Neighborhood association warns proposed planning-code changes will curb public input

Neighbors and community advisory groups asked the Westland City Council to review recent planning code changes and to preserve public opportunities for input.

At the meeting, Willamette Neighborhood Association President Kathy Hillecki said the planning commission’s discussion (she cited a specific meeting minute time) raised serious concerns because several project types would move from the planning commission to the planning manager’s decision. Hillecki told councilors that reducing or eliminating verbal public testimony, relying instead on written comment, and making some determinations administrative rather than quasi-judicial would limit residents’ opportunities to be heard and risk…