How to Open a Marijuana Care Center in the City of Detroit – State of the Bud Report

By Richard C. Clement - Marijuana Policy Analyst

       Starting a Medical Marijuana Business in Detroit has been made much easier because of the work of CIO Beth Niblock and Department of Innovation Technology Director Chuck Dodd. Detroit is leading the way in Information Technology in the State of Michigan. The City of Detroit is the ONLY municipality in State and Local Government that has a true Marijuana Information System that can handle documents including pictures in *.jpg format.   

To start a Marijuana based business in Detroit you must follow these steps:

1. Begin 

2. Find a legal* location and; purchase the building or, pay rent to the owner of the property. 

3.  Fill out a Marihuana Application on the City of Detroit’s website

               a.       If you are approved then you can pay your $1160 fee by clicking here

4.  Fill out a Building Permit Application on the City of Detroit’s website 

5.  Fill out a Board of Zoning Appeals

               a.      If approved pay $1200 by clicking here then skip to step 6

               b.      If Denied then for $1500 dollars you can appeal your BSEED denial
                                        i.      If denied appeal to the Wayne County Circuit court and skip to step 6.

6.      Apply for a Business License Application (under construction as of 4/13/2016)

7.      End.

The Cost of Doing Business With Marijuana in the City of Detroit
Site Plan Review (Due Upon Filing)	$160
Conditional Land Use Hearing (Due Upon Filing)	$1000
Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing(s)	$1200  Variance $1500  BSEED Denial (if necessary)
Building Permit or Change of Use:  Based on the cost of the construction.	$150  Minimum
Business License Application	To Be Developed

From Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones:

Council President
Brenda Jones

“At this time no one has been granted a license to operate and no zoning variances have been granted. 66% of the current applicants do not live in the City of Detroit. Out of the 195 applications 74 of them are in drug-free zones. The City Assessors office is currently conducting real time analysis to confirm the validity of the current drug free zones.”

While the Citizens for Sensible Cannabis Reform withdrew their lawsuit (Case# 16-004185-AW Citizens for Sensible Cannabis Reform v Janice Winfrey, Detroit Election Commission, City of Detroit), the Sons of Hemp has filed another one against the Detroit’s Marijuana ordinance (Case No. 16-004201-CZ JONES, RONALD, ET AL. V THE CITY OF DETROIT). This is a group of homegrown longtime Detroit residents who own businesses that are severely impacted by this ordinance. They position is that this ordinance discriminates against native Detroit residents of color and the religious beliefs of their membership. With help from the Wayne County Circuit Court, this ordinance could be modified to remove some of the most heinous restrictions like being 1000 feet from an empty church and, a money losing golf course for example.

Another restriction is the rule of Medible Marijuana that allows haters of Detroit to promote the idea that people will be getting their doors kicked in because of brownies and medicated butter on Grits or Hash Browns, Eggs with Toast and a Sausage.  This is a provision in the ordinance that can be eliminated because the people promoting this idea have stockpiled their Medible Marijuana in places like Allen Park and Ferndale and use this to drive business to their locations by bashing the City leadership and its residents.  

Johnson Recreation Center
Closed

Some of the churches and day care centers listed in the City’s database do not exist and in District 2, the long closed Johnson Recreation Center on Cherrylawn and Chippewa, and the School next to the rec center is being used to shut down marijuana businesses on 8 Mile Road.  Owners of these businesses are strongly urged to appeal this to the Board of Zoning and Wayne County Circuit Court.  Shutting down businesses on bad data is a bad deal for everyone because it is removing taxpaying businesses unfairly and without malice.

No injunction has been granted as of yet however and, the City is currently taking applications for Marijuana Caregiver Centers.  Potential owners must have a site plan and $1160 dollars down to reserve your location within City Limits.

If your potential property is located on the border in the City of Detroit, and schools in parks are across the street from your location in another city, (Warren, Ferndale, Dearborn, Grosse Pointe (all), Redford, et al) their property has no bearing on your City of Detroit application. Meanwhile court proceedings will address the challenges by owners and, BSEED inspections will continue. 

Warren Evans Wants YOU to Work for Wayne County With 100 Positions Available

By Richard C. Clement


From the Desk of  County Executive Warren C. Evans.

