Detroit public commenters allege dishonest property transfer, press council on retiree relief and oversight

Public comment at a Detroit City Council meeting that began after a roll call found the meeting without a quorum centered on allegations of a disputed property transfer, calls for greater oversight and transparency, retirees' financial concerns, and local service resources.

During the roughly 40-minute public-comment period, callers repeated allegations that city officials mishandled a tax-auction parcel at 498 Peterborough. A caller identified in the record as Miss Warwick said she had spoken with neighbors who "feel bullied" and contended the city "pulled it out of the tax auction to give to Midtown Inc for less than $3,000 even though Cindy offered 25,000 for it." She added that documents they had seen showed the lot later sold through other parties for much higher sums, and that an Office of Inspector General review had been delayed and of poor quality:…