[{"_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",6495513,"mediaKeyId","5444098-cc8c0055ee9788092dc65a920fbaecd9","parentId",5444098,"title","Residents urge action on short‑term rentals, roads and parks; mayor, staff outline steps and resources","audioSeconds",1213,"startMs",607000,"endMs",1820000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5444098-cc8c0055ee9788092dc65a920fbaecd9&start=607&end=1820","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5444098-cc8c0055ee9788092dc65a920fbaecd9/thumbnail_607000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6495513/Southfield/Oakland-County/Michigan/Residents-urge-action-on-shortterm-rentals-roads-and-parks-mayor-staff-outline-steps-and-resources","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6495513-dc449f98a87dadbce90933403483ced9/orig.mp4?Expires=1776324423&Signature=TYPmyR9rtcXbhR-GaYe4eBzQOz768mAta9neRPlUmEN~0RwdIzy-dRbMrjKD2siz7zP9ivMYCuiijOIT0eGo5vumz-LQ6oVjEmmzBgBaLsXYkeaeD4zT00iybHi8uhnp7ksyp5nlAYNnGb6D0TFdxhdZ~d5DLkJu0nnQLMxqQegTYQH1HZxVAV62oiISAUMYCD1xjKsikxaHjka8r1RV55AccJCUHauPGQi-39s7bqqIZVaePGsHhhEjkbQkPNhF8KazIFVj06RurFvHv1frHxPR4r5tEkt1NGCoFBy98bl1ZA5ehAZRFnhEDuh6uqc9845BqESeqSyo0ni7JVWBOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Southfield","date","2025-07-22T13:43:00.553Z","article","Residents who spoke during the communications portion of the July 21 Southfield City Council meeting raised concerns about short‑term rental parties, senior safety, road conditions, and park maintenance, and asked for more city services and information.

Stacy Jackson, president of the Beachwood Acres Homeowners Association, described repeated loud-party complaints at Airbnb rentals in her neighborhood and said some seniors feel unsafe; she urged the city to follow Dearborn and other municipalities in restricting where short‑term rentals can operate. Keith Harris and other speakers said seniors in Southfield are fearful and urged enforcement and better neighborhood communications.

Mayor and staff responses: the mayor and staff directed residents with Airbnb or short‑term rental complaints to contact the Building Department and Building Director Charles Woodward at (248) 796-4117; staff said the city shut down two homes this month for party‑related violations. Officials reminded the public that the city has an ordinance governing short‑term rentals and that the Building Department investigates complaints.

Roads and potholes: Garland McWilliams presented photographs documenting potholes and requested inspection and repair on Mount Vernon and nearby streets; staff said the city has a proactive road program and that the city is projected to spend just under $38,000,000 on road and water‑main projects this year. The segment of Mount Vernon between Greenfield and Southfield was noted as scheduled for construction in 2028; public‑works staff offered to send crews to patch severe potholes in the interim.

Parks and pools: Betty Robinson and other speakers urged construction of an indoor swimming pool and improved maintenance at Inglenook Park (broken bathroom facilities) and Beechwood (sandbox/trash). City staff said the FY budget adopted last month earmarked $22,500,000 for an indoor, year‑round pool and that the Parks & Recreation director will follow up on bathroom and maintenance issues and report at the next meeting. Staff also said a previously proposed splash pad was withdrawn after neighborhood concerns.

Other items raised: a resident asked the city to allow accessory storage buildings or accessory dwelling units (ADUs); staff confirmed ADUs and related storage options are under review by the planning commission. The SMART specialized transit program was discussed during the consent‑agenda item; staff provided the SMART phone number for residents: (866) 962-5515 and the city senior services number (248) 796-4654.

Code enforcement and parking-lot repairs were also addressed; staff said code enforcement follows up on complaints submitted via the Southfield Solutions app and that the Imperial Market parking-lot striping and cracking concern had been resolved.

