St. Clair Shores · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in St. Clair Shores public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Canal dock permit at 22429 Lakecrest
A Lakecrest homeowner wants a 30-foot-wide seasonal floating dock on the canal, and the Water Resources Board will decide whether to allow it. Canal residents often watch these cases closely because dock size and placement affect navigation and waterfront character.
Pending appeal of Canal Case #21-2026
Canal homeowners will pay the entire $137,630 cost of dredging roughly 1,000 cubic yards of sediment, split over 43 parcels at $3,200.70 each. The association's treasurer urged the city to streamline the permitting process for future canal maintenance.
Board and commission vacancies and recruitment
Three new applicants will interview October 5, the Clerk will reach out to a past Cool City Committee applicant, and a committee seat opened when a member moved out of the city. Filling these seats keeps city boards functioning.
String Lights over Greater Mack
The donor wants to fund decorative lights over Greater Mack but must donate through a 501(c)(3), and the installer needs a permit and a reviewed contract instead of a city Hold Harmless. Board members Bricolas and Harden are working on a solution.
Hold Harmless Liability Agreements
The city received a legal opinion on Hold Harmless agreements for downtown improvements. Property owners near planned benches must sign waivers and show the city as an additional insured, with the city exposed only for gross negligence.
Downtown Streetscape Improvements
The DDA is moving forward with planters, tree removal, paver replacement and benches downtown. The southwest corner tree is gone and pavers will be replaced soon, but the bench is delayed awaiting arrival.
Laukel corridor redevelopment and parcel assembly
The council was asked to buy 22025 Laukel for up to $67,500, continuing a long-running strategy of assembling parcels between Harper and Greater Mack for a future condominium-style development. The existing house on the lot would likely be demolished.
Rental Property Blight Concerns
A lifelong resident told council too many rental homes have slipped into disrepair since the 2010 crash — overgrown grass, junk in yards, a hazardously cut fence post — and pressed the city to hold property managers accountable and consider incentives for police and firefighters to live in the city.
10-Unit Apartment Building at 22903 12 Mile
A vacant lot near 12 Mile and Jefferson gets a new two-story, all one-bedroom apartment building — filling a housing type the city lacks, right between two existing complexes.