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Detroit residents and council members press for changes to Land Bank MOU as public comment floods session
Summary
Public commenters and multiple council members urged denial or major revision of the Detroit Land Bank Authority memorandum of understanding, citing alleged misconduct, lack of transparency and housing impacts; council sent the item back to the Planning and Economic Development committee for further negotiation.
Dozens of Detroit residents urged the City Council on Jan. 21 to reject or substantially alter a proposed memorandum of understanding that governs the relationship between the city and the Detroit Land Bank Authority.
The issue dominated public comment and council debate, where speakers accused the land bank of hoarding parcels, disadvantaging longtime Black homeowners and failing to maintain property. After extended public comment and debate among council members, the council voted to send the MOU back to the Planning and Economic Development standing committee for further negotiation rather than approving it at formal session.
Why it matters: The land bank controls tens of thousands of formerly tax-foreclosed parcels within Detroit. The MOU sets the practical terms under which the authority operates with city oversight and access to city-funded programs; critics said the current draft does not provide adequate protections for residents or sufficient transparency.
Public comment focused on allegations of…
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