[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6603450,"mediaKeyId","3000177-7b362b75aaadcf3f04a189efd7a028a5","parentId",3000177,"title","Jackson Housing Commission cites safety, leasing gains; Reed Manor repairs and RAD modernization discussed","audioSeconds",769,"startMs",1761000,"endMs",2530000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3000177-7b362b75aaadcf3f04a189efd7a028a5&start=1761&end=2530","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3000177-7b362b75aaadcf3f04a189efd7a028a5/thumbnail_1761000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6603450/Jackson-City/Jackson-County/Michigan/Jackson-Housing-Commission-cites-safety-leasing-gains-Reed-Manor-repairs-and-RAD-modernization-discussed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6603450-6c081d141e001517ce8fa209dfc566b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1773456871&Signature=fKbByAvCHYp075-2REyJCZFaETOl~Aq9MuAvOGDrbQ8sT6CUAipfk-s6YpkePdx3PBb01LI0eCaCsXnyzeqPr7DNos-D7f6k8mv5nTTBk1BqufgX95Egt6XGAmxs1gUAz68dm~TXJVE-8VxxWzdaeNykC0aFfEmkid0Z~emanuN-coB7tWKQSJsN2XA13EMzj~BWONf8V2OnDqvv3LdROHMAhWPq0ZBv5FcV9aKYXjOXF0XcuNRDEtTdBNUlTf-av-syCusvq1KXMfShLo2MvuH8ddkdxkm0mQ-4LsFpYRfHnQy8dDfBmnqJfYFv-3yHFychDOBrUvNLPBAQyJyT9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Jackson","date","2025-04-16T01:27:33.997Z","article","Arturo Buckrin, executive director of the Jackson Housing Commission, presented the commission’s annual report at the April 15 Jackson City Council meeting, saying the agency has increased leasing and made security and physical-condition improvements across its properties.

Buckrin told the council the housing authority is “85% leased up,” and said the commission installed nine license-plate-reading cameras and upgraded surveillance at its developments. He said an on-site Jackson Police Department officer at Reed Manor last summer and lighting and lock upgrades have reduced after‑hours incidents. Buckrin said, “In 2024, 9-1-1 emergency response calls were cut in half from 2023, which was about 30 less than 2022,” as an indicator of improved safety.

The report also detailed capital needs and repairs. On Reed Manor, Buckrin described a mix of offline units and repair work: “The capacity at Reed Manor is a 15 actual units, but there's 20 that are offline due to mold damage, and another 23 that are offline due to fire damage.” He said HUD capital repairs have been obligated for those buildings and that returning the two buildings to service could add about 45 units over the next two years. Buckrin said elevator repairs at Reed Manor remain in progress and described the scope estimation as a roughly six‑month project; the presentation included a vendor estimate that the repair is approximately a $99,000 job.

Buckrin said the commission has updated its Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) for the first time in eight years and introduced an internal leasing plan to speed unit turnarounds. He described a process of categorizing units as green (can be turned in 30 days), yellow or red, and said the commission is using capital funds to subcontract local contractors to speed repairs.

On modernization, Buckrin described Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) as a potential path for deeply distressed properties. He summarized RAD as a public‑private approach that can use tax credits and project‑based vouchers to rebuild or replace aging properties, while cautioning it changes ownership and management structures and requires plans for temporary relocation: “One of the only reticence, obviously, from the public's perspective would be where do people go while you're upgrading their property.” He said Reed Manor is now included in the commission’s current five‑year plan as a candidate for further study.

Council members asked for more detail. First Ward Council member Arlene Robinson and Council member Christy Davis pressed on lock reliability, elevator timelines and access to the HUD‑approved annual plan. Buckrin said the HUD 2024 annual plan is publicly available on the commission’s website and that the internal leasing plan is operational and handled by staff. He offered to follow up on specific maintenance tickets and to arrange meetings with property managers for more detailed, tenant‑specific questions.

Residents and public commenters also raised concerns. Nicholas Thurston, who identified himself as a Ward 5 resident, urged the council to cease support for the housing commission and called multiple buildings hazardous and poorly maintained. Jeannie Brown of Summit Township called replacement of locks and mold problems at Reed Manor “a big problem,” saying, “For somebody to say that that's a perceived small problem is very concerning to me.” Buckrin responded that he would not discuss individual tenant situations in public council session because of civil‑rights and privacy protections.

Why it matters: The housing commission manages federally funded public housing in Jackson County and its decisions affect residents’ safety, unit availability and federal subsidy. Council members and residents pressed for clearer timelines and follow‑up contacts for tenant concerns; Buckrin committed to more operational meetings with staff and property managers.

The commission did not seek or receive a council vote during the presentation. Council members asked staff to help facilitate follow‑up meetings and further information sharing.

Provable details and next steps: Buckrin said the commission will continue capital repairs at Reed Manor, pursue planned elevator work with a projected six‑month scope, and explore RAD options under its new five‑year plan. Council members asked staff to provide data on 9‑1‑1 calls and to help residents access the HUD annual plan and leasing procedures. Buckrin said he would meet individually with council members and with property managers as requested.

