In 2016, Detroiters created the nation’s first Community Benefits Ordinance for large development projects that use public funding, our tax dollars. While this current CBO could benefit Detroiters who are most impacted by the projects, the way it has been implemented has failed the residents and favored the developers for their private economic and family wealth building goals.
An amendment package is being held up in City Council’s Planning and Economic Development Committee where Council Members James Tate, Scott Benson and Gabe Leland are in control. All three council members backed putting the weaker CBA on the ballot in 2016. Four years later looks like they may be on track to repeat that behavior.
We demand real Community Benefits. We demand an end to large Corporations using our taxes for their projects! Detroit City Council must move the CBO Amendments to a Vote. Equitable Detroit Coalition support these “MUST HAVE” Amendments.
Planning and Economic Development Committee
James Tate, District 1, 313-224-1027 – @CouncilmanTate – councilmembertate@detroitmi.gov
Scott Benson, District 3, 313-224-1198 – @Scottinthe3rd – bensons@detroitmi.gov
Gabe Leland, District 7, 313-224-2151 – @GabeLeland – lelandg@detroitmi.gov
Detroit City Council Must:
- Lower the threshold on large scale projects to $50 Million
- Neighborhood Advisory Council Chair to Enforcement Committee
- Lower the Tier 2 Development Project threshold to $300,000
- Increase the number of meetings between the developer and the residents
- Expand Notification to Project Impact Area
- Essential Documents to Neighborhood Advisory Council within 72 hrs
- Enforcement Mechanisms, including but not limited to claw-backs
- Restructure the Neighborhood Advisory Council!
- Increase Transparency – No Conflict of Interest/Effort!
- Assess the Project’s Impact on Quality of Life!
- Require Creation of a Legally Binding Community Benefits Agreement!
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