The meeting ended at 7:42 p.m. For more, follow
@detdocumenters.bsky.social
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19.02.2026 00:44
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The meeting ended at 7:42 p.m. For more, follow
@detdocumenters.bsky.social
or visit detroit.documenters.org.
Last, Inspector Osbie Jackson introduces himself. Can reach out to him at 313-480-2883 regarding zoning, property maintenance, construction, permitting, etc.
Now Krysta Pickett, D5 Business Liaison, shares her update. Her role is to support, connect and empower businesses in the district and advocate for them. This year, plan to bridge the gap between associations, business owners and resident.
Ferrell apologies for the long meeting, but says they will stick to the time better in future meetings. Asks how to break down silos? Block clubs and associations were the first step, now they will be exploring committees: D5 Women, D5 Men, D5 Youth, seniors, hip hop association, etc.
Priorities - safety, housing, parking and digital equity. Know there is still blight to clean up, but have made serious progress in the last 4 years. Butler wraps up his thoughts, and passes to Dr. Ferrell to talk about the committees they are starting.
Two weeks ago, sent out a link to schedule meetings with block clubs or organizations. Want to make sure they are pulling the entire district together and make sure everyone has access to them. Want to increase transparency regarding district-wide projects - developers contact them regularly.
Still have a huge district, even after redistricting. Last year, District 5 Network was started, made up of leaders within the District. Creating zones within the District to distribute information, get input from the community, determine priorities, etc. Based on input, can better share resources.
Next on the agenda is an update on District 5 and what the focus is for the upcoming year.
Taylor Harrell, District 4 Manager, introduces herself and says she is a partner to District 5 and since District 4 took over some District 5 neighborhoods she is also a great resource for residents.
New position at Dept of Neighborhoods - Senior Advocates. Anquenetta Jones here to tell more about the new role. Want to make sure seniors have access to Detroit services, advocate for their rights, and address concerns. Cell is 313-296-9357.
Just collected 150 surveys from students at Cody, and was at another high school recently surveying more high school students.
Only 2 more weeks until the survey is done. Want to hear from everyone! Survey link: www.risehigherdetroit.com/survey
Next is Pete Vargas to share opportunity regarding Rise Higher survey which will inform the Mayor's first 100 days and first term strategy. Want to make sure every ZIP code in Detroit is represented - anonymous survey and no age limit to complete. www.risehigherdetroit.com/rise-higher-...
Dr. Chanel Hampton, Sr Director of Youth and Education and liaison for the Mayor. Programming will focus on ages 0-26, youth workforce, college prep, programming outside of school for school age children. Upcoming opportunity to engage on March 7:
Miller compliments District 5 on this meeting, for offering it on Zoom and just the other work they are doing. Councilwomen's number is: 224-4505.
Says she hasn't heard anything regarding the Grand Blvd project, is shocked to hear "2016" when it relates to the project. When she thinks of medians, she thinks of the work that took place on Livernois, and was then taken out - will look into the project more before she makes any further comments.
That's it for the presentation on the West Grand Boulevard Streetscape. The District 5 meeting will continue with the rest of their agenda. Next up is the introduction of Councilwoman Renata Miller.
Q: Is there a plan to maintain sidewalks? With the ice, it is difficult when tenants/landlords don't clear snow, deal with ice.
A: If there is a property owner that is not taking care of their sidewalks, you can enter in Improve Detroit or report to the district manager.
Q: Pinky Jones - Lower North End Block Club; want our neighbors to move around in the way that is suitable to them and to be safe. Sounds like the issue is parking; if the plans aren't set in stone, can we build up? Would like to see emphasis on planting native plants in the green spaces.
Q: Suggest reaching out to the funeral home in that area to see how these plans impact their processions.
Q: Toyia; is this the first meeting talking about adding the bike lanes? Hospital she goes to is very difficult leaving already.
A: Bike lanes are already there, just looking to improve existing infrastructure.
Q: Team bicycle; blvd is only busy two times a day or on show nights. What is up with the lights - have been out for months? Can we turn them on?
A: Lighting is through Public Lighting Authority, report through Improve Detroit.
A: Can reach out to groups who initially shared feedback and share with Keith. Large percentage of budget are the pedestrian amenities (crossing and other safety features).
Q: Dorian Ballard, District 5 Community Advisory Council; curious about community engagement. Hearing a lot of concerns regarding safety of this project; interested in organizations and residents spoken to.
Q: Paul Barker, Motown Museum worker. Concerned about the parking near the Museum. Parking on only one side of the Blvd is an issue when there are businesses on both side (some operating for 70+ years); grass curb extension will cause back ups due to lack of parking.
Q: Tiarah Winston, member of Churchill Block Club; island (used to be a bus stop) is hard to see in the winter, cars are driving up on it becuase they can't see it - getting stuck. Can an ADA restroom be added somewhere in this area?
A: Will pass restroom feedback along to General Services.
A: Initiated by the West Grand Blvd Collaborative; from there partnership with the hospital. Popular cycle route connecting the rec centers, Wayne State, hospitals, etc.
Q: Terri Denise Faison; where was the demand for bike lanes on this street? Being a driver on this street often, familiar with bus traffic, Motown Museum, funeral and hospital traffic. Not sure if this is a safe area for bikes.
Q: Kristin, urban planner; doesn't have car but uses area as a pedestrian/cyclist. Crossing Grand is challenging and there is often not enough time to cross the street. Sidewalks near hospital are inaccessible and have to walk in the street; bus stops are also inacessible. Wants them to consider.
Q: Likes plan; asks about intersection crosswalk signals at Cass and Grand.
A: Due to limited funding can't do signficiant signal upgrades, but will flag this to traffic signal team.