[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6664119,"mediaKeyId","2385991-1231717cdb98c6c52ec081aba5e50eff","parentId",2385991,"title","Residents press council on septic, sewer connections and perceived delays; city outlines outreach and loan programs","audioSeconds",1292,"startMs",2862000,"endMs",4154000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2385991-1231717cdb98c6c52ec081aba5e50eff&start=2862&end=4154","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2385991-1231717cdb98c6c52ec081aba5e50eff/thumbnail_2862000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6664119/Southfield/Oakland-County/Michigan/Residents-press-council-on-septic-sewer-connections-and-perceived-delays-city-outlines-outreach-and-loan-programs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6664119-8eca9dafc233a794c0f150ae0309d774/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204344&Signature=B89ey7rtNeMYSGHGHcaLDirfjDzWQUGbaH4TxN7T1iDHEzt19anvNANd1fooDkAxeVk3auPT6MU9vbitdKNzwxlCVhCsnou2uZx72LkHalJ-W0cc2q-PMQHLaaVxUI4mc5s-Z-n5F6j8M6~gOqTZvR1olLwLco0dmxaFFt-ZC9IcNh7H2Jx0tej8jH3N66T8wns08lJd-OdmvpTXnzf7ebRfsMNoID56bPqxnBGqc8wzGP1T9xnzk2R5N8QhDYzk8r4j0rDYKAyQYRTSQURZ-7c2UO9piRAvpBJSNHDU2d0WiHlZ8G~iEejGQ8scOmvlDBO2vP2swLATsgstuuZsIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Southfield","date","2025-02-25T14:01:33.663Z","article","Several residents used the communications period at the Feb. 20 Southfield City Council meeting to press long-running concerns about septic systems, sewer connections and related costs. Council members and city staff responded with a summary of prior outreach and programs meant to address those concerns.

Speakers during communications included Myron Thomas, who asked the council to review signal timings near a newly under-construction 10 Mile project, and a series of Circle Drive area residents who raised complaints about sewer-line work and offers around easements. Stacy Jackson, president of the Beachwood Acres Homeowners Association, told the council she was concerned by a previous council meeting exchange and recounted residents’ belief that pipes had been staged for installation and later removed; she also asked whether homeowners had received the same offers for easements as other neighborhoods years earlier.

Residents described health and expense concerns tied to failing septic fields and basement backups. One speaker said about 700 properties could be affected and that replacement or connection costs could be substantial. Several speakers said earlier promises or projects left outstanding questions.

City officials responded with historical context and program details. The mayor and other staff said the city previously held an informational meeting at a neighborhood school for residents on septic or well systems, that the city had lowered the TAP connection fee to make tying in more affordable, and that the city established a 30% loan program to assist low-income residents with connection costs. The mayor said about 550 homeowners tied into city sewer following earlier outreach and that the city offered group-trench pricing to reduce per-resident trenching costs. City staff also said the city inspects sewer lines and noted some homeowner basement backups resulted from sump pumps being turned off or from power failures, not necessarily line failures.

Council members said they would follow up with residents through the legislative committee and with staff, and reminded homeowners that the building and code departments and loan programs can provide assistance for connection questions and costs. City officials reiterated they would continue to investigate specific claims of removed infrastructure and to provide information and next steps to residents who request it.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","FEBRUARY 24, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MEETING","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple residents raised long-running concerns about septic systems, alleged removed or incomplete work on Circle Drive, and sewer-connection costs. City officials described an earlier informational session, a TAP fee reduction, loan programs and group-pricing efforts to lower connection costs.","taxTitle","Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan","taxId",76298,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6664123,"Council approves Brownfield plan, TIF and reimbursement agreement for El Car Wash redevelopment",770,5022000,5792000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2385991-1231717cdb98c6c52ec081aba5e50eff&start=5022&end=5792","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2385991-1231717cdb98c6c52ec081aba5e50eff/thumbnail_5022000.jpg","/articles/6664123/Southfield/Oakland-County/Michigan/Council-approves-Brownfield-plan-TIF-and-reimbursement-agreement-for-El-Car-Wash-redevelopment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6664123-a51f5f33f799ab976dfaedad1c3b57a5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204344&Signature=Ln0m0rHfMYJ8Ml8Ic8HJIZfGWSkgWLkb3fo2Mm9Y4EILK4M1OMGR05SHBIXOcrYXc3xtGTP7anGxZuK-wm5HqE5hRpIuurkGP3awW3yjDgobMRswvtdvHqHu4rpPsKVq19sVDLDk8wuxNqxhMl~6ptpV452rhHHVqW71sFot75Z50qAbh5O7EvcDFa4tIf8~osaOJ8MOGqdS0vg2tkU9w3S5kXn-HehYRr25xePh5HJnZzNFf0piijrL4pb-eHBXoNQ6iKt-9eKs2sVlkynLvpS16f~9Q9zE9DZE4wbOVdovDBeEvbGCsPdxunIPG8yRlk1ydfUJDCqvQ9nUmPq84A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Southfield City Council approved on Feb. 20 a Brownfield redevelopment plan, tax increment financing plan and a development reimbursement agreement for an El Car Wash project that will redevelop three parcels at Northwestern Highway and 12 Mile Road.

