St. Clair Shores · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in St. Clair Shores public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Commercial vehicle parking rules in residential districts
A consent agenda item would amend Article VI on parking of vehicles on residential lots (Sections 40-160), with a hearing. This affects where residents can park cars, boats and trailers at home.
Bon Bray traffic speeds and Shortcrest construction traffic
A resident told the council that construction detours are pushing speeding traffic onto Newberry Street, endangering children and pedestrians — and that his emails to council members and the police chief went unanswered. He asked for traffic enforcement, signs, and a meeting with the chief.
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.
Alley vacation and future of city-owned lot at 21408 Centennial
The city-owned alley behind 27109 Harper will stay public for now. Residents worried vacating it could open the door to a parking lot on the vacant Centennial lot next to their homes, and the council agreed there was no purchase offer or clear plan — instead it wants the vacant lot marketed, possibly for a house.
Sidewalk program progress
Residents will no longer be billed for sidewalk replacements — the city will use state Act 51 road funds instead, thanks to a state funding shift. People billed last year won't be reimbursed, which some council members acknowledged could sting.
Lake St. Clair muck, cormorants, and water infrastructure
A resident described watching firefighters struggle with low hydrant pressure during last year's Bayview Street house fire, saying crews had to tap hydrants across Jefferson. The mayor promised a follow-up on his unanswered questions.
Water, Sewer, and Storm Rate Increases
Water rates rise 6.7% and sewer rates 5%, costing a typical household about $4.25 more per month combined; the storm charge rises 3%. Council members blamed GLWA's wholesale increases and aging infrastructure, and Vitale wants the city to push Lansing on the unsustainable regional water model. A hardship program exists for those who can't pay.
Pool bathhouse renovation
The 1966 bathhouse at the pool — which drew 48,000 visitors last year — needs a full rebuild to meet state fixture and ADA requirements and fix rotted roof beams before the 2027 season. It'll cost about $1.77 million from fund balance, with a hoped-for $800,000 land sale on Jefferson expected to offset it.
Sanitary sewer lining expansion
Districts 6 and 7 get sewer cleaning and camera inspection this year, feeding next year's lining priorities. Councilman Caron pushed using AI to review the footage like Macomb County does — saving about $1 million a year there. Staff will investigate for next year's contract.
School resource officer for Lake Shore
An 85th police officer will be assigned full-time to Lake Shore schools, funded mostly by a $130,000 state grant with the district covering the gap. Parents get an extra layer of security.
Jefferson Avenue concrete repair (11 Mile to Masonic)
Construction backups on Jefferson are hurting businesses along Greater Mack; the city is waiving permit fees for A-frame signs and still hashing out the 2027 streetscape project with Fishbeck at 60% design.
Culver's restaurant and drive-thru at former Hall's Nursery site
The former nursery site was supposed to be graded and seeded but sits full of trash. The city demanded cleanup and fence removal; the developer has now asked for a meeting to present a plan for the property.
Alexander Sewer Separation project
The last combined sewer stretch on Alexander Street gets separated this year, with 80% paid by federal earmark funding from Congressman John James — a step toward eliminating combined sewer overflows into the lake.
FY 2026-2027 Budget and Millage Rates
The proposed budget book was delivered and a public hearing set for June 1, 2026, giving residents their chance to weigh in before adoption.
Jefferson Sewer Relief Project Disruptions
The SEMSD project aims to cut combined sewer overflows into Lake St. Clair by half, but it's costing the Nautical Mile businesses traffic. Ten Mile Road reopens by June 12; Jefferson stays one lane northbound at the work zone; the pipe finishes by early 2027. Council apologized for the Lakeland Street detour fiasco and promised better signage and communication.
Former Kroger Building Redevelopment
The old 9 Mile Kroger/Amazon site and the 13 Mile Kroger remain empty. Gabe's has pulled out of the 13 Mile center, the developer is talking to two new tenants for 9 Mile — but Amazon won't walk away from its lease. Council asked for weekly updates on the SAFER firefighter grant.
Civic Arena Main Parking Lot Reconstruction
The crumbling Civic Center lot will be rebuilt in concrete with new storm sewer, water main work, and better traffic flow. The low bid came in about $800,000 under estimate, but a county-required detention pond drove the 20% contingency.
Kratom Sales to Minors
The city now bans selling kratom — a psychoactive substance some call 'in-store heroin' — to anyone under 21, with stores required to post signage and check ID. Council acted as a stopgap while the state considers its own ban.
$19M sewer separation bond financing
The city is borrowing about $19 million at locked-in state rates to separate combined sewers in the Martin district, which should cut lake discharges and basement backups. The notice of intent starts a 45-day window for residents to petition for a referendum before the June contract award.
Local Bridge Program Grant for Milk River Bridges
The city's four bridges — Rosedale, Jefferson over the Milk River, and the Lang and Beach canal bridges — get $263,886 in repairs this year. Expect lane closures, no full closures, from mid-April to mid-June.
Local street reconstruction award delayed
Playview, Shady Lane, and a section of Statler — all rated in poor condition — will be rebuilt for $3.2 million. Council discussed future work on Brookdale and Alexander Boulevards and floated AI-based street rating to replace the subjective PASER system.
State bills would strip local zoning control
The council formally opposed state House bills that would force minimum 1,500-square-foot lots, 500-square-foot homes, and by-right accessory dwelling units on cities, overriding St. Clair Shores' 6,000-square-foot minimum lots and current setback rules.
Maple-Benjamin Canal 2026 Dredge Special Assessment District
Fifty-one canal-front property owners will each pay $5,000 — $255,000 total — to dredge the Benjamin Statler Canal and replace part of the jetty seawall, confirmed unanimously after a hearing with no objections. Payment is due February 2, 2026.
FEMA 2025-2030 Hazard Mitigation Plan
Adopting the county's five-year plan keeps the city eligible for FEMA and fire grants and limits liability in a disaster. Flooding and stormwater are the hazards most relevant to St. Clair Shores.
Green Hornets Youth Football and Cheer Losing Practice Field
The 70-plus-year-old nonprofit youth football and cheer program is losing its practice field at Kennedy and can't use middle or high schools. Two leaders asked the city for help, warning the program may end without a solution.
Brys Park Walking Path Surface Alternatives
More than 70% of the Brys Park path is cracked and becoming hazardous. Council approved $989,011 to design and rebuild it with concrete and asphalt over a geogrid base, but Vitale wants a cheaper nature trail — bid alternatives will come back before final approval.
City Council Election
St. Clair Shores voters have city council seats and local proposals on the ballot this cycle. This election literally decides who runs the city and shapes local policy. If you live there, skipping it means someone else picks your local government for you.