the city of Detroit, I understand there are needs for workforce housing as well as needs for lower affordable housing units. But how are we encouraging developers to develop to address all of the needs and not just focus on one particular area? Because as we look at ordinances, we tend to look at them as a one off ordinance, but we should really look at them as a whole. What are we doing to support housing for everyone in the city of Detroit? Yeah,
I don't know if you wanted colleagues.
I'm sorry. Were you responding or and then, if not, I can go to you member, door, Hall. I just were you done? But she had, I'm sorry, I'm chair. She had the floor. So were you done? Thank you, Madam President.
Yes, I am done, because we pivoted to Director Snyder. I'm not sure if the sponsor of the ordinance would like for Director Snyder to answer the question or did
member Doha, did you have anything? Member durha, thank
you, Madam President, while I was clarifying with member Johnson, because I know she posed original question to myself as well as HRD, so just want to make sure who she was posing that specific question to. I don't have a problem answering the beginning of that question relative to being one of the key sponsors on this ordinance. I think the intent of this ordinance, particularly as we look at the diversity of housing, and I do understand your concern, member Johnson, as we look at the multiple ranges of am I and how we protect those levels, what I would say, specifically for this pilot ordinance, though, is different from other abatements as well. This pilot ordinance, and kind of the premise behind it, this is a tool that is generally used by smaller developers, and this ordinance was pushed forward, particularly for minority smaller developers as well, to have the ability to be able to get some of the same incentives that others enjoy. So when we talk about a pilot ordinance that already exists on the books that requires light tech and what we're talking about deep affordability of 30% what member Snyder, or I'm sorry, not member Snyder, but director Snyder was talking about, when we talk about the barriers that exist, particularly for smaller developers and minority developers, they don't have the access to capital to be able to do some of those projects to the requirements, and knowing that's coming from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority is that when those folks go to get those light techs, and as you talk to other developers, particularly minority and smaller developers around the Country, if they have had no experience building affordable housing before, but want to get into the development arena to build what their passion is for affordable housing. It is difficult because of the financing, and they generally build in areas that are not considered to be walkable neighborhoods. So for instance, let's just say if it's on coachable in d4 not to throw and say that specifically, but coachable in d4 or whether that is going to be on Joy Road in d7 those are not what are considered walkable neighborhoods in some aspects, particularly pertain by HUD and Mister for light tech. And be able to qualify for them because we are still working on building our commercial corridors here in the city of Detroit, where folks have access to do everything within one within one mile of their home. And so to fully answer your question, and talk about being open to capping it, per se, at 30, I think that's difficult, because also when we talk about smaller and minority developers, each one faces different challenges. So there may be a smaller developer that may have more access to capital, or there may be a smaller developer that has had a greater relationship with the CDFI in the city or our community, and they have the ability to have a little bit more restraints put on them, and saying that, okay, we may not want to do 70% market rate. We may want to do, you know, 60% market rate. But I think for me, the flexibility in that, I think it depends on the developer. And I'm just saying when we talk about those conversations initially, because I know I had opportunity even talk about member waters. We talked about that the AMI as well. I think it really depends on developers, and this tool, I believe, needs the diversity to be able to bring some of those smaller developers projects into fruition. Thank you, Madam President.
Member Johnson,
thank you, Madam President. I appreciate member durhaus response, and I want to make sure my question is clear. It's it's not about who's developing the units. It's whether or not we are interested in encouraging developers, any developer that applies for this fast track pilot, to make sure that we are addressing the housing needs that we are aware of in the city of Detroit. So if, if we put, I wasn't talking about a cap on the AMI, but at varying levels of AMI, are we willing to put a cap on the number of units that can qualify for pilot Fast Track based on the current housing needs in the city of Detroit. That's That's my question.
Through the Chair to council member Johnson, you also asked about incentivizing, and how we're incentivizing those lower
Do you speak up a little bit. I'm
sorry. Is this okay? Yeah, it's
a little hard.
