Renata Miller

Detroit City Council approved a settlement with real estate firm Detroit International Holding LLC and Munoz Realty Inc., requiring owner Gaston Munoz to rehabilitate 299 properties in exchange for halving $460K in blight fines. Critics argued the deal incentivizes poor behavior, while city officials defended it as a step toward compliance.

Detroit City Council narrowly approved a nine-month extension of the ShotSpotter contract following emotional resident testimonies and council debate. Supporters cited life-saving benefits, while critics questioned the system's cost-effectiveness and called for clearer performance metrics. The 5-4 vote keeps the gunfire detection technology active as the city continues evaluating its public safety role.

Detroit's city council approved three-year ambulance contracts worth approximately $5 million to enhance emergency services, with a 6-2 vote. Two council members opposed the contracts due to concerns about outsourcing, while others supported them but advocated for future in-house solutions. The fire department noted a $20 million upfront cost and years of lead time to transition EMS services in-house.