Luke Bonner of Bonner Advisory Group, the Brownfield consultant for the applicant, told the council the site is about 1.5 acres and involves removal and demolition of six buildings. Bonner said contamination at the site is attributable to a former gas station and dry cleaner. He described eligible Brownfield activities that will be requested for reimbursement: contamination cleanup and management, demolition, site preparation and site infrastructure improvements. The redevelopment budget presented to the Brownfield Authority was about $4.5 million in total eligible activity with estimated annual tax capture of roughly $56,000; local administration and a Brownfield revolving loan contribution were reflected in the plan.

Developer representative Gabe Schuman and consultant team members attended the meeting. Schuman said the team had received a soil erosion permit and planned mobilization in the coming weeks, estimating an opening during the next 9–12 months depending on schedule pressures. Luke Bonner said the project will recycle a high share of its water and include landscaping and site beautification.

A public hearing produced no substantive objections; one member of the public asked about the Brownfield reimbursement mechanics and the city’s representative explained the developer makes the up-front investment and eligible costs are reimbursed from captured incremental tax revenue over a 30-year period. The Brownfield Authority and the city retain administrative fees and a share for the local revolving fund to support future redevelopment projects.

Councilman Hicks moved approval, Councilman Cruz supported the motion, and the council approved the Brownfield plan and related agreements by voice vote.","After a public hearing the council approved Brownfield and TIF plans and a reimbursement agreement for a three-parcel redevelopment on Northwestern Highway and 12 Mile; the developer said site mobilization would begin in weeks and an opening is expected within 9–12 months.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6664128,"Assessor briefs council on March Board of Review schedule, expected valuation changes",340,664000,1004000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2385991-1231717cdb98c6c52ec081aba5e50eff&start=664&end=1004","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2385991-1231717cdb98c6c52ec081aba5e50eff/thumbnail_664000.jpg","/articles/6664128/Southfield/Oakland-County/Michigan/Assessor-briefs-council-on-March-Board-of-Review-schedule-expected-valuation-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6664128-ddc99da81f7d91b6cc7eb8e2339fda28/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204344&Signature=OasHUhBAJKlD7ji3-1IovBgftr8cHYs2PhRtHOge6jODXwEm0Efqp5ws58KISGcjVzFgGj~1VlUUtw4eWIE~MjjIRnBSwpqZOeDasbvaTBF7-gOiCskSlFhF8nP~jsdQWy4nLIyyOixnBXtja561uDmEO35KfAid8o~piMV8Zn~hdlTw3~42EQKt4mxHRwkHLQalFBRzGLGOPeNohaMXrv0hkS1g6liK5I1j6UbjRGzjVVvkRUBi6r1w4hE3pofYYBiglUGkvg~2P-KCVfuHFWPNTdhjhIYAy6Srs32ul7iU8DaWHBcuPoes2yaauPVkD80IdxJs2Jak2y1wA7jS2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Southfield’s assessor briefed the City Council on Feb. 20 about the upcoming March Board of Review schedule, the content of recent assessment notices and how property owners can appeal.

The assessor said notices were mailed Feb. 14 and will include current and prior-year assessed and taxable values, the assessor’s reason for any change, an estimate of the change to annual taxes, and classification and ownership information. The assessor said the annual inflation rate used this year is 3.1 percent \"so all taxpayers should expect to be increased by 3.1% on their taxable value.\" He told council staff recommended residential assessed values (half of market value) be increased by roughly 5.5 percent in many cases, commercial values were recommended to decline marginally and industrial values were recommended up about 7.14 percent; he cautioned that the changes would not be identical for every parcel.

