DETROIT CITY COUNCIL

Detroit City Council Member Mary Waters sent Governor Gretchen Whitmer a letter asking her to rescind a permit issued by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy that she believes could result in the release of raw sewage into the Detroit River from Grosse Pointe Park.

City council approved $51.8 million in tax breaks Tuesday for District Detroit development.

Efforts to make parts of downtown Detroit so-called gun-free zones were back in front for Detroit City Council on Tuesday.

Residents say the smell just won't go away. They say living near the Jefferson North Assembly Plant is taking issue with a recent emissions assessment.

After weeks of back and forth with postponed votes, the Ilitch’s Olympia Development and billionaire developer and Detroit native Steven Ross just got the first chunk of tax incentives they were looking for, more than $600 million of the $800 million they want to expand upon District Detroit.

Speedcast updates for March 28, 2023.

Detroit City Council narrowly approved a plan to provide more state incentives to Olympia Development for projects around Little Caesars Arena.

The Detroit City Council has delayed a vote on whether to approve the new District Detroit project, a $1.5 billion proposal backed by the University of Michigan, billionaire Steven Ross and the Ilitch organization. Many Detroiters are deeply concerned that the city is giving away too much in the deal.

Detroit City Council has approved renaming Troester-Hayes Park to Stoudamire Park in memory of Marlowe Stoudamire.

History was made this week when the Detroit City Council voted to appoint members to the city’s first reparations task force.

The Detroit City Council approved a controversial land swap deal with the Moroun family late Tuesday afternoon.

Detroit City Council is set to vote Tuesday on a land transfer deal involving the Detroit International Bridge Company.

Detroit announced a massive overhaul of its car towing system after a previous system known for its corruption, with several city officials and police officers convicted of crimes.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says he’s ready to step in and use his emergency powers to fund the city’s paratransit system.

Chris Ruzzin is angry at the Detroit City Council and is perturbed about the city’s most vulnerable population, which is people with disabilities.

Activists took their fight to Detroit City Council as they pushed for answers into the shooting death of Porter Burks.

The Detroit City Council has ratified a new contract between the police and the city, which means long-awaited pay raises for new Detroit police officers and veterans of the force has been approved.

The bold billboard in Detroit suggests officers could have a starting salary of $72,000.

The mayor and Detroit's police union agreed on a new contract on Sept. 30. But so far, those raises have yet to become a reality, and officers are leaving the force for other departments and better pay.

Detroit City Council voted 5-4 to approve a new contract to expand a technology that supposedly uses a network of sensors to detect gunshots and direct law enforcement to a shooting scene.

Dozens of Detroiters showed up to city hall opposing the $8 million expansion of ShotSpotter technology.

On Tuesday, the Detroit City Council will vote on whether to expand the use of ShotSpotter, the controversial technology that detects gunshots.

A proposed food grading ordinance before the Detroit city council would require businesses to display a placard with the results of a health inspection.

Detroit agreed to pay $7.5 million to settle a lawsuit by a man who claimed police switched bullets to pin a murder on him in 1992.

Detroit City Council voted anonymously to approve the opening of applications for limited adult-use licensing for commercial marijuana being sold within retail, microbusiness and as well as consumption in a lounge.

Dan Gilbert’s Bedrock has withdrawn its request for a $60 million tax abatement from the City of Detroit for the company’s Hudson’s site development, with plans to bring it back up at a later time.

Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield held her ninth annual “Occupy The Corner” event as hundreds gathered Friday evening at Coleman Young Playfield on the city’s east side for a day of fun and special giveaways. Hundreds of families are going home with a free bike Friday (June 24) night, but the event’s purpose goes beyond that.

Community leaders came together on Detroit's east side to call for a peaceful end to violence across the city.

A meeting held last week had city council members asking DTE to halt any electricity shutoffs.

During a press conference Saturday, Detroit community leaders launched a new campaign to create a more peaceful city in the summer months.

Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield and other organizations are looking for ways to compensate Detroiters who were overtaxed $600M during the Great Recession.

Detroit voters approved recreational marijuana in the city two years ago, but only now has it been given the green light by the city.

After years of back-and-forth, court battles and intense debate, the Detroit City Council has finally approved the city’s recreational marijuana ordinance.

The City of Detroit is officially allowing recreational marijuana to be sold in the city under a newly approved ordinance.

Michiganders voted to legalize recreational marijuana back in 2018. However, as it stands three-plus years later, the city of Detroit still doesn’t have a finalized plan for businesses to sell it.

Last summer, a judge put a halt to granting recreational marijuana licenses in the city of Detroit. Instead of waiting to go to trial, there’s a new ordinance on the table.

Wednesday (Feb. 9), Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced a plan to raise the minimum wage for Detroit city workers to $15 an hour, and with councils approval, it’s going to go in place sooner rather than later.

It has long stood as an iconic symbol of Detroit’s decline, the old Lee Plaza Hotel on West Grand Boulevard has sat vacant for decades, but that’s soon going to change. This is the towering Lee Plaza; it’s been abandoned and ransacked for 25. Now it is getting a new lease on life.

Former Detroit City Councilman Andre Spivey has been sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to a bribery charge in connection with the federal probe into a Detroit corruption scandal.

As we inch closer to sentencing for former Detroit City Council member Andre Spivey, one of the most significant deciding factors in how severe his sentencing will be is how much he’s cooperated with the FBI during this investigation.

The new Detroit City Council met for the first time Monday, Jan. 4, 2022.

Former Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh was released from prison Wednesday morning after serving a shorter-than-expected sentence following a criminal sexual conduct conviction.

The Detroit City Council has approved $18.6 million for a new transit center at the former Michigan State Fairgrounds site.

The old State Fairgrounds has turned into an Amazon hub -- and part of that deal is a new transit center to replace what’s there. Which is not much.

Watch Flashpoint every Sunday at 10 a.m. on Local 4 News.

A retired police officer has been charged in the ongoing corruption probe within Detroit City Hall and the Detroit Police Department.

Former Michigan Congresswoman Barbara Rose-Collins has died at the age of 82, according to a statement from family.

Track live results for Detroit City Council for the 2021 General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 2.

The Detroit City Council has unanimously approved an ordinance that would take guns away from domestic abusers.

A bridge battle is brewing in Detroit having to do with the Moroun family’s plan to build a new span across the Detroit River. To do that, they need a key piece of land that was promised to them years ago by the city.

A stage three, triple negative breast cancer survivor. That’s Saunteel Jenkins.

One year ago, Saunteel Jenkins, the CEO of The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) and former Detroit City Council president, faced a shocking diagnosis - Stage 3 breast cancer. But she was determined to survive.

After a chaotic year of scandal for the Detroit City Council, the 2021 General Election could be just as messy.

Andre Spivey, 47, has resigned from the Detroit City Council after pleading guilty to a bribery charge on Tuesday (Sept. 28).

The inaugural Detroit Grand Prix in 1982 was a race through Downtown Detroit.

Detroit City Council member Andre Spivey has plead guilty to bribery charges.

Here’s what’s coming up on Local 4 News at 4:

What crimes was the FBI investigating when agents raided the city council offices of Janeé Ayers and Scott Benson?

Councilmember Andre Spivey has already been charged with conspiracy to commit bribery.

Here are tonight's top stories.

Here's what's coming up on Local 4 News at 5.

FBI agents were raiding the homes of Detroit City Council members and offices at the city’s Coleman A. Young Municipal Center on Wednesday morning as part of a corruption probe.

Here’s what's coming up on Local 4 News at Noon.

Here are tonight's top stories.

Mayor Mike Duggan announced his selection for the permanent chief of the Detroit Police Department on Monday afternoon.

