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Residents urge faster sewer cleanup, support for homelessness services and praise for South Warren community garden
Summary
During public comment, residents urged faster action on a $50 million sewer cleanup and sought support for a homeless shelter facing a 45‑day closure notice; the South Warren Community Garden reported increased harvests and potential grant support.
Several residents addressed the council during public comment on agenda and general topics.
Joel Van, a longtime Warren resident, urged the council to back the $50 million sewer cleanup and asked about litigation with Oakland County over Red Run, saying faster work is needed to prevent basement flooding. Ray Deloce of Friend of the Father said his homeless shelter is at risk of closure within 45 days unless the city or partners help him secure another building; he said most shelter clients are Warren residents and requested assistance navigating funding and facilities.
Ivon Pelawoda described neighborhood‑watch and beautification efforts that improved a local park and thanked council staff and volunteers for help. Jeff Matthews, co‑founder of the South Warren Community Garden, reported early harvests this year and said his group is exploring partnerships that could bring federal block‑grant funding to support expansion and a solar-powered community refrigerator.
Council members thanked presenters, asked the city attorney’s office to provide a status on nonprofit legal agreements for shelter support, and requested follow‑up about food-distribution partnerships at Gleaners’ Fresh Start location. Several councilmembers asked staff to work with presenters on next steps.
