Council approves three Brownfield amendments after debate over DDA/BRA notice and minutes

The Saginaw City Council voted to approve amendments to Brownfield plans for the 400 Federal Avenue redevelopment and the Adams Street redevelopment and to terminate Brownfield plan 19 for a proposed dispensary at 2205 North Michigan Avenue. The measures were adopted after public hearings and a council debate that raised concerns about public posting of agendas and minutes for the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA).

Grace Smith, economic development coordinator with Saginaw Future, described the 400 Federal project as a $2.1 million conversion of an underused two‑story commercial building into a logistics center with loading docks, office space and a modern warehouse, and she told council the project includes environmental remediation and infrastructure upgrades. Smith also presented the Adams Street plan, an $11 million mixed‑use development with commercial space and approximately 30 apartments and townhomes that would include demolition, asbestos abatement and public improvements.

During debate, a council member raised multiple concerns about whether DDA and BRA meeting agendas and minutes had been consistently posted on the City of Saginaw website and whether residents had adequate notice and opportunity to review development documents before decisions were made. The city attorney and staff said some DDA materials had been posted on Riverfront Saginaw rather than the city site, that certain DDA actions would be remade because of a public‑notice error, and that staff are arranging standardized training and website improvements to improve transparency.

Council member Hammond voted no on two Brownfield amendments (400 Federal and Adams Street); roll‑call votes recorded both approvals at 7‑1. The termination of the Brownfield plan for the 2205 North Michigan Avenue dispensary project was adopted by voice vote (transcript does not contain a roll‑call tally for that item).

Council discussion also included a short exchange about the city attorney’s request that BRA receive documents earlier to permit adequate staff review. One council member moved to postpone consideration of the 400 Federal Brownfield amendment to allow more time for public review; that motion did not proceed and the council returned to the original motion and approved the amendment.

Several council members and staff said they will pursue standardized minute‑taking and posting practices across boards and authorities and will hold training so committees adhere to Open Meetings Act requirements and the city’s public participation plan.

Action on the Brownfield amendments clears each project to move into subsequent implementation steps governed by Brownfield processes and any required interlocal agreements with the Saginaw Downtown Development Authority and the Saginaw Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.