All right, I will work on projecting. So you also asked about how we're incentivizing those more deeply affordable units as well. So right now, the ordinance, as is written into the ordinance, there is, there is not a cap. We are in our guidelines for developments that are not federally funded, not federally aided, that are not new construction, there would be a 1500 unit cap that would likely be in the rehabs of naturally occurring affordable housing that might be in the rehab of a vacant building. The thinking there is we want to make sure that we can be as competitive as possible for federally aided projects, as well as we want to make sure that anything in the past that has is using a pilot that is affordable is able to continue to operate as affordable housing for the new new development and new construction. The thinking there is that, or the reason there is that it's a it's a net gain, and we're strongly encouraging affordable housing on that site, as opposed to non affordable housing. I am one of the reason we set these rates based on, or propose these rates based on a comparison of tax abatements that people are typically seeking and receiving in the city of Detroit. We did that because we want, wanted it be, to be a competitive product compared to other other tax abatements. But then that we wanted to then encourage affordability by those, by those deeper and Lower, lower rates. So for the 60 to 84% which is much more competitive than a different, a different tax abatement and 1% obviously very much more favorable to offering lower rents than than a higher rate. Um, so that's how we're incentivizing, is that we did a lot of financial modeling to compare the rates of or what's needed to be able to operate a unit and and set rates that we believed would would facilitate that happening, especially at those lower AMI percentages. We did work with nonprofit developers as well as read to test whether or not that this would be a tool that's used and help people secure those financing gaps. The other thing I want to just mention that is related that we haven't talked about is a number of developments in the city that were previously financed or previously assisted through an Oprah or an Nez are at the end of that tax abatement period, or it's otherwise known as an abatement. So many of you might be familiar with the Auburn Yes, it's in Midtown, but it was when it was built. Midtown did not look like the Midtown of today. It was one of the first new construction projects in that area in quite a long time. It was a catalytic development for that particular corner. There was no Shinola, there was no this. This Canfield loss is very different than it was today. It's nearing the end of its abatement period. The rents there are affordable for about 100% AMI household. When it reaches the end of its abatement cliff, the taxes per unit will go up $4,000 or more per year. That translates to about $333 per unit per month. Those taxes get passed down to the residents. For many of those households there, just as it would be for anybody, a $300 increase in your rent per month is very difficult to to absorb. And so council member Johnson, I bring this up because those, those are really where I see a lot of the workforce development units happening in the short term. Are those projects that are reaching that end of their abatement cliff that but for this particular ordinance, would have to raise the rents on the residents that are currently occupying those properties. And it's the goal of this department of HRD to fight displacement whenever, whenever possible, and this is an important tool to help us do that. Thank you.
Thank you for that. And interestingly enough, you all are addressing one of the major challenges that I have with the land value tax proposal, which was removing the any z from the neighborhoods that had the any z, it was the homeowner any z, and that was my very issue, that if my property value has gone up and I can sell my house for $250,000 but the property taxes have gone up along with the increase in property value, who would realistically be able to afford to purchase my house, so I appreciate you raising that point. Can you speak to the housing assessment that you were just referring to? Does it specifically give details on the types of housing that the city of Detroit is in need of, whether bedroom, bedrooms, am I things of that nature
through the chair to council member Johnson. So among its findings, it did cover the current state of the housing stock and the current size of households. So what we know of rental properties in the city of Detroit, 33% are three bedroom or more. 71% of the current rental properties in the city of Detroit are two bedroom or more. Compare that to the population, where 50% of our rental renter households are single person households, and 20% are are two person households. We have 70% of households at two bedroom or two persons or fewer, and 70% of our units at two bedrooms or higher, where we see larger households still renting is, is in, is in single family houses. There's a couple of reasons for that. First of all, the stock is, is in single family housing units, in those larger units. It's, you know, reflective of how Detroit was, was historically developed. But also because the the the rents of those single family units tend to be more affordable. And so one of the reasons we don't see a ton of two three bedroom units, though there are 1200 units in the pipeline of