Warren C. Evans
Wayne County Executive 

If you’d like a job delivering good government services to Wayne County residents, County Executive Warren C. Evans is looking for you!

"Wayne County needs to fill at least 100 positions in several departments including Sheriff's Office"

“I’ve dedicated my career to public service in Wayne County and have personally found it to be a rewarding experience,” said Executive Evans. “I encourage anyone in search of a gratifying career to check out the positions we have available.” Some of the 100 positions are full time, some are part time, and others are temporary -- like the court officers and jail officers needed.  The county also has openings for jail services psychiatrists and senior psychologists. 

Wayne County is also trying to hire to fill many other positions including:

·  ACCOUNT CLERK

·  ADMINISTRATOR OF JAIL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

·  CO-OPERATIVE ENGINEER

·  CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST

·  ELECTRICIAN

·  ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN

·  FINANCE MANAGER

·  FOSTER CARE MANAGER

·  GIS MANAGER

·  HEALTH SPECIALIST

·  HEALTH SUPERVISOR

·  IT MANAGER (COUNTY CLERK)

·  JUVENILE DETENTION FACILITY DIRECTOR

·  JUVENILE DETENTION SPECIALIST

·  LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE

·  MECHANIC (EQUIPMENT REPAIR SPECIALIST)

·  PARALEGAL (CIVIL)

·  POLICE OFFICER

·  POLICE OFFICER -- PART-TIME

·  PSYCHIATRIST - JAIL SERVICES

·  PSYCHIATRIST (PART-TIME)

·  PSYCHOLOGIST

·  PUBLIC SERVICE MAINTENANCE WORKER

·  REGISTERED NURSE 1

·  SENIOR AUDIO TECHNICIAN

·  SENIOR PSYCHOLOGIST

·  TYPIST

·  WEBSITE DEVELOPER

Pro-Tem Cush Supports Rainbow PUSH Jobs Opportunity Fair at the Northwest Activities Center on May 13, 2016

By Richard Clement

 

Mayor Mike Duggan and Rev Jesse Jackson along with Detroit’s faith based community will hosting a Job Opportunity Fair May 13^th, at the Northwest Activities Center on 18100 Meyers Road from 1 to 4 pm. The purpose of this event is to increase the number of minority owned firms participation in City of Detroit home demolition contracts.  

The City has received $130 million through its Hardest Hit Fund to take down blighted structures in the neighborhood and, was pleased to find out that an additional $41.9 million for additional demolition. By participating in this fair, prospective contractors are encouraged to get certified with the City and, network with and others who have the equipment, licensing and bidding information to connect them with other companies who are in the demolition business.

This fair is a collaboration with The Detroit Land Bank Authority, Michigan Minority Contractors Association, and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition 4335 W Fort St, Detroit, MI 48209 Phone:(313) 963-9005.

To register for this fair please click here and fill in your information.

For a full overview please go to this webpage: www.detroitmi.gov/demolition

State of the Bud - Marijuana Businesses in the City of Detroit Status Report April 2016

by Richard C. Clement - Marijuana Policy Analyst

                Inspections of Medical Marijuana facilities will continue with employees from BSEED and the Detroit Police Department to assist in gaining access to the property in question. According to City of Detroit Building Inspector Wayne Wilkins (wikinsr@detroitmi.gov), by law they are required to enter the premises, shoot pictures of a business, advise the owners of a Drug Free Zone violation and exit the premises quickly.  BSEED inspectors are not interested in and have NO DESIRE to be concerned with how much marijuana that you have at your facility. During this time of litigation, BSEED will enter a place of business with the assistance of the Detroit Police Department because their only job is to make sure that the building is up to code.

Meanwhile, there are two separate lawsuits that were filed in Wayne County Circuit Court on the behalf of the business owners and concerned patients.  The first one was filed by the citizens for Sensible Cannabis Reform (Case# 16-004185-AW Citizens for Sensible Cannabis Reform v Janice Winfrey, Detroit Election Commission, City of Detroit) that has 3 named defendants in: The City of Detroit, Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey, and the Detroit Election Commission.  This suit is in regards to the filing of the petitions to allow the citizens of Detroit Michigan to vote on the ordinance that was implemented by the City Council in the August 2^nd, primary.  A large majority of Detroit residents signed petitions to halt the ordinance and develop a new one that is less restrictive on Detroit Business owners.  It seems that the current license and zoning ordinance was designed to benefit a few owners at the expense of other owners who are Detroit residents that want to be a part of a growing Marijuana industry.