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Mayor Mike Duggan has named James White as his selection for the permanent chief of the Detroit Police Department.

Mayor Mike Duggan announced Monday he has selected James White as chief of the Detroit Police Department.

The former president of the Detroit City Council has been granted parole about five years after his conviction for having sex with a teenage boy when he previously worked as a TV journalist.

Detroit City Council member Andre Spivey is free on a $10,000 bond after an arraignment in federal court Tuesday over criminal charges.

The upheaval on the Detroit City Council seems to be far from over after the federal government accused councilman Andre Spivey of taking a bribe.

Election results for Detroit City Council races in the 2021 Michigan Primary Election on Aug. 3, 2021.

Detroit City Councilman Andre Spivey anticipates being indicted by federal prosecutors over a $1,000 payment three years ago.

The Detroit City Council has voted in favor of a reparation commitment.

Chrysler’s new plant on Detroit’s east side was a massive boost to the city’s economy, but neighbors living near it said it’s a nightmare.

Multiple organizations are making a serious case for reparations in the City of Detroit.

Concerns over parties and concerts at The Corner Ballpark in Corktown are being addressed by the city.

The city of Detroit is receiving hundreds of millions of dollars from the federal government, and Detroiters are being asked to share their thoughts on how the money should be spent during a meeting Tuesday.

The city of Detroit is receiving hundreds of millions of dollars from the federal government through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and Detroiters are being asked to share their thoughts on how the money should be spent.

Here's what's coming up on Local 4 News at 5.

Gabe Leland has pled guilty to misconduct in office and has resigned from Detroit City Council.

Here’s what's coming up on Local 4 News at Noon.

DETROIT – On Sunday’s episode of Flashpoint there was a conversation about the rise of domestic terrorism and mass violence with Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan’s 8th Congressional District. There was also a discussion about marijuana business licenses being distributed by the City of Detroit. Detroit City Council members Janee Ayers, James Tate and Raquel Castaneda-Lopez spoke about the topic. They weighed in on marijuana licensing in the city and the priority to include legacy Detroiters. Segment OneRep. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan’s 8th Congressional DistrictSegment TwoDetroit City Council members Janee Ayers, James Tate and Raquel Castaneda-LopezSegment ThreeFlashpoint host Karen Drew wraps up this week’s episode

It’s been nearly a year since recreational marijuana was legalized in Michigan, yet recreational shops and other businesses have not been allowed in Detroit.

Important PointsLegislation includes robust social equity program to help build wealth amongst DetroitersAt least 50% of all new licenses to be issued to “Legacy Detroiters”All state approved adult use licenses to be made availableLegacy applicants to receive priority application review, discounts on application feesDETROIT – Today the Detroit City Council voted to unanimously approve an adult-use recreational marijuana ordinance also known as Chapter 20 of the 2019 Detroit City Code, which allows adult-use marijuana licensing in Detroit. Passage of this ordinance by the full body of the Detroit City Council allows licensing for the following state approved categories: adult-use retailer establishment, grower, processor, safety compliance facility, temporary marihuana event, microbusiness, designated consumption lounge and secure transporter. The ordinance allows current medical marijuana licensees an opportunity at obtaining adult use licenses but works steadfastly to create an avenue of participation for residents of the city where this new industry will be located. The City of Detroit Civil Rights, Inclusion and Opportunity Department will begin accepting Detroit Legacy applications for certification in January 2021 and the Building, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department will follow by accepting applications for adult-use licensing starting April 1, 2021. For more information about the adult-use marijuana ordinance or the social equity program component, reach out to councilmembertate@detroitmi.gov or click here.

DETROIT – When crime statistics for 2019 were released earlier this year, Detroit found itself leading the country in violent crime. In 2014, it was used in a 2.18 square mile area of the ninth precinct. In the two-year period of the pilot program, ShotSpotter produced 18 search warrants, 30 weapons recovered, 571 rounds of ammunition collected and nine felony arrests, according to Detroit police. “Those are not eye-popping statistics, but we got some dangerous criminals off the streets,” says Detroit City Councilman Scott Benson. That works out to about $371,000 per year, or $62,500 per square mile, according to Benson.

