City council member blasts states pipe approval that would send raw sewage into Detroit River
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 approves District Detroit tax incentives in 8-1 vote
After weeks of back and forth with postponed votes, the Ilitchโs 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.
Concerns raised after City Council postpones vote on $1.5B District Detroit project
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.
City of Detroit opens applications for commercial adult-use marijuana business licensing
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.
Ninth annual โOccupy The Cornerโ took place on Detroitโs east side
Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield held her ninth annual โOccupy The Cornerโ event as hundreds gathered Friday evening at Coleman Young Playfield on the cityโs 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 eventโs purpose goes beyond that.
Detroitโs Lee Plaza gets new lease on life, will be renovated for senior affordable housing
It has long stood as an iconic symbol of Detroitโs decline, the old Lee Plaza Hotel on West Grand Boulevard has sat vacant for decades, but thatโs soon going to change. This is the towering Lee Plaza; itโs been abandoned and ransacked for 25. Now it is getting a new lease on life.
Both sides await sentencing for former Detroit City Council member Andre Spivey
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 heโs cooperated with the FBI during this investigation.
Detroit City Council at odds with Mayor Mike Duggan, Moroun family over land needed for new bridge
A bridge battle is brewing in Detroit having to do with the Moroun familyโs 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.
LIVE STREAM: Detroit mayor holds meeting to propose spending projects, request input from residents
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.
Detroit residents asked for input on city spending of $400M from American Rescue Plan
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.
Flashpoint recap: Congresswoman weighs in on rise of domestic extremism; Detroit City Council members discuss process of distributing marijuana business licenses
DETROIT โ On Sundayโs episode of Flashpoint there was a conversation about the rise of domestic terrorism and mass violence with Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Michiganโs 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 Michiganโs 8th Congressional DistrictSegment TwoDetroit City Council members Janee Ayers, James Tate and Raquel Castaneda-LopezSegment ThreeFlashpoint host Karen Drew wraps up this weekโs episode
Detroit City Council approves adult use marijuana ordinance
Important PointsLegislation includes robust social equity program to help build wealth amongst DetroitersAt least 50% of all new licenses to be issued to โLegacy DetroitersโAll state approved adult use licenses to be made availableLegacy applicants to receive priority application review, discounts on application feesDETROIT โ 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 Police Department makes pitch to continue ShotSpotter program
DETROIT โ 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. โThose are not eye-popping statistics, but we got some dangerous criminals off the streets,โ says Detroit City Councilman Scott Benson. That works out to about $371,000 per year, or $62,500 per square mile, according to Benson.
Virtual infinite scholars college fair
(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 โonsiteโ admission and scholarships and information to local graduating high school seniors. There will be a different set of colleges and universities featured every day.
Judge temporarily halts sale of former State Fairgrounds site for redevelopment project
DETROIT โ 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. โThe city was never provided notice of the plaintiffs' request for the temporary order or an opportunity to respond,โ said Detroit Corporation Counsel Lawrence Garcia.
Court order temporarily halts sale of former Michigan State Fairgrounds site
DETROIT โ 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. โIn 2020, the Detroit City Council adopted a Community Outreach Ordinance requiring a specified outreach process before amending the cityโs 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 officials announce new tax-relief plan
DETROIT โ 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 Cityโs 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 officials expected to reveal plan to allow recreational marijuana sales
DETROIT โ 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 cityโs code that could possibly allow adult-use recreational marijuana licensing in the city. But freeing up marijuana sales isnโt 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 City Council approves sale of former State Fairgrounds site for redevelopment project
DETROIT โ 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.
Former Detroit City Council President Saunteel Jenkins shares her breast cancer battle
DETROIT โ October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Local 4โฒs 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. Sheโll 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, itโs no surprise that her focus is to share her battle in hopes of helping others. You can watch Rhonda Walkerโs full conversation with Jenkins in the video posted above.
Voices of a Nation: What everyone can do to help combat racism
DETROIT โ 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 youโre directly affected or not, fighting for equality is everyoneโs responsibility. "White people have a role thatโs different than Black people do.โโItโs everybodyโs 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.
Fight over blight: Detroit group launches campaign against Proposition N
DETROIT โ 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. โThey have double bookings, they have mismanaged money, they have paid vendors who were not on the approved vendors list,โ Agnes Hitchcock said. Hollier lives in Detroit and said his neighborhood has blight too. โThey havenโt worked in the past and thatโs why itโs so important for us to get it right now,โ Hollier said.
Amazon distribution center expected on former state fairgrounds site in Detroit
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 mayor: Amazon distribution center proposed for former State Fairgrounds site
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.
Rashida Tlaib wins Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Michiganโs 13th congressional district
DETROIT โ Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has won the Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Michiganโs 13th congressional district. Tlaib, the incumbent, beat Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones by a wide margin in Tuesdayโs primary. โThe 13th Congressional District raised me, and it is an honor to represent my neighbors in the United States House of Representatives,โ reads a statement from Tlaib. Read more: โSquadโ 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 city council member Gabe Leland charged with misconduct in office
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.
Occupy the Corner Detroit 2020 voting campaign kicks off Friday
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.