—

Speakers quoted or referenced in this article are listed in the article’s speaker roster and include only individuals identified on the record.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Jackson City Council Meeting 4-15-25","oneSentenceSummary","Arturo Buckrin, executive director of the Jackson Housing Commission, presented the commission’s annual report on April 15, telling the Jackson City Council the agency has improved security and leasing but still faces major repairs and modernization decisions at Reed Manor.","taxTitle","Jackson City, Jackson County, Michigan","taxId",5811,"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},6603441,"Supporters urge decriminalization of entheogens in Jackson; council members voice interest in study",394,6096000,6490000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3000177-7b362b75aaadcf3f04a189efd7a028a5&start=6096&end=6490","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3000177-7b362b75aaadcf3f04a189efd7a028a5/thumbnail_6096000.jpg","/articles/6603441/Jackson-City/Jackson-County/Michigan/Supporters-urge-decriminalization-of-entheogens-in-Jackson-council-members-voice-interest-in-study","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6603441-c1300809005aa1baac2145e973478524/orig.mp4?Expires=1773456871&Signature=oIsxhV5xGOfra99DmaglkIrtMN8FhgRcPFcx8O27O2rS3KYTvf9UmtvC2y3wg2s5A1ewMUop-F-xNkMLsz18UifZs7Kn8tACerDtdThNAuS~dGDQrPuk5obUQrUpXCQJEILBucjALNQ0xudc0FVQ7lUp7ECDxyBXHJ-8nzCLfC-IPbs2TavhaYp8ICy~fPt7n3Pm-2TUmXhgPbLg2V0kOWyvL~tehbtPrhavAdNcoqsZYd8yaPjEU3W0~vZH7tqxOD4osTebgzUiuHeDHUhlNyClMBtyrmO0RjA7Cd792Be6r~zqyXHJPMl6lw7yo6gK3iDHQ0OZwECzTTltuvu~6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several speakers asked the Jackson City Council at its April 15 meeting to consider a local initiative to decriminalize entheogens — plant‑ and fungi‑based psychedelics, commonly described as psilocybin or “magic mushrooms” — while others warned of potential harms.

Justine Melville, who identified her address as 739 North State Street, said entheogenic medicines treat mental‑health conditions and “are generally safe for the user. They are not addictive.” She asked the council to consider a local decriminalization initiative that would make enforcement of cultivation or possession a lower policing priority and to promote education and safety measures rather than criminal penalties.

Kate Brown, who said she watched a prior council meeting online, reinforced that the group’s request is for decriminalization rather than legalization: “We are not asking for legalization,” Brown told the council. She described decriminalization as making enforcement of cultivation and possession the city’s lowest police priority and said the group’s proposed language is posted online.

Opponents raised safety concerns. Jan Torga, a neighborhood resident, warned of possible negative health effects and said such substances are “determined to lack safety even under medical supervision” in his view. He urged council members to reject efforts to decriminalize psilocybin.

Council reaction and next steps

Several council members said they have heard the request and indicated they would like more information before taking action. Council member For Gray (first name not specified on the public record) said he would like to see the item placed on an agenda “soon” and encouraged debate. Council member Gunn said she also supports placing the issue on a future agenda for formal consideration and said the council should hear input from the police department about any enforcement concerns. Mayor Daniel J. Mahoney and other members emphasized that the group had provided written materials and that the item could be scheduled for future discussion.

The speakers directing the council to the proposed language said a model resolution and full text are available online; one speaker referred to a copy at decriminalize.org/jackson.

Why it matters: Local decriminalization measures do not legalize a substance under state or federal law, but they can change local enforcement priorities and prompt council‑level policy debates on public health, public safety and harm‑reduction approaches. The council did not vote on a resolution at the April 15 meeting; supporters asked the council to formally place the measure on a future agenda.

—

Speakers quoted or referenced in this article are listed in the article speaker roster.","Public commenters urged the Jackson City Council on April 15 to decriminalize entheogens locally; proponents described health‑care benefits and non‑addictiveness, while opponents cited safety concerns.",{"_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},6603446,"Votes at a glance: Jackson council approves multiple procurement and infrastructure measures, adopts two ordinances",447,7731000,8178000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3000177-7b362b75aaadcf3f04a189efd7a028a5&start=7731&end=8178","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3000177-7b362b75aaadcf3f04a189efd7a028a5/thumbnail_7731000.jpg","/articles/6603446/Jackson-City/Jackson-County/Michigan/Votes-at-a-glance-Jackson-council-approves-multiple-procurement-and-infrastructure-measures-adopts-two-ordinances","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6603446-3f6a0bd6fecf5dacc1e0203bf18cfdbe/orig.mp4?Expires=1773456871&Signature=CCdkWRLgwwQpcB50GwXW-7DrV51WhWQEGXKVHZlvyT~4tG7yluqq7fp-vx7paiirOHTizJjnXm~ljYp6rQaTICHYUYz8CTwEJJXFjp-M1JuPiuw8EC42kD4h2~yFWJRIgAxykj2bdJlsfJ~CNigvdld3SmUundrRcnFHKQ4qfYPIu2crffv50hHYTGE5pGUtI0gRhKA8QX7dC1BPRU9vIzzefiGq4jPWH3nwau9oJpFimBvq-3QPDS76-1wu96q5rt5fsMV1BKhUhWwIaDvJqLAGS7xJBjzv4J-pKqQnoFjVw3dI7tDqJlCziN7tlzlqcG2XrbZGEErKJn9nL1tocw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Jackson City Council on April 15 approved a slate of contracts, resolutions and ordinances covering public‑works construction, utility work, city procurement and property sales.