The March Board of Review dates were described as the first series of required sessions in March (the assessor said appointments will be available across several days including morning and afternoon sessions and evening appointments). The assessor urged property owners to schedule appointments with the assessing department at (248) 796-5230 and noted that residential property owners typically must appeal at the March Board to preserve rights to later file with the Michigan Tax Tribunal. He summarized tribunal deadlines: residential petitions have an internal deadline around July 31; commercial and industrial petition deadlines differ.

On questions about evidence, the assessor advised property owners to bring private appraisals, comparable sales, photos showing deferred maintenance, or any documentation that supports a valuation claim. He also reviewed 2024 Board of Review outcomes: the board processed 303 total value petitions, adjusted commercial values in a small number of cases, adjusted 40 residential values out of 213 petitions, granted 24 poverty exemptions and answered 54 personal-property matters.

Council members asked whether the Board of Review process benefits residents; the assessor said it does, particularly for property owners who recently purchased homes. The council and staff reiterated instructions on appeal scheduling and documentation to the public.","Southfield's assessor told council that notices mailed Feb. 14 reflect a 3.1% inflation adjustment to taxable value; residential assessed values were recommended up roughly 5.5% while industrial values were recommended up about 7.14%. March Board hearings will restore appeal rights for homeowners.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6664133,"Planning department details $180M in 2024 development activity and multiple grant wins",970,1314000,2284000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2385991-1231717cdb98c6c52ec081aba5e50eff&start=1314&end=2284","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2385991-1231717cdb98c6c52ec081aba5e50eff/thumbnail_1314000.jpg","/articles/6664133/Southfield/Oakland-County/Michigan/Planning-department-details-180M-in-2024-development-activity-and-multiple-grant-wins","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6664133-2ebdc3a06a55099b4b60050364350d58/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204344&Signature=TaWq6s-7mBgzXM~DfCbsM1t6XOpu-gTWux~tSw-eF4Z79KCilxK5e5mFGFTE~gOeCrXu46NVSvPmZf1Mf1cJo0OZiyq6gixEyktECzEPKynLSkt~epxlW7A4L8B2MROgiuhgoO~nR4vbIb9NOhsF~51FsQZkeAsOylGADskHznqrE4sSHKfsJ47Nl8KqYOMeY~udW7WL0HnPuA-VrLx3rA3ojITqkXkmEQIPbOB9Yl7RXEE~U2UVB43xaAZKdj~e6szvWp~--r-X~-BLjyTilJCEtxE62hErYmgBd717DqFCFuPQ8Q~sj2ANyg8wKeAEm2zQQtGpVNNVU5ofbWOqjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Southfield’s planning department presented its 2024 annual report to the City Council on Feb. 20, reporting roughly $180 million in development activity that included both administrative reviews and projects that required Planning Commission or council approvals.

Deputy City Planner Tom Spayson told the council the department worked closely with five boards last year, including 29 Planning Commission meetings and a joint visioning session with the council. The Planning Commission reviewed rezonings, special land uses, site plans and zoning-text amendments; 2024 activity included nine standard rezonings, 23 site-plan reviews and 97 administrative site plans.

Spayson summarized changes the Planning Commission handled in 2024: delegating additional items to staff in site-plan review; amendments to marijuana retailer hours; updates to fencing rules allowing taller decorative security fences with administrative approval; beekeeping and backyard fowl regulations that the council later codified; and drive-through standards in commercial districts. He said 2024 included a pipeline of retail and restaurant projects — including Panda Express and Culver’s on Telegraph — and several redevelopment efforts such as the Wellspring development and Glassman Kia.

The department said planning-related activity produced about $180 million in development value in 2024, compared with roughly $78 million in the prior year and higher totals in some earlier years tied to large approvals. Spayson highlighted placemaking and nonmotorized projects: 13 bus-stop enhancements, additional solar bollards on the City Center Trail, gateway signage and landscaping, and continued work on the 9 Mile Greenway corridor. He also described multiple grant awards: an MDOT TAP grant for Evergreen-to-Southfield pathway work, an Oakland County Access to Transit award for bridge design, and a Michigan shared-streets and spaces grant that the council approved later in the meeting.

Spayson said the department is pursuing zoning updates and redevelopment-ready work in 2025, including exploring accessory dwelling units (ADUs), tiny homes, infill housing, reuse/adaptive-reuse zoning, and potential consolidation of overlapping commercial and single-family zoning districts. He told the council master-plan updates and major ordinance rewrites will likely require consultants and a multi-year budget plan.