The second lawsuit was filed by the Sons of Hemp, a Pro-Cannabis group of African American business owners who will be adversely affected by this new ordinance (Case No. 16-004201-CZ JONES, RONALD, ET AL. V THE CITY OF DETROIT). There are 10+ named plaintiffs who all own stores, and grow operations who want a voice and a place in the growing Marijuana industry.  Their hearing is scheduled on July 1^st, 2016 with Judge John Murphy of the 3^rd District Wayne County Circuit Court. This lawsuit addresses the inequities of the ordinance regarding African American business owners in Detroit who will be getting shut out of the market because of the ideology of the 1939 mandate of Harry Ainslinger, the first head of the Drug Enforcement Agency. This man promoted the current drug war on the back of Billie Holiday because he hated African Americans that played Jazz music and had any kind of talent. (The Hunting of Billie Holiday by the USA)

As the late University of Alabama football coach Bear Bryant put it when he found out he needed African Americans to win football games,

 “If you have a fast negro running the ball, you have to hire another negro to catch them”. 

In Billie Holiday’s case, Harry Ainslinger hired his first black agent Jimmy Fletcher to specifically take down Ms. Holiday.  Quoting the article 

"Jimmy Fletcher follows her around for two years, and she was so amazing, he fell in love with her. And he felt ashamed his whole life for what he did. He busts her. She’s sent to prison. The trial—she said, "The trial was called The United States v. Billie Holiday, and that’s how it felt."  

"And when she gets out, exactly what happens to addicts all over the United States today happens—what’s happened to those women I met in Arizona: She can’t get a job. You needed a license to be able to perform anywhere where alcohol was sold, and they wouldn’t give her the license. So, you know, her friend Yolande Bavan said to me, "What’s the cruelest thing you can do to a person is to take away the thing they love." She sinks back into addiction."

In 2016 we have a few African American pastors who use this same ideology to eliminate the business owned by African Americans by continuing to promote the sick and racist policy of Harry Ainslinger’s DEA.  Marijuana is a 1 billion dollar a year industry to states like Colorado, Oregon, Washington State, and so on. Less that 1% of Marijuana business are owned by African Americans.  

Everyone wants a level playing field and there are so many uses of the Marijuana plant that the time has come to get real and end this drug war on the people with the lack of resources to fight. We simply cannot support a policy of putting more men in jail that creates a shortage of males and allow some females to have a bigger selection of partners to pick from. This policy is counterproductive and supports a for profit prison system that gets its revenue from failing children in schools that have been looted by private profiteers.  The current situation with public education everywhere indicates that money is being diverted into the for profit prison system building new jails and tearing down public schools.

This must stop at once and, If you are a interested in becoming a plaintiff please contact the following sources;

Citizens for Sensible Cannabis Reform   Attorney Kevin Lynn (248) 693-2300

Sons of Hemp:  Ronald Jones  sonsofhemp420@gmail.com

1,2,3,4. It’s time to end the Drug War.

Detroit's Marijuana Ordinance Placed on Hold until April 13th, 2016

By Richard C. Clement
      Marijuana Policy Analyst

On Friday April 1^st 2016, Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Daphnie Means Curtis signed a Temporary Restraining Order requested by Citizens for Sensible Cannabis Reform (CSCR), halting the implementation of Ordinances to Zone and Licenses Medical Marijuana Care Centers in the City of Detroit until April 13^th at 8:30am.  The granting of this order means that both ordinances are suspended and cannot be enforced on ANY facility within the City of Detroit.  Building Safety (BSEED), Detroit Police and Fire Departments are prohibited from taking any adverse action based on any ordinance violation.  While City officials have been very courteous, MMCC Owners are directed to record any badge number of any City Official that stops by during this time period to enforce this ordinance.