Speakers who commented on these topics included Stacy Jackson (Beachwood Acres HOA), Keith Harris, Garland McWilliams, Betty Robinson, Dan Lammers and Pamela Gerald. The council and staff responded to most items during the meeting or pledged follow-up.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","JULY 21, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MEETING","oneSentenceSummary","Public comment at the July 21 Southfield council meeting focused on short‑term rental parties affecting seniors, potholes and road repairs, park maintenance and requests for a city pool; city officials outlined complaint channels, upcoming road projects and funding for an indoor pool.","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},6495518,"Council approves consent agenda including two camera trucks, skid-steer trailer and road-materials contracts",736,2788000,3524000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5444098-cc8c0055ee9788092dc65a920fbaecd9&start=2788&end=3524","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5444098-cc8c0055ee9788092dc65a920fbaecd9/thumbnail_2788000.jpg","/articles/6495518/Southfield/Oakland-County/Michigan/Council-approves-consent-agenda-including-two-camera-trucks-skid-steer-trailer-and-road-materials-contracts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6495518-95577b2bc5987ce3060a0d1f1ff0c3b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1776324423&Signature=aWONFpxwVRVNrrGbCsLpegvuwIxEvvOOnbcD6AqT6ISKYwWD2DdwVzJhWKM9uaq5uG53v~1Fb0NiwcV~Xq-OxQNP4aRCMD5IMHNEhoSJPMUWQeUbT3XUcTBrd0tkFd8ZHO27Si~b4R~IEoZja2VL3junbQxCKTADCXtnDvOAuzWfqdnCVBSFg351c6nJSC91QKo5ytOJQWVxHFx0fE9MwCBHqpICKAcDPnj2x5yB~VZGL4lcyPbKz2ohUoSQa~WjoBor44ukI0tad-nNEsQc13jkyuIy11o~0fH9ImOZdhKkC8U~-RzMzWozMhCwTA-P7LhszzvXllvdVDR-QXnCYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its July 21 meeting the Southfield City Council approved a consent agenda (items A–N) that included several procurement and contract authorizations for public works, parks and public-safety equipment.

Key approvals included:
- Two camera-truck purchases for the city’s sewer/utility inspection program (council discussion identified unit prices approaching $400,000 per truck and an expected service life of roughly 10–15 years). City staff told council the purchases are intended to replace recurring annual payments to outside vendors (staff estimated about $2,000,000 per year previously spent on outsourced work) and to allow the work to be performed in-house.
- A trailer to transport the skid steer bought in October 2024 (Councilwoman Banks noted the skid steer has been underutilized without a compatible trailer).
- A rough-area mower purchase for Evergreen Hills Golf Course (staff said the mower is intended primarily for golf-course operations and is not intended as a general public-works mower).
- Road materials and debris-removal contracts awarded to two vendors: Shelby Smash (low bid reported at approximately $131,000) and Ellsworth (approximately $276,000). Purchasing staff said both vendors were awarded to provide redundancy; Shelby Smash confirmed it would honor the low bid despite acknowledging the price was lower than intended.
- Use of opioid-settlement funds to purchase six Lifepak devices and 35 cardiac monitors from Stryker for emergency services.
- Authorization to accept relocation of the 2024–2025 Detroit Institute of Arts Partners in Public Art project to the Southfield Arts and Activities Building (the packet identified the building as the former daycare site).

Councilman Hicks moved approval of the consent agenda; Councilman Hogue supported the motion. The council approved items A through N by voice vote.

During discussion Council members asked about equipment sharing across departments, maintenance plans for the camera trucks (staff said most routine maintenance could be performed in-house, with some specialized work sent to vendors), and the disparity between road-materials bids. Purchasing staff said Shelby Smash’s low prices appeared to be an internal error but that the vendor had confirmed it would stand by the bid; the city will monitor performance and shift work to the other vendor if quality or delivery problems arise.

