Andrew Salzman

The board conducted hearings on three separate code enforcement cases involving property maintenance violations. In the first case, a respondent requested additional time to resolve violations at his property, resulting in the board assessing a $50 per day fine beginning on June 10, 2026, until compliance is achieved. The second case involved an abandoned property where the owner was not present; the board assessed a similar $50 daily fine starting June 10, 2026. In the third case, which also involved an apparently abandoned property with storm damage, the board assessed a $50 daily fine effective June 10, 2026. In all instances, respondents were ordered to contact the code enforcement division to arrange for inspections to verify future compliance.

The Board addressed several property applications, resulting in the approval of renovations for 154 Read Street and the continuation of demolition and construction applications for 158 Read Street and 127 N Grosse Avenue to a future meeting. Additionally, the Board reviewed and recommended the Adaptation and Resiliency Plan for the Historic District and Greektown for approval by the Board of Commissioners and received a presentation regarding the Union Academy Cultural Resources Survey findings.

The committee discussed the post-hurricane vulnerability assessment, highlighting infrastructure resilience and lessons learned regarding storm surge impacts on wastewater services. A presentation on the Climate Action Plan covered the baseline carbon emissions and reduction scenarios, identifying fleet electrification and solar installations as key policy areas for emission reductions. The meeting also included coordination on the upcoming meeting schedule, staff updates regarding the Main Street Program and hiring of a sustainability intern, and committee input on potential city-designated high-ground parking for residents during flooding events.

The board discussed a certificate of appropriateness application for window and door replacements at a historic property. Key points included the challenges of balancing historic preservation standards with the need for modern materials due to impact resistance requirements and cost, the impact of the proposed changes on the property's status as a contributing structure within the historic district, and technical details regarding the installation and potential for future restoration.

The Board of Adjustment meeting included the election of a new chair and vice chair for the calendar year. The primary agenda item was an application for a variance to allow a staircase to encroach into the front setback for an elevated historic home, necessitated by flood protection requirements. Following a presentation and public comment period, the board approved the variance request.