Detroit Building Authority outlines property-sales process, council approves demolition-notification step and executive-session on priority access

The Detroit Building Authority reviewed its role in marketing and selling city-owned commercial property, described an updated public real-estate website and application process, and answered council questions about projects and its budget. Council members voted to add a demolition-notification step to closing resolutions and agreed to an executive session to consider a program giving priority access to Detroit residents and minority-owned businesses.

The presentation, given by Tyrone Clifford, director of the Detroit Building Authority, and staff, said the authority was created Oct. 30, 1973, under Act No. 31 of the Public Acts of Michigan and is authorized to acquire, equip, own, improve, operate and maintain city facilities. Clifford told the council the DBA assists city departments with capital programs funded by the city general fund, grants or federal dollars after City Council approval.

The DBA demonstrated the city’s commercial real-estate webpage and an online application that lets users search a map of publicly owned properties, filter marketed parcels and view broker listings. Jill…