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The Detroit City Planning Commission is again hearing the proposal to amend the master plan to change the zoning of the ACTUAL STATE FAIRGROUNDS from parkland to light industrial, for an Amazon warehouse.
Yup.
Here's the zoom link: https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/j/96355593579?pwd=TTloMzN5M3pmU1RKNXp1MjJlczN3UT09
Yup.
Here's the zoom link: https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/j/96355593579?pwd=TTloMzN5M3pmU1RKNXp1MjJlczN3UT09
Or iPhone one-tap :
US: +12678310333,,96355593579# or +13017158592,,96355593579#
Or Telephone:
Dial: US:+12678310333 or+13017158592 or+13126266799 or+12133388477 or+1253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799
Meeting ID: 963 5559 3579
US: +12678310333,,96355593579# or +13017158592,,96355593579#
Or Telephone:
Dial: US:+12678310333 or+13017158592 or+13126266799 or+12133388477 or+1253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799
Meeting ID: 963 5559 3579
They will not be taking public comment before the vote today. They took public comment last week, dozens and dozens of them. There is public hearing generally at the end of the hearing if you want to say *after the vote* what you thought. The Fairgrounds plan moves to Council nxt
They keep saying the transit center will be "state of the art" and yet I haven't heard details about what that meants besides heat, bathrooms (of indeterminate number -- adequate restrooms are a big health issue for bus drivers), and wifi. I'm curious.
Ray Diggs from the City is being defensive re: the lack of Amazon's presence at all these hearings, bc they are the tenant and not the developer.
Let's not pretend that this would not be steamrolling through as it is were Amazon not the promised tenant. Cmon.
Let's not pretend that this would not be steamrolling through as it is were Amazon not the promised tenant. Cmon.
The steamroller in this metaphor is driven by Duggan.
Nicole Sherard-Freeman w/the City talks about the questions about whether $15/hr are something to celebrate. She frames it as "very solidly on the pathway to a middle class job."
But we've heard abt the long hours and safety violations of Amazon jobs right here in metro Detroit
But we've heard abt the long hours and safety violations of Amazon jobs right here in metro Detroit
Reminder: This happened TWO WEEKS AGO.
Congresswomen had cops called on them at an Amazon facility they'd been invited to, and then were locked out for 90 mins while workers cleaned frantically. https://www.metrotimes.com/news-hits/archives/2020/09/15/reps-tlaib-and-dingell-confronted-by-police-before-finding-unsafe-conditions-at-amazon-warehouse-in-romulus
Congresswomen had cops called on them at an Amazon facility they'd been invited to, and then were locked out for 90 mins while workers cleaned frantically. https://www.metrotimes.com/news-hits/archives/2020/09/15/reps-tlaib-and-dingell-confronted-by-police-before-finding-unsafe-conditions-at-amazon-warehouse-in-romulus
They keep underscoring that this is not technically a rezoning, but a master plan amendment. I wonder if there's an underlying reason for that.
Like is it just a language issue (planners do love to split hairs on why the terminology in perfectly valid public comments renders them mistaken/misinformed), or would a rezoning trigger other requirements?
Their analysis that this won't trigger Section 106 historic review and that this is a subsidy-free project is based on narrow interpretations of things already IMO
Even the language used in last week's hearing claiming that there would be no loss of bus service by moving the transit center off Woodward (towards the Amazon and Meijer area) was a feat of language. My understanding is no *DDOT* service wld be lost, but SMART might not connect
The other day I finally told my Detroit-raised mom and aunt about the fact that they are trying to tear down the Fairgrounds. I was putting it off because I knew they'd be upset. My mom kept asking where they could possibly put all the animals in Suburban Collection Showplace.
My aunt even won a blue ribbon at the Michigan State Fair once. She won the husband calling contest.
Commissioner Webb asks what recourse the city has if Amazon violates these environmental agreements. We could sue, is the answer (I didn't capture the whole response but do we really think they would?)
There's a question about the bus center. Mikel Oglesby (Director of Transportation) keeps emphasizing that it would be a "transit center" instead of a "transit hub."
Pretty sure I've always heard it called a transit center if not just "State Fair"
Pretty sure I've always heard it called a transit center if not just "State Fair"
Comm. Webb asks about the loss of historic houses and a park nearby in the neighborhood, which I do not know much about. Arthur Jemison redirects her to the city plan amendment thing they're voting on today as a "narrow question"
City staff claims that 51% of all construction hours would be performed by Detroit residents or there would be hefty fines.
If you believe that system works, I have a Little Caesar's Arena to sell you.
If you believe that system works, I have a Little Caesar's Arena to sell you.
There's not a jobs commitment from Amazon, if I'm understanding correctly. City staff is trying to sell the idea that they will be "selling them on what we've already done for FCA" and that the City's jobs infrastructure will handle it.