Council members thanked the planning staff for successful grant pursuit and recommended continued focus on reuse of underutilized office corridors and older buildings to encourage small-business incubation and increase the tax base.","Southfield planning staff told the council that 2024 development value totaled about $180 million and the department secured multiple grants, including TAP and Oakland County transit design funds.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6664138,"Southfield council approves appointments, grant-backed road projects and several ordinances",4799,104000,4903000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2385991-1231717cdb98c6c52ec081aba5e50eff&start=104&end=4903","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2385991-1231717cdb98c6c52ec081aba5e50eff/thumbnail_104000.jpg","/articles/6664138/Southfield/Oakland-County/Michigan/Southfield-council-approves-appointments-grant-backed-road-projects-and-several-ordinances","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6664138-0676a32fac6f5de1c7410de4cddac2af/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204344&Signature=BrmF3iE2DPCcTn44JWJGekbY3qeIO1Py4kLAdib~yniaDVMkgfWpBfHHiBRyRm4P6~2a6p9x7qqPEmQlX-pY8xHNwn~pTs849jYXt6xu0Jy0DrKzBh8NrdDUASLp~fYBqXthHSbjGOINouYBzkawse~bwobye-5XDl-6MpuCuBhj8BpOGypfb21dI5ok6ApWc8tU3iHdpS~TIeNZf~xXpcU539osud9o1cjqHSm8hOjDu1Jpjba-hlf-vJdaT2uUeEUHHkXrDVDcAlyzez4qDePsULTtWYMrg-YEY5Wq1J91hqx2rkd17yGRaZpKzTr7zGKQFmQK-M~WYfSeNQCawQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Southfield City Council on Feb. 20 confirmed multiple appointments, accepted the Planning Commission annual report, approved a slate of grant-funded road and transit projects, introduced a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes ordinance tied to a proposed affordable housing project and enacted three ordinances.

The most immediate items were appointments and reappointments. Councilman Brightwell moved, and the motion was supported by Councilman Crews, to appoint Sandra Glass and Dr. Rodney Carruthers to the Veterans Commission and to appoint Eugene Kelly and Kiara (Carol) Thomas to the Board of Review as listed in council documents. The motion passed by voice vote; the newly appointed members were sworn in by the city clerk.

Also on the consent agenda the council approved a package of contracts and grant-related actions that include an MDOT contract for a legislative earmark for Mount Vernon Street construction and water main replacement, cost participation for 10 Mile Road resurfacing, and execution of an MDOT Shared Streets and Spaces grant contract. Council members noted the combined grants and project awards total roughly $4.3 million for road and bus stop improvements.

On ordinances, the council introduced Ordinance No. 1807, a MSHDA-related payment-in-lieu-of-taxes item connected to a proposed Hope Apartments project, following a motion by Councilman Hicks with support from Councilman Cruz. The council also approved zoning- and permitting-related ordinances: after public hearings and study sessions the body enacted Ordinance Nos. 1805 and 1806 (permit review/inspection and appeal fees; and a separate zoning amendment sequence) and introduced Ordinance No. 1808 related to animals/keeping of animals in the code.

During the meeting the body also received and filed the 2024 Planning Commission annual report, following a motion by Councilman Brightwell supported by Councilman Cruz.

Separately, at the council’s request the Brownfield redevelopment plan, tax increment financing plan, and development reimbursement agreement for the El Car Wash redevelopment at Northwestern Highway and 12 Mile were approved after a public hearing and council motion; a representative for the developer said construction mobilization would begin in the coming weeks and the applicant expects to open within the next 9 months to a year.

All motions recorded in the meeting passed by voice votes; no roll-call tallies were read into the record for these items.","At its Feb. 20 meeting the Southfield City Council confirmed appointments to the Veterans Commission and Board of Review, approved several grant-funded road and transit projects, introduced a MSHDA-related ordinance for Hope Apartments and enacted multiple zoning and fee ordinances.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents press council on septic, sewer connections and perceived delays; city outlines outreach and loan programs

Council approves Brownfield plan, TIF and reimbursement agreement for El Car Wash redevelopment

Assessor briefs council on March Board of Review schedule, expected valuation changes

Planning department details $180M in 2024 development activity and multiple grant wins

Southfield council approves appointments, grant-backed road projects and several ordinances