(Copyright 2020 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.) This is the fourth year Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones has hosted the Infinite Scholars Program. President Jones is set to host a virtual college fair every night this week from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will feature over 70 colleges and universities providing “onsite” admission and scholarships and information to local graduating high school seniors. There will be a different set of colleges and universities featured every day.

DETROIT – Amazon has committed to a major distribution center in the city of Detroit on the former state fairgrounds site. That deal was announced in August and had already been signed off on by the Detroit City Council. On Thursday, a group opposing the sale, called the State Fair Development Coalition, got a temporary restraining order in Wayne County Circuit Court against the project. The city claims the sale price for the land was $16 million, which is above the appraised value. “The city was never provided notice of the plaintiffs' request for the temporary order or an opportunity to respond,” said Detroit Corporation Counsel Lawrence Garcia.

DETROIT – The sale of the former Michigan State Fairgrounds has been halted by a court order just over a week after the sale was approved. The Wayne County Circuit Court issued a temporary restraining order on Wednesday to halt the sale of 142 acres of the former fairgrounds site to two development groups. The Detroit City Council approved the sale on October 20, making the land available for a proposed Amazon distribution center and new indoor transit center. “In 2020, the Detroit City Council adopted a Community Outreach Ordinance requiring a specified outreach process before amending the city’s master plan. A proposed sale of acreage at the former Michigan State Fairgrounds would redevelop about half of the site into a new Amazon distribution center, with the rest saved for a transit center and other future developments.

DETROIT – When the sub-prime bubble popped, an estimated 10,000 Detroiters lost their homes -- many of them because their homes were over-assessedThe Detroit City Council announced a new plan Tuesday that features an eight-part program aimed at giving those who lost their homes a path to owning a new home in Detroit. The plan is likely to pass as five of the nine councilmembers are co-sponsors. The program includes:50% discount on any auction or Detroit Land Bank propertyPreferential hiring for the City of DetroitChildren and grandchildren getting preference to paid youth programsPreferential access to Detroit at work job search and career servicesPreferential enrollment in the City’s Rehab AcademyPreferential enrollment in the Senior home retro-fit programPreference for the occupancy of affordable housingPreferential access to financial counselingThere were a variety of reasons people lost their home. For instance, those who were in arrears for taxes may not be eligible, but if you were in arrears because of the over-assessment, you will be eligible for the programs.

DETROIT – Mayor Mike Duggan and City Council member James Tate are expected to unveil a proposal Monday that would allow marijuana licenses in Detroit. Residents of Detroit were surprised to hear that Duggan could soon be announcing an amendment to the city’s code that could possibly allow adult-use recreational marijuana licensing in the city. But freeing up marijuana sales isn’t the only goal of the legislation -- it also includes a social equity program focused on inclusion and opportunity. Under the new plan, 10 types of licenses are expected to be available to people operating in the city. Legacy applicants to receive first priority with discounts on application fees and city landDetails are expected to be revealed during a Monday afternoon press conference.

DETROIT – The Detroit City Council on Tuesday approved the sale of a portion of the former Michigan State Fairgrounds that will be developed into an Amazon distribution center, transit center and more. A digital rendering of the proposed Amazon distribution center at the site of the former Michigan State Fairgrounds. According to the city council president, the sale of the untaxed land will generate $42 million in tax revenue over the next 10 years. Jones and one other city council member reportedly voted against the agreement Tuesday, with six city council members voting in favor. The city of Detroit purchased 142 acres at the site of the former State Fairgrounds in 2018.

