City Council approves Phase 2 solar projects after debate over land acquisition and household upgrades

Detroit City Council on Wednesday approved a group of resolutions and contracts to move forward with phase 2 of the city’s neighborhood solar initiative, which includes planned arrays at Greenfield Park and along Houston–Whittier.

City officials and developers described the approvals as necessary to secure property, complete required environmental and relocation work, and begin energy-efficiency upgrades in neighboring homes. Council member Angela Whitfield Callaway objected to the waiver requests and raised procedural and cost concerns; the chair noted the objection and the clerk recorded it before declaring the resolutions approved.

The package taken as a group included: a contract amendment to extend time for real-estate and relocation services; two project contracts associated with the phase‑2 sites; and a resolution of necessity that enables the city to clear title or use condemnation when voluntary acquisition fails. City attorneys and redevelopment staff said the moves are aimed at securing clear title for developers and ensuring voluntary offers and relocation assistance are handled first.

Why it matters: The phase‑2 sites are part of a broader city plan to add neighborhood‑scale solar and offer energy upgrades to adjacent homeowners. Supporters at public comment said the projects will remediate blight and bring local environmental benefits. Opponents and several residents urged more emphasis on rooftop solar, questioned the use of long-term land leases and condemned reliance on condemnation to assemble parcels.

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