At issue is the development of an ordinance without the true input of the owners of Medical Marijuana Caregiver Centers.  MMCC businesses on Woodward Avenue are doing better than the Palmer Park Golf Course and the empty Perfecting Church on Woodward and Seven Mile combined. If citizens can go to a Walgreens and, CVS drive through to get their medicine, then equal opportunity shall be afforded to MMCC businesses also. The State of Colorado has made over 1 billion dollars revenue from the Marijuana industry with half of the population of Michigan.  

This is a large amount of money that cannot be ignored, especially for a City that needs all the help we can get. Therefore CSCR feels that the citizens should decide this issue at the ballot box on August 2^nd, 2016.  

This will allow all stakeholders to develop a sensible ordinance that will be acceptable to all and, contribute to the quality of life in a truly democratic process.

Message to Detroit Marijuana Business Owners for April 1st, 2016 and Beyond.

by Richard  C. Clement
     Marijuana Policy Analyst

                The City of Detroit’s Medical Marijuana Ordinance goes into effect April 1^st, 2016. If you are interested in owning a Marijuana based property in the city we strongly encourage you to apply ASAP by April 1^st,  2016 (click here to apply for a marijuana license today!) on the City of Detroit Website. Make sure to upload site plans and if you do not have them, make sure you apply anyway to preserve your right to appeal or sue in a court of law.

If you are open after this date, you can remain open until you get a Court Order from 36^th District Court, from a Court Bailiff, signed by a Judge, compelling you to cease and desist operations. At that time your legal counsel will file an objection and go to court to prove you are not a public nuisance. The possession of medible Marijuana in Wayne County Michigan will not be prosecuted by any employee of the Wayne County Prosecutors Office under the excellent leadership of Ms. Kym Worthy who has limited resources and  overworked staff.

A team from Building Safety Engineering (BSEED), Detroit Police Department, and Fire Department will inspect your property to determine the eligibility of your location. If you feel that these ordinances do not meet your needs, or you feel that this ordinance was written to benefit a few select owners, you are strongly encouraged to write one on your own. 

You should work with organizations that have Detroit residents’ interests at heart and, are determined to make the marijuana business a viable business option for persons who are interested in pursuing a career in the growing Marijuana Industry.  

If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office.

CUSHingberry Pushes for Language Accesiblity Plan to Close The Translation Gap

by Richard C. Clement



The Legislative Policy Division (LPD) has been requested by Council President Pro-Tempore George Cushingberry, Jr. to provide a report on how the City of Detroit (City) might go about developing and financing a comprehensive Language Accessibility Plan (LAP) that could be employed by all City departments that must interface with a City population that is becoming more and more culturally diverse.

Given the changing dynamics and population of our city that does not speak English as their native language, communication between each other is quickly becoming quite complex. Therefore the ability to communicate with each other becomes a life or death matter in some cases.

Councilmember Pro-Tem Cushingberry Jr. is committed to bridge the language gap among Detroit residents. He is very excited about the possibilities of the City being able to communicate with each other, no matter what language you speak and understand.

Some of the possibilities are using software hosted on a cell phone that will hear and translate a spoken words to a selected language.  Other possibilities are using the resources of the Dominican Literacy Project to consult in the development of a cross language table to associate one word to another word in a different language and vice versa.

Pro Tem Cushingberry is confident in the Legislative Policy Division in that they will do an excellent job on gathering information and doing the research.

Pushing with CUSHingberry to Provide Afforable Water to Detroit Residents

by Friends of Cushingberry

The Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) launching March 1, will provide qualifying customers at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty threshold, with help in paying current and past-due water bills. WRAP is a Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) regional program offered in several counties including Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb. The program will be administered through the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency in Detroit.

Eligible DWSD customers will receive a $25 monthly bill credit with any arrearages frozen for 12 months. Customers who successfully make their monthly payments for one year will receive an additional credit of up to $700 applied toward their arrears.

In addition, qualifying residents with water usage exceeding 20 percent of the average household water consumption in the city, are eligible for a free home water conservation audit. Based on the audit, customers may receive up to an additional $1,000 for minor household plumbing repairs. 

Participants may continue in the program for up to 24 months but must reapply annually.

The terms of the program which were recently approved by the GLWA board, will provide Detroit residents with approximately $1.5 million of the $4.5 million allocated for 126 municipalities in seven southeast Michigan counties. Approximately 44,000 of Detroit’s 175,000 residential water accounts are on a payment plan, up from 9,000 a year ago. Residents on the plan are not subject to shutoff.

