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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.