The council also approved a second extension to professional engineering consulting services contracts (as an as-needed contract), and a proposed fire-protection contract extension for Lathrop Village that were included in the same consent motion.","The City Council approved consent agenda items a–n that included equipment purchases (two camera trucks, a skid-steer trailer, a rough-area mower), award of road-materials and debris removal contracts to two vendors, and use of opioid-settlement funds to buy cardiac monitors.",{"_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},6495523,"Council enacts ordinance expanding B1/B2/B3 uses to include executive and professional offices",44,4864000,4908000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5444098-cc8c0055ee9788092dc65a920fbaecd9&start=4864&end=4908","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5444098-cc8c0055ee9788092dc65a920fbaecd9/thumbnail_4864000.jpg","/articles/6495523/Southfield/Oakland-County/Michigan/Council-enacts-ordinance-expanding-B1B2B3-uses-to-include-executive-and-professional-offices","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6495523-ac6315b9fc7407ac4d64bfe95efe937e/orig.mp4?Expires=1776324423&Signature=CF8frJOvK4csqT~7yCPPTD1KhxSFOi0p1Xfb4sovOx186Cjvq9WKnqVecHaBTtfBVCz3cnC9Ys8QZx~meohE1LRMHmYb7YsoR5xkFgqBLto-JUmwd4P1yjHMfS6Ckko8CvW4j3~Tv1LaRf5TyZHqrtR0UNtGSbxRHR5Yq5495UJqYE8W4lmlS~Vpc-CwZypNJFn-9S9ffCERmNjL~1kjUvIs7BrDuSmletR8MaCZsyG3cqB0lMSS0KJJrQM8ruhkRjqXMhjEfhDbaTFWmXz5NJwx4an1ez4IkOi4-trBOJpTZE7bix29ynIciHhgfHg8lKYGDQTLhpzuK57J1j7RWw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Southfield City Council voted July 21 to enact Ordinance 18-14, a text change to the zoning code that adds Executive, Administrative and Professional Offices to the permitted uses in the B-1 (Neighborhood Business), B-2 (Planned Business) and B-3 (General Business) zoning districts.

Councilwoman Banks moved the ordinance’s enactment; Councilwoman Hogue supported the motion. The council approved the ordinance by voice vote.

City staff said the change will allow a broader range of office uses in business districts and aligns allowable uses with market demand; the amendment was presented to the council without extended debate.

The ordinance is effective per the city’s code-adoption rules once the required publication and administrative steps are completed.","Southfield City Council enacted Ordinance 18-14 to add Executive, Administrative and Professional Offices to uses permitted in B-1, B-2 and B-3 districts.",{"_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},6495528,"Southfield updates zoning to clarify flagpole height exceptions and fall-zone engineering option",248,4551000,4799000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5444098-cc8c0055ee9788092dc65a920fbaecd9&start=4551&end=4799","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5444098-cc8c0055ee9788092dc65a920fbaecd9/thumbnail_4551000.jpg","/articles/6495528/Southfield/Oakland-County/Michigan/Southfield-updates-zoning-to-clarify-flagpole-height-exceptions-and-fall-zone-engineering-option","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6495528-ddad6734a3b439b7c8e92474401a51ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1776324423&Signature=ETc4xZoRXPUFZ7WcKPgLU1QV1JK8n5DDK1VY4Xog~ZJ1tdn5Iz0mGjxztwLnU~yCgAdPouno0xYZoS~wi1nnCR9yVGeRljyUoxVbK-wstjKDQZiWeyvTmD8NeNrSra0RY9yiyFPyxoRUg3Ph1mzAOE9LQMX7pjj44K0qCxsR0HeUv1DLv-kaRLE~UmT8D9VCGcua8qKzbvUvBH~8kf~MEfpKC1Rrdl8--8-QhQyfHz66~tJ-09NJd8jw6dYMD6ntRiivn2xtCSXSkby4PWmbE7zlyHXRu9MvXVtAvNJ8X-BAdW~uVJ38CrDcILChjprXohV8aw0mzp2f~pfZiKgbDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Southfield City Council on July 21 approved a text amendment to Title 5 (Zoning and Planning) that clarifies height exceptions for accessory structures specifically addressing flagpoles.

Staff said the change was prompted by a developer request to install a 200-foot flagpole and by an ambiguity in the current code that treated tall flagpoles the same as monopoles for fall-zone calculations. Under the revision, applicants may submit a structural-engineering report certifying a self-collapsing design; the building official may, after review, allow a smaller fall zone than the ordinance’s 150% requirement and eliminate the need for a zoning-board-of-appeals waiver in those cases.

Pamela Gerald spoke during the public hearing to ask whether the amendment would be based on existing pole heights in the city and how the city would measure compliance. Planning staff reiterated that the amendment clarifies the calculation method and the process for requesting a fall-zone reduction with engineering documentation.

