Tecumseh council declares downtown blighted, adopts zoning changes to allow more housing

At a regular meeting on Oct. 6, 2025, the Tecumseh City Council voted unanimously to declare the Downtown Redevelopment Area blighted and to change city zoning rules to allow single-family detached, single-family attached and two-family duplex dwellings in the area.

City Attorney Bruce Dalluge opened a public hearing on the Downtown Redevelopment Area Blight & Substandard Determination Study-Update and explained the legal purpose, definitions and designation criteria used in the study. Following that hearing, Councilmember Alicia Brommer introduced Resolution 2025-15 to declare the defined downtown area blight and substandard; the motion, seconded by Lorie Topp, passed with all five members present voting aye (Lance Beethe, Brian Britt, Alicia Brommer, Tyler Speckmann and Lorie Topp; Travis Goracke was absent).

Separately, Councilmember Lance Beethe introduced an ordinance to delete Section 5.12.03.14 of the Tecumseh Zoning Ordinance and to add Sections 5.12.02.13, 5.12.02.14 and 5.12.02.15 to permit single-family detached, single-family attached and two-family (duplex) dwellings in the downtown zoning district. The Council voted to waive the statutory three-reading rule and later approved final passage and publication in pamphlet form; the final motions passed unanimously.

Council also voted to approve the Downtown Revitalization (DTR) Project Phase I Plan prepared by Hanna:Keelan Associates (dated August 2025). Councilmember Brian Britt moved to approve the Phase I plan and Lorie Topp seconded; the motion passed with the same unanimous roll call. City staff noted the city has saved the required local match for the NDOT DTR project and that the city is awaiting the NDOT DTR award announcement; demolition associated with the project was reported as set to commence next week if the award is received.

During discussion, several members of the public raised questions about potential downtown historic-district ordinances that would require property owners to maintain and repair buildings. Speakers expressed concern about vacant buildings and absentee owners neglecting upkeep, and Council members said staff will work on proposed policies and ordinances while considering technical and enforcement issues for buildings that share party walls.

The zoning ordinance changes and the blight designation are intended to clear regulatory barriers to a broader mix of housing types downtown and to align redevelopment planning with the approved Phase I revitalization plan. The ordinance will be published in pamphlet form as required by city practice.