Again re: jobs in the city, the people who tore down the place next to my last apartment on the West Side were from 45 minutes away, Downriver. They acted like it.
Commissioner Lauren Hood asks "What's the long term game for somebody from Detroit being employed by Amazon?" She wants to hear about retention.
Nicole Sherard-Freeman argues that they will want to retain people because turnover is expensive
(really.... here in the city that Henry Ford built we're gonna be like "oh they totally don't like turnover".....)
(really.... here in the city that Henry Ford built we're gonna be like "oh they totally don't like turnover".....)
Nicole Sherard-Freeman said Amazon is going to show their commitment to treating Detroiters decently at work by doing it and showing the results.
hahahahahahAHAHAHAHAHAHahahaHAHAHAHAHAHAHA brb sobbing
So no commitment
No answer on who in the City wld hold them accountable
hahahahahahAHAHAHAHAHAHahahaHAHAHAHAHAHAHA brb sobbing
So no commitment
No answer on who in the City wld hold them accountable
Vice Chair Lauren Hood says "I feel this tremendous pressure... to go along" and vote a certain way and move it along. She struggles with whether this even matters with how the world is. Is there even a reason she is here if pressure to go along and vote is how it is?
Re: no need to make Amazon commit to good working conditions at the Fairgrounds because they will treat people right "by doing it"
This evergreen testimony: https://twitter.com/_lilderick/status/1277675752666943488?s=20
This evergreen testimony: https://twitter.com/_lilderick/status/1277675752666943488?s=20
Purchase price: "We're receiving 16 million dollars. The appraisal was for much less than that."
This appraisal did not include the historic buildings on the site. Y'all.
This appraisal did not include the historic buildings on the site. Y'all.
The City's law department felt that the Community Benefits Ordinance has not been triggered b/c it is being paid more than the value of the land.
Huh. The appraisal that didn't mention historic assets. If you've owned a house in the city you know they can juke an appraisal.
Huh. The appraisal that didn't mention historic assets. If you've owned a house in the city you know they can juke an appraisal.
Commissioner Damion Ellis says they keep emphasizing the lack of subsidy. "Because it's not public, it's private," why not include set asides for Detroit residents and minority owned biz? "You can do that."
"We can dance around it all you want, but... you can look at [Sterling Group's] current inclusion numbers." Damion Ellis says look at their TCF Bank project and others. "There's no way" they're going to meet the 51% Detroiters requirement
Commissioner Ellis says "I am overall in support, but I think a lot more needs to be done and you guys can get that done before it goes to Council."
He said Council is gonna need to see something more friendly to Detroiters.
He said Council is gonna need to see something more friendly to Detroiters.
Nicole Sherard-Freeman says Amazon encourages people with misdemeanors or felonies are encouraged to apply to these jobs. They are background friendly.
One of the first good things I've heard about this. So many Detroiters are returning citizens / formerly incarcerated.
One of the first good things I've heard about this. So many Detroiters are returning citizens / formerly incarcerated.
It's not fully out of consideration, they look at what the crime was and how recent it was. But it's not an automatic no. (I help run a jobs board for returning citizens, and even just openly saying "yeah apply even if you have a felony" is not done remotely enough.)
Commissioner Brenda Goss Andrews asks about COVID safety for warehouse and construction workers. The team's answer is they're doing HVAC filters and things like that.
Air circulation is important, but isn't it the case there isn't enough known to say that a given filter works?
Air circulation is important, but isn't it the case there isn't enough known to say that a given filter works?
There will also be COVID precautions at the construction site, they say
Commisioner Henry Williams thanks his fellow commissioners for fighting for the residents of the City of Detroit. He particularly thanks Vice Chair Lauren Hood
(No argument here. Lauren is a national treasure.)
(No argument here. Lauren is a national treasure.)
Commissioner Webb asks about another company, Mims Motors, that didn’t get the site. They wanted to make electric cars. Missed the details why they didn’t get it
Vice Chair Lauren Hood asks why they should believe the developers will hit the 51% Detroit residents (on the construction workforce) requirement if their other developments aren't.
Elie Torgrow from Sterling Group says the 51% is hard and a lot of companies aren't meeting it
Elie Torgrow from Sterling Group says the 51% is hard and a lot of companies aren't meeting it
Lauren notes that 48% of Detroiters currently don't have jobs, per a recent U of M study.
Nicole Sherard-Freeman from the City talks about how they are training people in construction. They as in the City
Nicole Sherard-Freeman from the City talks about how they are training people in construction. They as in the City
Re: It's too hard to find Detroiters to do even half of the construction jobs replacing our public State Fairgrounds that belongs to us https://twitter.com/infinite_scream/status/1311766381860466689?s=20
"This is an 80% Black city.... 48% employment rate. If there is *intention*" it's possible to hire Detroiters, says Commissioner Damion Ellis.
