Eastpointe planning director outlines comprehensive plan update, online permitting and housing, green-space initiatives

Kimberly Smith, the city’s planning and community development director, told a city meeting in Eastpointe that the department has updated the city’s comprehensive plan, moved the permitting process fully online and advanced several housing, revitalization and green-space initiatives. "We've made great strides in shaping a more sustainable, inclusive, and forward thinking city," Smith said.

The updates to the comprehensive plan and the shift to an all-online permitting process, Smith said, are intended to guide responsible growth and make services easier for residents and businesses. She said those efforts were developed with "strong community input" and that revitalization projects targeted long underinvested areas of the city.

Smith also outlined housing and open-space work. She said the department has provided policies for affordable housing initiatives, is enhancing green space across the city and has adopted Eastpointe's first agriculture plan. Smith said the department is strengthening partnerships with local organizations, residents and regional agencies "to ensure our planning reflects voices and needs of the entire community." Funding sources, project timelines and specific project locations were not specified in the presentation.

The remarks were delivered as an informational update; no motions or formal council actions on these topics were recorded during the excerpt provided. Smith closed by saying she looks forward to continuing the work: "I'm personally excited to continue building on this momentum, working collaboratively to make the city of Eastpointe an even better place to live, work, and thrive."