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Tecumseh council declares downtown blighted, approves zoning changes and Phase I revitalization plan
Summary
The Tecumseh City Council voted unanimously (one member absent) to declare the downtown redevelopment area blighted, adopt zoning changes to allow single-family detached, single-family attached and duplex dwellings, and approve the Phase I Downtown Revitalization plan prepared by Hanna:Keelan Associates.
The Tecumseh City Council on Oct. 6 adopted a resolution declaring the Downtown Redevelopment Area ‘‘Blight and Substandard’’ and approved zoning changes and a Phase I revitalization plan aimed at encouraging new housing and redevelopment.
City Attorney Bruce Dalluge explained the purpose and definitions used in the Blight & Substandard Determination Study-Update during a public hearing that opened at 5:01 p.m. and closed shortly thereafter. Following the hearing, the council voted to adopt Resolution 2025-15 declaring the downtown area blighted; the motion was introduced by Council Member Alicia Brommer and seconded by Lorie Topp. Voting aye were Lance Beethe, Brian Britt, Alicia Brommer, Tyler Speckmann and Lorie Topp; Travis Goracke was absent.
The council also introduced and approved an ordinance deleting Section 5.12.03.14 of the Tecumseh Zoning Ordinance and adding Sections 5.12.02.13, 5.12.02.14 and 5.12.02.15 to allow single-family detached, single-family attached and two-family duplex dwellings in the affected zoning area. Council Member Lance Beethe moved to introduce the ordinance and to waive the statutory three-day reading requirement; the motion was seconded by Tyler Speckmann. Final passage was later approved by motion of Beethe, seconded by Brommer, with the same recorded ayes and one absence.
Council then approved the Downtown Revitalization (DTR) Project Phase I Plan prepared by Hanna:Keelan Associates (dated August 2025). The motion to approve the Phase I plan was made by Brian Britt and seconded by Lorie Topp and carried on a unanimous vote of those present (Goracke absent). The Economic Development report at the meeting noted that demolition work related to the DTR project is scheduled to commence next week.
Members of the public raised questions about potential historic-district ordinances that would require downtown property owners to maintain building facades and shared walls. Council members discussed enforcement challenges, absentee ownership and the need to balance property upkeep requirements with practical implementation; the council indicated it would develop policies and ordinances to address these issues, taking multiple considerations into account.
What happens next: the ordinance language will be published in pamphlet form per state requirements and the city will move forward with Phase I activities as outlined in the approved plan. The council did not record any dissenting votes on these items; one council member was absent at the time of the votes.
