Pontiac approves sale of eight city lots to Regina Campbell amid public conflict‑of‑interest concerns

Pontiac council voted Dec. 16 to sell eight city‑owned vacant parcels on Roselawn Street, Featherstone Road and Midway Avenue to developer Regina Campbell for an affordable housing project after a public hearing that raised questions about a potential conflict of interest.

City staff said Campbell submitted her application in May 2025 — before any election activity — and that the city applied its standard disposition policy and formula when reviewing her request. "She was treated in exactly the same way as any other purchaser would have been," Mayor Tim Grama said after a resident raised conflict‑of‑interest concerns. Staff confirmed one exhibit listed a postal mailing address incorrectly and the council amended the exhibit to strike the inaccurate address before voting.

Campbell told council she has organized the project since October 2024 and will have a nonprofit entity take title to the parcels; the proposed work includes duplexes and single‑family affordable units using a building model aimed at minimizing cost. Supporters at the hearing emphasized the project had been in process before Campbell’s candidacy. Opponents focused on the appearance of a conflict given Campbell’s election to council effective in January, arguing elected officials should avoid buying city land that could come before the body.

Council addressed the concerns on the record, asked for timelines and proof of funds (the applicant confirmed funds were in place), and adopted the resolution approving the sale by unanimous roll call. The administration will follow up on permitting, design review and standard planning approvals as the project progresses.