DETROIT – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Local 4′s thoughts are with Saunteel Jenkins, the CEO of the Heat and Warmth Fund and former Detroit City Council president. Jenkins has spent most of her career in the public eye, serving the community and helping people in need. She’ll be the first to admit she often puts the needs of others before her own. Now, in the middle of a fight for her life, it’s no surprise that her focus is to share her battle in hopes of helping others. You can watch Rhonda Walker’s full conversation with Jenkins in the video posted above.

DETROIT – If we want to see equality, social justice and reform happen, it will take all of us working together. The fight against racism continues and whether you think you’re directly affected or not, fighting for equality is everyone’s responsibility. "White people have a role that’s different than Black people do.”“It’s everybody’s job," said Frank Joyce, with People Against Racism. Do not give the implicit permission to other white people to talk to you about Black people," Cockrel said. Because I see people in motion and because compared to my experience 50+ years ago, the number of people in motion, white, Black, Latinx, indigenous etc.

DETROIT – A community group launched a campaign Saturday against Proposition N.While most Detroiters want to see blight removed from their city, a new bond has some uneasy. The group Call 'Em Out is trying to get residents to vote against the new bond set to be on the ballot in November. “They have double bookings, they have mismanaged money, they have paid vendors who were not on the approved vendors list,” Agnes Hitchcock said. Hollier lives in Detroit and said his neighborhood has blight too. “They haven’t worked in the past and that’s why it’s so important for us to get it right now,” Hollier said.

DETROIT Changes are coming for the former Michigan State Fairgrounds, located off of Eight Mile Road and Woodward Avenue. The land is currently used as a coronavirus testing site, but Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced Tuesday for new plans on the property. We want you to spend $7 million and build a transit center on the site, in addition the purchase price, and they agreed. They expect their first tenant on the first site, to be an Amazon distribution center. It will open in 2022, Duggan saidThe new transit center will be similar to the Rosa Parks Transit Center downtown and include safe, convenient pedestrian connections to the Meijer/Gateway Plaza nearby.

DETROIT Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced Tuesday a proposal that would bring a new Amazon distribution center to the former State Fairgrounds site by 2022. Two development groups, Hillwood Investment Properties and the Sterling Group, are slated to purchase 142 acres at the former State Fairgrounds site from the city of Detroit -- and Amazon is expected to be their first tenant. The Detroit City Council is expected to review a purchase agreement in September after its summer recess, officials said. The city of Detroit previously purchased the 142 acres at the former State Fairgrounds for $7 million in 2018. The city of Detroit purchased 142 acres at the site of the former State Fairgrounds in 2018.

DETROIT – Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has won the Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Michigan’s 13th congressional district. Tlaib, the incumbent, beat Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones by a wide margin in Tuesday’s primary. “The 13th Congressional District raised me, and it is an honor to represent my neighbors in the United States House of Representatives,” reads a statement from Tlaib. Read more: ‘Squad’ member Rashida Tlaib wins primary in MichiganShe will now go against one of three Republican candidates in the November general election. Related: Latest Election newsMichigan Primary Election Results 2020Primary Election Results by county:

DETROIT The case against a Detroit city councilman is growing after the Monroe County prosecutor charged Gabe Leland with misconduct in office Friday. Lelands legal fate seems like it could be decided in Michigan state courts, not federal. Leland has been serving out his term on city council while the case against him proceeds in the federal system. That case was expected to go to trial in two months before Leland was charged on state charges Friday with felony misconduct in public office. The charge stems from allegations of Leland accepting money to sway his vote on city matters.

DETROIT A Detroit City Councilman is gearing up for a big voting campaign. Its called Occupy the Corner Detroit 2020. This years campaign will focus on voting and social justice. We have Detroit native Jalen Rose, Loni Love, we have Hill Harper, one of my favorites CNN commentator Angela Rye, Angela Yee said Council President Pro Tem Mary Sheffield with Detroit City Council. Council President Pro Tem Mary Sheffield is bringing some heavy hitters to Detroit Friday night for the Occupy the Corner Detroit 2020.