City Council recap of April 24 special meeting
A special meeting of City Council was held April 24 with three agenda items pertaining to the city-owned parking lot on Cady Street along with a closed session to discuss the agenda items under attorney-client privilege. In addition, a special event application for May 4 requested the temporary closure of Main Street to traffic, and Hunter Pasteur executive Seth Herkowitz provided an update on the status of the Downs redevelopment project.
First community event of the season – Business owner Mishelle Lussier and the DDA are partnering on a block party event on Saturday, May 4, noon to 9 p.m., with family-oriented festivities and two musical performances. Council unanimously approved the special event permit, which will close Main Street to traffic from Center to Hutton on May 3 at 10 a.m. and reopen the street on May 6 at 7 a.m. The timing allows for set-up and tear-down and doesn’t require staff overtime. Center Street will remain open to traffic during that weekend.
Cady parking lot sale – In an amended option agreement, Hunter Pasteur Northville has agreed to pay the city of Northville $457,427 for the parking lot. The city plans to sell a small portion along the west side to 106 East Cady Street, LLC, for $6,000 through an agreement that also reimburses the city up to $1,200 for a consultant’s review of the documents.
Council approved the fifth option for the purchase agreement of the sale of the Cady Street parking lot to Hunter Pasteur; Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Moroski-Browne was the sole “No” vote.
Council unanimously approved the License Agreement with 106 East Cady Street, LLC, regarding construction access on the parking lot to the Delano developer.
Council unanimously approved the Consent Judgment in the matter of 106 East Cady Street, LLC, et. al. v. City of Northville, Wayne County Circuit Court Case No. 24-002813-CB
Downs update by Seth Herkowitz, of Hunter Pasteur – Permits for the Riverpark have been submitted to EGLE and FEMA and the public comment period expired on April 15. He expressed gratitude for the $1 million EGLE grant secured through the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. Environmental testing will begin in early May. Bi-weekly meetings between the developer and city staff are going well and will improve the project, going forward. Consultant ECT has approved 18 of 19 structures for abatement; the last remaining one is the grandstands, which will be demolished by the end of June. Three buildings in the south portion have been torn down this week. DTE has delivered light poles to the construction site. Air quality reports will be submitted to the city as they are received by the developer. Toll Brothers is commencing the first phase of the project west of Center. Two vacant structures were demolished and grading will begin after permits are obtained.
Several people spoke during public comment as well as during the discussion of agenda items.
Those who spoke during public comment:
Tita Daskal, 19060 Oak Leaf Lane
Alesandra Daskal, 19060 Oak Leaf Lane
Jonathan Hair, 318 Yerkes
Laurie Johnson, 47234 Dunsany Rd.
Steve Hall, 441 Butler
Jeff Snyder, 508 Gardner
Rich Graham, 790 Carpenter
Council communication
Mayor Brian Turnbull mentioned the State of the Community will be held on Friday (April 26).
Council Member John Carter thanked those who came to Coffee with Council. He asked the community to continue to support all of the city’s businesses, who’ve come out of a challenging winter.
Council Member Andrew Krenz wants to see more positive intent and goodwill among the citizens. He noted it’s good to have civil disagreement but to make sure it is civil.
Council Member Laura Genitti noted that businesses need to be the ones who have a strong voice in whether the streets are closed to traffic. She said everyone cares so much about this issue, which was widely discussed at the Coffee with Council that she attended.
Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Morowski-Browne said the next Coffee with Council is May 18; she will be there along with Council Member Krenz.
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