Residents urge housing solutions, praise senior housing and warn commission on proposed water-billing bills

Several residents addressed the Battle Creek City Commission during general public comment on Feb. 3, offering housing proposals, praise for existing senior housing, concerns about proposed state water-billing legislation and a neighborhood snow-removal complaint.

Gloria Zakis, who identified herself as a nonprofit worker, proposed a 90-day program using small modular units to house veterans temporarily while staff and volunteers help them obtain identification, benefits and employment. Zakis said she has plans and an architect willing to donate design work and described a support arrangement involving a VA nurse. She told commissioners the units could be placed on city-owned properties and described a payment-plan figure for units; the meeting record shows Zakis said the units cost "$2,910 a month" on a payment plan and that veterans could pay up to $950 a month toward that cost.

A resident who identified herself as Mary praised Cherry Hill Senior Housing as well-run and urged the city to pursue building another similar facility, saying such projects provide stable, walkable housing and economic benefits. Mary said many residents at Cherry Hill work and that senior affordable housing at roughly 30% of income is important for long-term stability.

Joe Harris of Battle Creek urged the commission to research a package of state bills (recorded as Senate Bills 248 through 256) that he characterized as proposals to create an income-based water-billing system. Harris said he viewed the bills as creating "a new state tax" and warned that they would shift control and create a new state office to distribute funds (he cited a figure of $71 million to $91 million). He urged the commission not to adopt a supporting resolution and suggested the city could provide more immediate relief by cutting the local "water readiness fee," which he said ranges from $50 to $75 on bills, in half.

Charlene Van Luben, of Presidential Drive, reported repeated incidents where plow or utility truck activity blocked her driveway after snow events and asked the city to investigate whether operations could be adjusted to avoid blocking residents' access.

What happens next: The commission acknowledged the comments and several commissioners encouraged public participation in upcoming housing meetings and events. No formal action on the items raised during public comment was taken at the meeting; staff follow-up was not specified in the meeting record for most items.