Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge free transit pilots, neighborhood investment and tax fixes during committee public comment
Summary
Public commenters at the Planning and Economic Development Committee urged a free‑fare transit pilot, more economic investment outside downtown, information about senior services (MI Choice Waiver), and reviews of co‑op tax classifications and assessor practices.
Several Detroit residents used the committee's public‑comment period to press for neighborhood economic investment, transit relief and protections for seniors and co‑op housing.
A transit advocate introduced in committee as Mr. Cunningham described handing out winter items and bus tickets around the city and urged the committee to consider free fares. "It really should be bus fare should be free," he said, adding that free transit during the pandemic reduced tensions between drivers and passengers.
William M. Davis urged the committee to publish a regular report on economic activity in all seven council districts, saying past neighborhood projects during the Coleman A. Young administration provided useful models for local development.
Betty A. Varner, who identified herself as president of the soda Ellsworth Black Association, described the MI Choice Waiver program at the Detroit Area Agency for the Aging and provided a contact number for seniors and people with disabilities seeking home‑based supports.
Several callers raised concerns about property taxes and local government practices. Cindy Dara said a resident in Ralph Bunche co‑op apartments now faces higher monthly maintenance bills after a recent commercial property tax change and asked the council to examine the law to protect co‑op housing. Another caller, introduced as Owner Papa, alleged that the assessor's office has misapplied assessments and urged the committee to pursue a disparity study to track where council procurement dollars have gone.
A final caller used the public forum to challenge the integrity of the recent council seating, addressing the chair by first name and threatening public demonstration; the chair acknowledged the comment and moved on.
The chair thanked callers, noted several upcoming district outreach events, and said the committee would consider initiatives and priorities communicated by members and residents.