To apply for the WRAP, residents may call Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency (on or after March 1) at 313.386.WRAP (9727) or visit the website at www.waynemetro.org/wrap

State Reps Introduce Bill 5445 to Eliminate Local Marijuana Ordinances

By Richard C. Clement
      Marijuana Policy Analyst

        Today State Rep. Leslie Love(D), Wendel Byrd(D), and Latanya Garrett(D) introduced House Bill #5445 changing the Michigan Medical Marijuana Law to prevent citizens in Cities and Townships from enacting referendums and petitions to modify local marijuana ordinances.  This bill was introduced to stop the referendum that was filed by the Citizens for Sensible Cannabis Reform to place the two Marijuana Ordinances on the August 2nd, 2016 ballot in the City of Detroit.

        This bill will be a prototype for every City and Township in the State of Michigan regardless of the feelings of the citizens. Raids like the ones in Gaylord MI and the seizing of medibles will become the normal course of business for every city and township in Michigan.

         Rep. Love is hoping to fast-track this legislation with the help of Republicans for a coveted signature from Governor Rick Snyder in 90 days.  If this is signed into law, then all Cities and Townships will have their ordinances null and voided. A citizens rights to address your government and get redress of your grievances will be eliminated.  If you have any comments on this bill please click on the names to let them know how you feel.

PDF Copy of HB 5445

Contact State Rep Leslie Love

Office Address  S-689 House Office Building

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 30014  

Lansing, MI 48909-7514

Phone: (517) 373-0857   Toll-Free: (855) 568-3010

Email:  leslielove@house.mi.gov

Detroit Marijuana Ordinance Placed Under Suspension by Citizens Group

By Richard C. Clement

      Marijuana Policy Analyst

A group by the name of Citizens for Sensible Cannabis Reform (CSCR) has informed the Detroit City Council that they will file a lawsuit to suspend the full implementation of the Detroit Marijuana Zoning and License Ordinance until August 2^nd, 2016 or, until the Ordinance is re-written in a fair and equitable manner. The group has already filed date stamped petitions with the Detroit City Clerk before the implementation date and time of March 1^st, 2016 at 9:00am EST.

Woodward Ave
Cana-Business Owners Assn.

If the ordinance stands as is, 95% of all available business parcels will be made unavailable for use as a Marijuana Caregiver Center. This will adversely affect businesses owned by Detroit residents that want to give back to the neighborhoods.  Other organizations such as The Sons of Hemp, an African American Cannabis Chamber Commerce group, have chimed in their support because 100% of their businesses will be closed down. CSCR wants to develop and ordinance that is fair and equitable to everyone regardless of someone’s ethnic background or felony convictions.  If we are truly a society that believes in giving people second chances, then it is time to put it into practice.

If you still have an interest in becoming a marijuana business owner, we strongly recommend that you apply for the license online using the City of Detroit website (click here to apply) and, apply for your license today. Go directly to the application and enter your information for the official record. Ignore the radial search feature and just enter your information in the required fields on the application.  Everyone who applies has the right to a hearing and, you are welcome to bring representation.   The fees have been disabled and we are welcoming comment from the public to make the system even better.

We want to acknowledge the fine work that our Department of Innovation Technology(DoIT) has put in to allow people to apply for a license using the City of Detroit’s Website. A great big shout out goes out to the Information Technology Staff lead by Chief Information Officer Beth Niblock and, DoIT Director Charles Dodd for their leadership in developing a true Marijuana Information System for the City of Detroit.

City Attorney Butch Hollowell will argue for the Council that the filings were not in a timely manner and the ordinance is in full effect. Legal representatives of CSCR produce evidence and, will argue that the filing was timely. During this time period the law prevents the ordinance from being enforced until a vote is taken of the people on August 2^nd, 2016.  There will be NO penalty for remaining open and applying for a license during this time period.  This includes the edibles, medibles, concentrates and other products made from the plant. 

For example, at Eastern Market in Shed #2, toasted hemp is available for sale to the public. They taste just like sunflower seeds and I highly recommend that you try it.  Until then carry on with your normal course of business and, make sure you show up in August to let your voice be your vote, instead of wearing out your throat.