Key outcomes

- Ordinance No. 2025‑01: Second reading and final adoption (municipal ordinance). The council approved the ordinance at second reading; licensing and enforcement will be handled administratively, with civil infraction fines for riders and larger penalties for licensed operators discussed at the meeting.

- Ordinance No. 518: Second reading and final adoption of a payment‑in‑lieu‑of‑taxes (PILOT) agreement for King Community Homes. City staff said the PILOT replaces ad valorem taxes with a percentage payment (staff estimated between 4% and 6%); council was told the pilot payment is expected to exceed ad valorem taxes for the coming tax year. The item passed unanimously.

- Biosolids hauling contract: Awarded to NutriGro Environmental Solutions (motion passed unanimously). The cost was discussed in the agenda packet but not read into the record at the meeting; the transcript records the award with no dollar amount announced during the vote.

- Martin Luther King (MLK) Equality Trail: The council approved a resolution to enter into a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation for construction of the Martin Luther King Equality Trail from Detroit Street to Trail Street, and separately awarded a reconstruction contract from Weatherwax Drive to Optimus Shelter to Hoppin Brothers. Both items passed unanimously.

- High‑level interceptor sewer cleaning and televising: Awarded to Taplin Group LLC of Kalamazoo at $394,909.12 (unanimous).

- Drinking Water State Revolving Fund phase 1 lead service line replacement: Awarded to 5 Star Energy Services LLC (Waukesha, WI) at $6,978,900; council authorized execution of related documents (unanimous).

- Amendment No. 1 to interceptor sewer rehabilitation engineering contract: Approved with NTH Consultants (unanimous).

- Street decertifications: Council adopted two resolutions to decertify Emery Street and Liberty Street for public use coordination with MDOT (unanimous).

- Contract renewals and maintenance: First renewal of the 2024 pavement marking contract with PK Contracting; renewal of city lot mowing and grounds‑maintenance contracts with Elation Landscape; renewal of private lot mowing contract with Inc Contracting LLC — all approved unanimously.

- Police equipment: Approved purchase of new duty weapons for Jackson Police Officers and authorized sale of current firearms (unanimous).

- City property sales and housing development: The council approved the sale of 10 city‑owned lots to Agricon LLC (developer Anthony/“Tony” Bassett) for single‑family construction (nine 3‑bed/2‑bath ~1,000 sq ft homes and one smaller 2‑bed unit); council also approved the sale of city‑owned property at 418 North Jackson Street (unanimous).

What council discussed

Most items were approved with little on‑record debate. Council members asked procedural questions on licensing and fines for Ordinance 2025‑01, and staff replied that licensing is handled administratively and that fines for operator noncompliance and rider infractions are distinct. On the PILOT for King Community Homes, staff said the PILOT will be a percentage payment and that for the coming tax year the pilot payment will exceed ad valorem tax revenue.

Several contracts included dollar figures read into the record, most notably the sewer cleaning contract ($394,909.12) and the lead service line replacement contract ($6,978,900). Other awards and renewals were passed by roll call without extended discussion. Where costs were discussed in the meeting, they are recorded here; for some agenda packet items the meeting did not read a dollar amount aloud and those costs are recorded as “not specified” in the public hearing transcript.

Votes and tallies

The minutes recorded that these items passed by unanimous vote. The council roll call at the meeting showed the mayor and seven council members present; votes were recorded as unanimous for the items listed above.

Why it matters

The package advances a mix of long‑term infrastructure work (sewer and water service line replacement), trail and streets projects coordinated with MDOT, routine maintenance renewals, and a new PILOT for a housing provider. The lead service line contract in particular is a multi‑million‑dollar award that will affect a large‑scale utility replacement program; the sewer and biosolids contracts affect ongoing wastewater operations.

—

Speakers directly involved in the votes and on‑record procedural exchanges are listed in the speakers roster for this article.","At its April 15 meeting the Jackson City Council passed a package of procurement contracts and infrastructure agreements, approved two ordinances including a PILOT for King Community Homes, and voted to sell city lots for residential development. Several items passed unanimously with little debate.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Jackson Housing Commission cites safety, leasing gains; Reed Manor repairs and RAD modernization discussed

Supporters urge decriminalization of entheogens in Jackson; council members voice interest in study

Votes at a glance: Jackson council approves multiple procurement and infrastructure measures, adopts two ordinances