Shannon L. Filarecki

The 2026 Annual Action Plan for the City of Pontiac outlines the strategic allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds to address critical community needs. The plan prioritizes providing decent housing, fostering suitable living environments, and expanding economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents. Key initiatives include housing preservation and rehabilitation, environmental hazard mitigation, public safety enhancements through infrastructure improvements, and the provision of essential public services. The plan also aims to increase affordable housing opportunities and strengthen administrative capacity while ensuring compliance with federal regulations.

The commission discussed staff-approved items, including roof and fence replacements at various properties. A resident inquired about requirements for exterior home improvements and historic district regulations. Additionally, the commission reviewed a request for the approval of previously installed vinyl window replacements at 75 Cherokee Road, focusing on compliance with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation.

The board discussed and approved a dimensional variance for a residential property to allow for the construction of a fourth accessory structure. Additionally, the board considered a request for three-dimensional variances to allow studio apartment units at the Casa del Rey apartment complex to be smaller than the minimum square footage required by the zoning ordinance, with discussions focusing on the historic layout of the building and compliance with municipal safety codes.

The City Council held a special meeting to deliberate on legal and property-related matters. The Council formally resolved to enter into a closed session to discuss an attorney-client privileged legal opinion and to review the potential purchase or lease of real property, in accordance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act.

The meeting focused on the proposed zoning ordinance text amendment to regulate data centers as a newly classified land use. Discussion covered the necessity of establishing regulations to maintain local control and prevent legal challenges related to exclusionary zoning under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. The proposed regulations include creating a definition for data centers, restricting them to M2 industrial zones with special exception approval, and requiring applicants to hold a community workshop. Additional requirements for data centers involve an operations narrative, utility demand summary, noise and mechanical equipment plan, backup power systems description, hazardous materials statement, property tax disclosure, a decommissioning plan, and an escrow deposit.