There needs to be a commitment from Amazon AND Sterling Group.
There needs to be a commitment from Amazon AND Sterling Group.
"When I go to their website and look at their team page, I don't see a commitment to Black leadership."
--Damion Ellis on Fairgrounds developer Sterling Group
--Damion Ellis on Fairgrounds developer Sterling Group
City staff talks about efforts to develop youth via employment programs.
She just corrected a commissioner to say "differently abled" instead of disabled? I uhhh... as a disabled person, just say disabled. "Disabled person" is not inherently a bad thing
She just corrected a commissioner to say "differently abled" instead of disabled? I uhhh... as a disabled person, just say disabled. "Disabled person" is not inherently a bad thing
THEY JUST RECEIVED A LETTER FROM RASHIDA TLAIB IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MEETING.
I CLAPPED SO LOUD IT STARTLED MALLINCKRODT AND SHE TRILLED
I CLAPPED SO LOUD IT STARTLED MALLINCKRODT AND SHE TRILLED
The letter from Rashida Tlaib "reiterates the concerns" already expressed.
Which ones tho
Read it
Which ones tho
Read it
City Planning Commission voted to accept the Staff recommendation unanimously. It's a vote to vote
Motion and second to accept staff's recommendation to amend the Master Plan to move the State Fairgrounds from parkland to light industrial.
Discussion.
Commissioner Webb asks what if the project does not go forward, do they get to vote again?
Discussion.
Commissioner Webb asks what if the project does not go forward, do they get to vote again?
Anything that would be done on the land that's not consistent with current zoning would have to come back through CPC or Council, possibly the Board of Zoning Appeals for a variance.
Commissioner Damion Ellis requests assurance that the concerns of the Commisioners be recorded for the public record. "So noted."
Everyone on City Planning Commission who's present today (David Esparza is recused) votes in favor of the master plan amendment for the State Fairgrounds site
EXCEPT FOR the "nay" from Vice Chair Lauren Hood.
Motion carries.
EXCEPT FOR the "nay" from Vice Chair Lauren Hood.
Motion carries.
I am trying to write this in plain language but have taken minutes on so many public hearings in my life.... if you need clarification ask me and I can try to explain.
I have a lot to do this evening but can get back to them later tonight.
I have a lot to do this evening but can get back to them later tonight.
There is a second vote now, on the proposed resolution City Planning Commission wants to pass along to Council for passing as a Council Resolution, with some requirements for the development including preservation and environmental impacts costs
Commissioner Russell asks to see the Detroit Greenways Coalition letter, but there are so many letters Staff can't find it.
"That letter speaks to several issues including street design, transit ctr connections... safe nonmotorized crossing over 8 Mile Road."
"That letter speaks to several issues including street design, transit ctr connections... safe nonmotorized crossing over 8 Mile Road."
Commissioner Russell asks for a greenway through the site to supply recreation throughout the year.
It is FUCKING WILD that they want to make the PUBLIC STATE FAIRGROUNDS wholly private. I know they're offering little compromise parks in the nearby neighborhood, still WOW
It is FUCKING WILD that they want to make the PUBLIC STATE FAIRGROUNDS wholly private. I know they're offering little compromise parks in the nearby neighborhood, still WOW
In addition to the recs they are sending to Council, Comm. Russell requests that they amend
1) that the letter from Detroit Greenways Coalition be considered
2) a greenway thru the site and the funding to maintain it
1) that the letter from Detroit Greenways Coalition be considered
2) a greenway thru the site and the funding to maintain it
They have added the above two greenways items to the recommendation to City Council.
A commissioner asks for clarification that the recs include all three Natl Reg buildings
Unanimous "yes" vote to approve the six recommendations to City Council, among those voting (Davis Esparza still recused.)
So the State Fairgrounds master plan amendment was approved by Planning Commission.
Onwards to Council. That's the next place we organize.
So the State Fairgrounds master plan amendment was approved by Planning Commission.
Onwards to Council. That's the next place we organize.
Someone just said "oh fuck" on their mic :)
I'm heading out of the meeting for now because I have other things to do, but may try to tune in to public comment later if the timing is right.
Corey is tweeting the rest of the meeting! https://twitter.com/coreyjrowe/status/1311815409960652800?s=20
I put the meeting back on in the background bc of course I did. They're discussing a rezoning in Southwest Detroit near Clark Park.
I caught that Matrix Human Services has Boulevard Trumbull Towing as a landlord. Helluva landlord, damn
I caught that Matrix Human Services has Boulevard Trumbull Towing as a landlord. Helluva landlord, damn
Whoever this is speaking says Clark Park is "largely surrounded by industrial."
There's houses on two sides and small Latinx-owned biz along a third side??
I don't have the full context on this thing, but hmm
There's houses on two sides and small Latinx-owned biz along a third side??
