Development News for Detroit, Michigan

City Council Approves Support for 'Let There Be Light Gateway' Initiative

Council considered and approved a resolution supporting the 'Let There Be Light Gateway' initiative at the intersection of Greenfield Road and 8 Mile Road. This initiative, led by the 8 Mile Boulevard Association, aims to improve safety and aesthetics through enhanced lighting. The project is supported by community crowdfunding and a matching grant from the MEDC and MDOT. The resolution signifies the City Council's support for the initiative, which will be communicated to the mayor, MDOT, and the 8 Mile Boulevard Association.

Detroit Council Approves Supplemental Ambulance Contracts Amidst Debate on In-House EMS Services

Council discussed and ultimately approved three supplemental emergency ambulance coverage contracts totaling over $5 million, along with a strategic planning framework for the Fire Department. Councilmember Miller expressed disappointment with the Fire Department's strategic plan, stating it lacked a clear operational plan to bring EMS services in-house and showed continued reliance on private EMS contracts. She emphasized the need for Detroiters to have stable EMS careers and for the city to invest in its own public safety capacity rather than defaulting to outsourcing. Councilmember Waters raised concerns about residents, particularly seniors, being pursued by third-party debt collectors for ambulance services, requesting an ordinance to protect residents from such charges. Councilmember Callaway echoed these concerns about seniors and the exploitation by third-party collectors, stating she would not support the contracts in their current form. Deputy Commissioner Derek Hellman of the Fire Department estimated a $50 million budget increase over four years for municipalizing EMS and acknowledged the need for transparency and tracking metrics for progress, such as a Gantt chart. He also confirmed that if the city were to implement an ordinance regarding billing, private contractors would have to comply. Councilmember McCampbell supported the contracts due to the two-year lag in acquiring city-owned ambulances and the immediate need for service, but stressed the importance of seeing a clear plan to bring EMS in-house within three years and ensuring Detroiters are employed by contractors. Councilmember Johnson advocated for greater support and training for Detroit residents to become firefighters and EMTs, emphasizing the need for city residents to fill these roles. Councilmember Calloway discussed the CPAT test, advocating for its return to Detroit and lower costs. The Fire Department confirmed that training for EMTs and firefighters is done in-house, but the CPAT test is currently administered externally at Schoolcraft College, with plans to bring it back to the city. Ultimately, the motion to approve the three contracts (17.1, 17.2, 17.3) passed with objections from Members Calloway and Miller.

Bubble Zone Ordinance for Health Clinics Referred to Committee for Further Discussion

Council discussed and referred a memorandum regarding a 'Bubble Zone Ordinance for Health Clinics' to the Public Health and Safety Standing Committee. Councilmember McCampbell noted that the ordinance was reported out of committee without recommendation. During the discussion, Councilmember McCampbell highlighted concerns about the ordinance's impact on 16 and 17-year-olds, particularly regarding the 8 p.m. curfew during summer months when it's still light out, and the central question of who should be allowed to participate in the fireworks display. The ordinance was advanced to allow for a public hearing.

Detroit Master Plan Update Progresses with Community Feedback Integration

The Planning and Development Department provided a quarterly update on the 'Plan Detroit' master plan update. The update covered progress through the analysis, visioning, and draft policies phases, with the final phase underway. The department highlighted over 8,500 community engagement touchpoints, including district meetings focused on the place types map, which replaces future general land use designations. Feedback from these meetings, stakeholder interviews, and community engagement efforts are being compiled into a draft master plan document and a place types map. The master plan will include chapters on policy framework, land use framework, and decision-making checklists. The next steps involve revising maps and policies based on feedback, followed by a formal 63-day public comment period, review by the Planning Commission, and final approval by the City Council. Specific discussions during the council meeting included concerns about engaging teens, the need for family entertainment options, and the integration of 'crime prevention through environmental design' and '20-minute neighborhoods' concepts into the plan. The department clarified that the place types map serves the same function as the future general land use map, and zoning updates will be required to align with the master plan.