two three bedroom units at this ordinance would would likely assist many of them is because, compared to the multifamily unit, it's just less attractive for a household to afford the new unit versus that they likely are able to find more affordable rent in the single family unit. So we're often see challenges in leasing up those, really, those 30 to 60% units, the under 30 there, there is a need for, for, for larger bedroom units. This does assist that and in a couple of of ways, and it one, it allows us, as the city of Detroit, where we know we're going to have to invest in those zero to 30% those 50 to 60% units. It helps our dollars to go farther. We believe there's a cost savings about $3.4 million a year that will be achieved through this ordinance that allows us to reinvest in housing, and we can encourage those larger bedroom units by through, through our dollars and through that that we utilize. So it's as you talked about, you want things need to be comprehensive. This is an ordinance about a pilot. About pilot. We as a department, think this is an incredibly important tool for us to be able to build more housing for people zero. Really, we focus on zero to 60% of AMI. But this will fill a void in our marketplace, where, in the last four years, since, since, really, the beginning of the pandemic, what have you seen being developed? You seen portable groundbreakings. You've seen affordable ribbon cuttings. We haven't seen a lot of market ribbon cuttings. We are at a place where what's getting built are affordable properties. We have luxury, we have affordable we don't have a tool in the middle, and this actually would be the only tool that we have to build those moderate income housing units.
All right, thank you. I'm sure my colleagues have questions. Thank you, Madam President.
All right. Thank you so much. Council member Johnson, Council Member waters,
thank you, Madam President. I'd like to postpone this for one week. There was some amendments that should have been already included in the ordinance, and I hate going through all of this, I'd like to my colleagues to have an opportunity to review them prior to us coming to the table. And that has not been done. So if we could, could do that the three amendments that that you and I discussed the annual fiscal impact and so forth. So that's my motion. Okay, discussion.
So there's a motion, and we will move now to discussion on the motion to postpone member durha, thank you, Madam
President, and through you to member waters. Relative to these amendments, I'm just curious, because we have these amendments in front of us. We made a number of amendments, obviously three during the public hearing. Relative, and I understand one of these are your amendments. Just for clarity, through you, President Sheffield to member waters,
he's asking you the the amendment from you member.
These are amendments approval of the website and notify city council and within seven business days, I know, and annual summary of units created in annual fiscal impact, then it goes down to some lines that we should amend. I mean, I'm just saying all of that should be placed in the in the ordinance prior to coming here, so that members will have everything that they need. And plus, there was an amendment that member young offered, well, he changed some language from is to may or something like that. I you know, it's just, it's just too much to bring to the table. Let's do it before then. All
right, the discussion member durha Through you,
madam president. So, I mean, I'm still trying to gain clarity from member Waters was specific amendments that she's speaking of. And the in the public hearing, there were three amendments that were made in the public hearing make it to the and then was, then was sent to formal as amended. And so there are also see member amendments in front of us today. One of them are yours, from my understanding, one is an amendment made by me, and there is another one from member Santiago Romero, creating a little bit more transparency on the amendment that was made in committee. And so my question through you again, and I notice we we've done, we've had the opportunity when we push legislation before where amendments have come at this table, whether that be a CBO process, whether that be the property tax reform ordinance or many other ordinances that have come in front of this body, amendments have taken place on the same day these amendments, and this is just debatable, because member waters knows I love her and respect her. There has not been issues with the amendments, and these are very simple amendments. They're not substantive in nature that require or trigger another public hearing. They are to really address even some of the calls and the outreach made from other folks relative to this ordinance. And so just wanted to know what may be some of the issues with the amendment to have that have the opportunity to have that dialog at the table, noting that one of those amendments are yours. Member
waters, member Durham,
when we received the the ordinance via email, it it certainly appeared in red that our amendments were included. However, when I look at the copy that was distributed today, they are not there. We look for them. They are not there. So I don't, I don't know what happened, and I don't want to try to hash it out here at the table. I'm just saying, just so that we can, we can get this done and move on. My motion is to postpone it for one week. Support.
