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Reappointments for Detroit Brownfield CAC draw focus to James Couzins corridor and retirees’ concerns
Summary
Council interviewed two candidates for reappointment to the Brownfield Citizens Advisory Committee and advanced related procedural motions; members pressed for more community engagement and asked the city to explore establishing a Brownfield District for the James Couzins corridor.
Council members interviewed two candidates seeking reappointment to the Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Citizens Advisory Committee and unanimously agreed to return the items for scheduling as interviews conclude.
Marla Sean Franklin Sr., a 53‑year Detroiter, described her CAC record and community focus during a virtual interview. “I go in there open minded project by project, making sure that I serve this board with integrity,” Franklin said, noting she has attended about 75% of meetings and emphasized community engagement and job opportunities, including union positions tied to development projects.
George Etheridge, a former city planner and current economic development manager at Activate Detroit, said the CAC serves as a local voice and urged the council to be proactive about areas with many vacant properties. He told members the CAC meets the first and third Wednesdays, and described using brownfield tools to rehabilitate long‑vacant corridors. Etheridge identified the Henry Ford Hospital–Pistons development as among the largest projects he has reviewed.
Council member Amber Calloway (spoke in the record as Member Callaway) moved for the council to explore establishing a Brownfield District for the James Couzins area after hearing that corridor includes 60–70 vacant buildings and could benefit from targeted incentives. “I would love to see the Brownfield District set up over there at the James Couzins area because we’re desperate,” Calloway said; the chair directed the proposal to the Land Planning Department (LPD) to route appropriately and the motion carried without objection.
Members asked about CAC attendance at neighborhood advisory councils and whether CAC members ensure that local vendors and job opportunities flow to Detroit residents. Etheridge said he routinely asks developers for local project managers and contractors and has sometimes requested additional public hearings or abstained when more information was needed.
The council did not take a final reappointment vote during the hearing; members moved the items to be brought back on a date to be determined as additional interviews are completed. The follow-up on a James Couzins Brownfield District is expected to include boundary proposals and a routing through LPD and relevant departments.
