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Veterans and community groups defend Detroit Power site during public comment at GSD hearing
Summary
Several veterans and neighborhood advocates used the GSD hearing’s public‑comment period to oppose efforts to close or sanction a West Chicago building operated by Detroit Power Detroit Community Outreach, urging council support for the organization and criticizing prior evictions and public statements.
Multiple speakers used the hearing’s public‑comment period to press the council to protect and support Detroit Power Detroit Community Outreach, a veterans‑serving organization that provides housing, benefits assistance and other services. Ross Kennedy and other presenters described the organization as a frontline resource for veterans and vulnerable residents and asked the city not to shutter or stigmatize its operations.
"We want the city's support to help us develop a good connection and help out the situation that we're having with veterans," Ross Kennedy said during his turn at the podium. Other commenters representing the group described a history of service, alleged that public criticism and eviction actions had left people unhoused and that the organization should be allowed to continue its work.
A separate public commenter alleged improper campaign contributions by a councilmember; that accusation was raised during public comment and was not resolved on the record. The council did not rule or respond substantively during the public‑comment slot; staff and members indicated they could follow up after the hearing.
What’s next: public commenters asked for council follow‑up and for staff outreach; council operations staff indicated that assistance and follow‑up would be provided outside the formal public‑comment timeframe.