I don't have the full context on this thing, but hmm
"Crown Enterprises aka the Bridge Company is opposed to this being downzoned."
I really don't have enough info to evaluate what seems like the rezoning of numerous parcels in Hubbard Farms, BUT if the Bridge Co doesn't like something that might mean it's a good idea
I really don't have enough info to evaluate what seems like the rezoning of numerous parcels in Hubbard Farms, BUT if the Bridge Co doesn't like something that might mean it's a good idea
Someone in the meeting mentioned “a large antique car storage facility” on Junction. If I can’t find that in an aerial I may have to consult my vintage car friend. Wouldn’t mind admiring that from the sidewalk if it’s possible.
A planning commissioners is proposing they have a review of the current Master Plan of the city, in light of a heightened amount of public participation lately.
The Master Plan is from 2009 and it will be revised upon receipt of the census.
The Master Plan is from 2009 and it will be revised upon receipt of the census.
The sounds like it would be an explanation of the current state of the master plan for the public
Tomorrow at 4pm, the Detroit Charter Revision Commission will discuss the Planning Commission as it is laid out in the Charter.
Public comment (while I’m rushing around, will do what I can): Cindy says the Fairgrounds site should be public and include swimming
Public comment from the attorney of Boulevard Trumbull. Can you imagine what kind of person somebody would have to be to be the attorney for a notoriously sleazy towing company? Yes I’m sharing this instead of his comments.
“I don’t have words for the level of betrayal I feel” about the Fairgrounds, says a commenter. “I shouldn’t have to lose my park and everybody else’s park.... Regional park doesn’t mean outreach to 200’, it means the region.”
She says a replacement regional park should be 138 acres and include historic buildings. No such replacement exists
Ruth Johnson expresses her disappointment like the previous commenter, highlights the many remaining questions about things like pedestrian access and the transit center, and cites the many documents that have not been shared with the public
People want to see the appraisal
Frank Hammer thanks Lauren Hood. He says Amazon's retention rates are abysmal, you can look them up. "They rely on disposable workers" to maintain dangerous work speeds. City must recognize the right of Amazon workers to organize. "This is what it means to say Black lives matter"
Transit organizer Cunningham says they will be picketing in front of Councilman Benson and (I think) Councilman Spivey's house. He says people are taking bribes. City staff is trying to talk over him.
I gotta say, whoever it is whose job it is to facilitate these public comments for City Planning Commission is obvious in trying to cut off, short time, or ask pointed questions of negative comments.
Currently he's refuting what Cunningham said
Currently he's refuting what Cunningham said
As someone who used to do that literal job elsewhere, it's your job to take negative comments and get yelled at. Literally. I have GLADLY done it.
Josh Bacon says "It was very upsetting to see of 56 letters you took in there were four opposed, and somehow State Fair Development Corp" with 600 members including other groups and churches, "were drowned out today. That's very upsetting." They are residents.
He cites people being able to "make big voices with big money"
Jake Howlett, who is apparently the Crown Enterprises/ Detroit Bridge Company attorney, is giving a public comment.
DETROIT BRIDGE COMPANY ATTORNEY? I DIDN'T KNOW THEY HAD ZOOM RECEPTION DOWN AT THE BOTTOM OF A SEWAGE VAT.
DETROIT BRIDGE COMPANY ATTORNEY? I DIDN'T KNOW THEY HAD ZOOM RECEPTION DOWN AT THE BOTTOM OF A SEWAGE VAT.
Jacqueline Austin of People's Platform says she feels very excluded & disrespected as a member of the ADA community and a transit community. She calls out the disrespect of the comment process. "Send me a notification and let me know that my comments and Qs are being considered"
Gary H from the state fair coalition says he wanted to see more parks. He supports making the coliseum into the transit center. Add coffee shops, restaurants, make it "a nice architectural wonder like the train station's gonna be"
He commends preservation and the greenway.
He commends preservation and the greenway.
Rochella Stewart from Detroit People's Platform says "I know essential bus riders and residents deserve a public hearing." She is worried about the health of residents and bus riders. She urges a transit center hearing and an independent health assessment
Tonya Myers-Phillips is not in agreement with the vote. "Regardless of the amount of loopholes and flaws in the presentation tonight, they were given a pass in many areas." The decision was rushed and not afforded the type of care necessary. She thanks CPC for the additional recs
She thanks Lauren Hood.
Public comment closed. And this thread closed.
If you want to thank me for tweeting tonight, please take a moment to sign the Justice for Sabrie petition. https://campaigns.organizefor.org/petitions/tell-gov-whitmer-to-hire-an-independent-prosecutor-to-bring-justiceforsabrie?fbclid=IwAR3aYreFCcwE2FLSYYa1sEkHf0-V6PvlduLGV82AcCQvvm2w6oflff2Hoe8
