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Tecumseh council declares downtown blighted, approves zoning changes and Phase I revitalization plan
Summary
The Tecumseh City Council unanimously declared the downtown redevelopment area 'Blight and Substandard,' adopted zoning amendments to allow single-family detached, attached and duplex housing, and approved the Phase I Downtown Revitalization Plan prepared by Hanna:Keelan Associates.
The Tecumseh City Council on Oct. 6 unanimously approved a resolution designating the city’s Downtown Redevelopment Area as "Blight and Substandard," adopted zoning changes to allow several new housing types, and approved the Phase I Downtown Revitalization (DTR) Plan.
City Attorney Bruce Dalluge opened the public hearing on the blight determination and explained the purpose and criteria for the designation. Following that hearing, the council introduced and passed Resolution 2025-15 declaring the downtown area blighted. The motion to introduce the resolution was made by Council Member Alicia Brommer and seconded by Lorie Topp; the record shows a 5–0 vote with Council Member Travis Goracke absent.
The council then moved to change the city’s zoning code. Members voted to delete section 5.12.03.14 and to add sections 5.12.02.13 (allowing single-family detached dwellings), 5.12.02.14 (allowing single-family attached dwellings) and 5.12.02.15 (allowing two-family/duplex dwellings). Lance Beethe moved the ordinance introduction and Tyler Speckmann seconded; the council approved waiving the statutory rule requiring three separate readings and later approved final passage by the same 5–0 tally. The ordinance will be published in pamphlet form as required.
Council also approved the Downtown Revitalization Project — Phase I Plan prepared by Hanna:Keelan Associates (dated August 2025). Brian Britt moved approval, seconded by Lorie Topp; the vote was recorded as 5–0. The Economic Development report on the same agenda noted ongoing housing-investment work and said demolition work was scheduled to begin the following week pending the DTR award announcement.
During discussion, members of the public asked about potential historic-district ordinances that would require downtown property owners to maintain facades and common walls. Speakers raised concerns about vacant buildings and absentee owners neglecting upkeep; council members said staff would evaluate policy and enforcement options but emphasized trade-offs and practical constraints when buildings share common walls.
What happens next: the blight resolution and the zoning ordinance will be published in pamphlet form, and the city staff will proceed with Phase I steps in the DTR plan pending the formal award and any required administrative actions.