All right, so there's still a motion to for any further discussion to postpone for one week. And through you, Madam
President, we could get some information, maybe from the law department, because I know member waters, you stating that maybe the copy of ordinance, the ordinance that you have, they don't have the amendments in and I'm trying to game. Madam Chair, is there a motion on
the floor? Yes, there is a motion. We're still discussing the motion at this moment. So do you want to provide clarity? Attorney Graham, your microphone needs to be on. Anderson, thank
you. Through the Chair. Graham Anderson, law department, Councilman waters, I think the confusion is, if I understand your question correctly, that there were three amendments that were made during Committee last week, during the public hearing, those three amendments were added to the language that is before this body Today. However, I believe there were three additional amendments that you are talking about that you would like to be included that were not discussed at committee that week, those changes are also not substantive to council member durhaus point, but they are not in writing right now. However, we can make those additions at the table today and move forward, if that is the will of the body. If that addresses your question. Council member Robinson,
yes, okay, I don't suppose that the rest of us received this mean email from LPD that specifically said that I had to make the offer the amendments at at the table so and it's it's no problem, but except for the fact that I don't believe that everybody received them, and then that becomes an issue. And here we are having this conversation, when, in fact, if members didn't receive it in advance, then we need to postpone.
Alright, any further discussion on the motion to postpone for one week, right? And so a motion has been made to postpone this item for one week. Are there any objections election? Alright, the clerk would note
objection. Member Durham, the
clerk would clerk will So note, Madam President, all right,
any further objections hearing, none the item will be postponed for one week. And director Schneider just really quick. Do you have a copy of the administrative rules for this particular order ordinance, I know it was referenced several times regarding administrative rules that really outline how this will be implemented, regarding how many units per year will be allocated. Have those been formulated that we can see possibly before next week, or have they? Have you started on those particular administrative
rules to the chair. We've started on them based on the draft ordinance. Until the ordinance is fully adopted, then I don't have guidelines to promulgate, because I need the ordinance to be finalized. But we've draft, we have we have drafted, okay,
and that's something you can provide. Okay? Perfect. Thank you. All right, so we will postpone this for one week, and we will now return back to our agenda, moving along to the Office of contracting and procurement
council member durha a resolution line item 16.2, Contract Number 6006520, 6006520, 100% disability income protection plan funding to provide citywide Long Term Disability Insurance. Contractor, standard insurance company, total contract amount, 3,500,000 that's for Citywide Council Member durha. A resolution.
Council Member durha,
thank you, Madam
President, Move for approval for line item 16.2
motion has been made for 16.2 any objections, hearing, no objections, the one resolution will be approved, and before we proceed. Member water, so you still want me to take up your ordinance? Okay? All right, from the Office of the Chief Financial Office, Office of the assessor. Council
Member durha, three resolutions. Line item 16.3, through 16.5
council member durha, thank you,
Madam President, these are various pilot ordinances not under the other the old pilot line items, 16.3 through 16.5 Move for approval for all three.
All right, any objections, hearing, no objections. The three resolutions will be approved from the office of the city clerk. Yes,
question, waiver on line item 16.3 please.
Right. Any objections to a waivers for 16.3
objection member Johnson, okay,
so that motion does feel for a waiver for 16.3 from the office of the city clerk, City Planning Commission. Council
Member durha, a resolution line item 16.6
council member durha, thank
you, Madam President, this is a resolution of authorization for any z certificate application for the construction of a new single family house at nine to six West, Willis in the midtown neighborhood enterprise zone area. Move for approval for line item 16.6
Right. Any objections. Hearing none, the one resolution will be approved.