Councilwoman Hogue moved approval of the text amendment (PTZA25-03); Councilwoman Haines supported the motion. The council voted to approve the amendment and then introduced Ordinance 18-16 to enact the change formally.

The amendment applies to zoning districts where accessory-structure height limits previously referenced monopole fall-zone rules; it does not itself authorize the installation of any specific pole. Any applicant that proposes a pole taller than district height limits will still need to follow the amended procedure, provide engineering certification where requested, and obtain the building permits required by the city.","City Council amended the zoning ordinance to clarify height exceptions for flagpoles and to allow structural-engineering reports to reduce required fall zones.",{"_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},6495533,"Southfield council rezones 27301 W. 11 Mile to ODD to widen potential tenant uses",565,3877000,4442000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5444098-cc8c0055ee9788092dc65a920fbaecd9&start=3877&end=4442","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5444098-cc8c0055ee9788092dc65a920fbaecd9/thumbnail_3877000.jpg","/articles/6495533/Southfield/Oakland-County/Michigan/Southfield-council-rezones-27301-W-11-Mile-to-ODD-to-widen-potential-tenant-uses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6495533-eb38cd55f517a5db425b1f100af03397/orig.mp4?Expires=1776324423&Signature=XphJQ69IUtfgKviDDoxEkb36G3WdkEr~tXfd2CWLfRDAhVqK2E4TUJfIxMBFtNtq5khJ6jbbVDXIQ~tI-NUcJH80ZoKOYamEci2JVudNxL2n3NKH2H4tZe~AVGiKPlPa2FFGFSgBB8ay1QkoHItxbjWKriUYotUYvrsQJOIUyWEQx5m8LWdzISflZT374JbXk4ByZoAIRJxCTd4E2cKHEGXvFOhLTD9PBrS5QwGD5WXrCblZmx-xd53zqp3zUFMnO4oCsiSV1ZW~SA~hucqpq59r01Lv2DjJoKI058eSWugPYD4~eiIwHizB2UNqj7SGpVkltjfq0k7R155ZycIHUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Southfield City Council on July 21 approved rezoning the parcel at 27301 West 11 Mile Road from B-2 (Planned Business) to ODD (Overlay Development District) to permit a wider range of tenant uses in the SmartZone subarea.

The change, approved after a public hearing, was presented by the city planning staff and the property representative as a tool to increase leasing options and backfill a mostly vacant complex. Petitioner CJ Scheibel said the site — historically known as Cumberland Tech Center and now called Sun Research Park — has been used for back-office, showroom and warehouse functions and that the B-2 zoning had not matched actual uses for years.

Pamela Jarrell, a resident commenting during the public hearing, asked the council for more specific renderings and details about potential uses before the zoning change. Planning staff and the petitioner said there are no exterior building changes planned now; the rezoning is intended to allow the owner to solicit a broader range of prospective tenants, including indoor recreation and other uses that B-2 currently restricts.

During the hearing the petitioner said the building is effectively vacant (about 3.5% occupied) and that potential users previously considered — including a high-ceiling recreation tenant and an engineering firm — would have been precluded by the current B-2 use list. The planning presentation noted the master plan supports local mixed use and that approval would simply allow the property to be leased for additional uses listed in the ODD user table.

Councilwoman Hoch moved approval of the rezoning; Councilwoman Haines supported the motion. The council voted in favor and the motion carried.

The rezoning does not authorize any immediate physical changes to the site; individual tenant improvements would require separate permits and any uses not listed in the city code would still need review or additional approvals.

The council packet shows the property will keep its underlying B-2 zoning with the ODD overlay applied to expand allowable uses.

The council approved conditions recommended by staff as part of the ODD agreement; the petitioner may now pursue letters of intent and lease negotiations with prospective tenants.

","The City Council approved a rezoning to an Overlay Development District to allow a broader range of tenant uses at the largely vacant Sun Research Park property at 27301 West 11 Mile Road.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge action on short‑term rentals, roads and parks; mayor, staff outline steps and resources

Council approves consent agenda including two camera trucks, skid-steer trailer and road-materials contracts

Council enacts ordinance expanding B1/B2/B3 uses to include executive and professional offices

Southfield updates zoning to clarify flagpole height exceptions and fall-zone engineering option

Southfield council rezones 27301 W. 11 Mile to ODD to widen potential tenant uses