St. Clair Shores council delays Sunnydale relief sewer decision after residents demand more study

Dozens of St. Clair Shores residents urged the City Council on June 15 to delay approving a contract that would place a permanent stormwater outfall into Golf Ball Bay and Wildwood Bay, citing environmental, public-health and property-value risks.

“Tonight, you will hear from residents who care deeply about this community, Lake St. Clair, and the future of Golf Ball Bay and Sunnydale Beach,” Lynn Huckway told the council during the public-comment period. Huckway and other residents said they support the goals — separating stormwater from sanitary sewers and reducing basement flooding — but not at a location they fear could be permanently altered.

Speakers described the bays as shallow, sandy and heavily used for swimming, boating and wildlife habitat. Amy Tomlin said an environmental-impact statement should evaluate water-quality and habitat effects at both high and low lake levels. Dan Carlson, who lives on Wildwood Bay, asked whether a biological assessment had been done to identify species that could be harmed; he specifically cited the spotted gar, which he said is a state “special concern” species.

Several residents, including Charles Priggebon speaking for an attorney, warned that litigation could follow if the project proceeds without further review. Jason Lambrecht, a longtime lake user, said the council was about to award an approximately $14 million contract without circulation, sediment or habitat studies in the record. He also raised an appearance-of-conflict issue and asked that Mayor Walby and Councilmember Karen disclose outside roles and consider recusal.

Councilmember Karen, who works for Macomb County Public Works, told the chamber he reviews initial applications but does not sign off on full project approvals; City Attorney Kevin Erie said questions about conflicts are fact-specific and offered to produce a written opinion. Mayor Walby and council members told residents they had heard the concerns and would seek additional information from the county, the engineers and EGLE (the state environmental agency).

Councilmember Candace Russo moved to table the contract award and hold a town hall before the city must act. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Kieran, passed unanimously. Mayor Walby said EGLE had given the city a final deadline to act by July 20, and he said the council will not extend that date further.

What happens next: Council and staff said they will request further technical answers from the engineer (Hennessey) and EGLE, schedule a town hall meeting for residents, and seek a written opinion from the city attorney about any conflicts. The item will be back for a final up-or-down vote on July 20.

Why it matters: The council emphasized it supports sewer separation and reducing combined-sewer overflows, but residents and nearby property owners argued those goals must be balanced with careful siting and transparent review of environmental, public-health and property-rights impacts. Council’s tabling gives time for additional studies, answers and public input before the contract is finalized.