Benjamin O Davis Academy for Aerospace and Fire Training at City Airport

by Richard C. Clement

Today Detroit City Council President Pro Tempore George Cushingberry Jr. proposed that the city add $200,000 to the Fire department’s budget  for the purpose of completing a plan to build a new Benjamin O. Davis Academy of aeronautics, fire prevention, and, emergency medical service(EMT) on the grounds of Detroit City Airport.

This unique facility would maintain the FAA approval for the aeronautic and fire aeronautical programs. Mr. Cushingberry expects that a Request For Proposal (RFP) could be let for an estimated $10 million dollar school which will be paid for from rents from the City and Detroit School District. This effort to bring aviation careers to Detroit students is similar to the development in Grand Rapids Michigan at the Gerald R. Ford Airport in Grand Rapids Michigan. The State of Michigan has made a significant investment in the development of this project and the same thing will be done here in Detroit.

(MLive Article - Detroit City Airport)

This proposal if approved will save the taxpayers dollars because the Detroit Fire Department will have a dedicated fire training facility in the City of Detroit. This investment will give us a unique opportunity to continue the legacy of aeronautics like the Tuskegee Airmen of which Mayor Coleman Young was a proud member of.   Most important, the Aeronautics program will be moved back to Coleman Young International Airport where it belonged in the first place.

Councilmember Pro Tem Cushingberry Jr. is more than happy to discuss this project with the public.

Detroit Business Owners Unite to Re-Write the Detroit Marijuana Ordinances passed by City Council

by Richard  C. Clement
     Marijuana Policy Analyst

        Canna-Business owners feel slighted by the new and proposed ordinances to “regulate” all the Marijuana shops in the City because, they were left out of the planning phase. To correct that issue and others, the Citizens for Sensible Cannabis Reform is sponsoring a petition drive to place the issue on the August 2^nd, 2016 ballot as a referendum. 

         Business owners feel that this ordinance was designed to eliminate ALL Marijuana businesses in the City of Detroit. The remaining few spots that are eligible are already owned by people that are waiting for the ordinance to take effect and eliminate the competition.  The focus on shutting down 211 Marijuana Care Centers through zoning laws is creating an adverse effect on owners who want to get fair and equal opportunity to be a part of the 100+ Billion dollar pie of Marijuana.

         Currently, the City of Detroit has over 11,000 empty buildings within its limits. As always businesses that are owned by African Americans will be the first ones to be shut down. Places like G3 on 8 mile and Hubbell will be closed down and, the buildings will become vacant again.  What the business owners want is fair treatment as a legitimate business and Sensible Cannabis laws in the City of Detroit. The business owners are proposing that there only be one regulation cana-businesses with a 1000ft buffer regulation that only includes Schools and, Libraries.

The current regulations like 1000 feet from a church is un-constitutional and may face a court on the issue of separation of church and state.  The ordinance gives the appearance of collusion with specific owners to eliminate the completion to drive up prices for everyone.  We want transparency in our operations as a Government, and as a service organization to the citizens of Detroit. Therefore starting on Feb 24^th, through February 29^th, the Woodward Avenue Business Owners Association is sponsoring a petition drive at 3 of the four locations on the strip. 

• Miles Green Acers  19010 Woodward Ave Detroit MI 48203
• Tribute Detroit 18830 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48203
• Green Cure 18002 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48203 

Other Locations in The City of Detroit:

• Green Zone Wellness 13707 W McNichols Detroit MI 48235
• Peace of Amsterdam 18665 W 8 Mile Detroit MI 48219

At these locations, you can find petitions to address the Zoning and Licensing issue so that they can be placed on the ballot as a referendum question in the August 2^nd, 2016 Primary Election. Register to vote forms may be available at these locations also to let your voice be your vote. 

The Presidential primary on March 8^th, 2016 is ready to take on people that are interested in voting early at the Detroit Elections Bureau at 2978 Grand Boulevard Detroit, MI 48203 or the 2^nd floor of the Coleman Young Municipal Center at 2 Woodward Avenue Detroit MI 48226. You must declare your party preference before you cast your vote for as a Democrat or, a Republican so vote early and don’t be late.

Council Member James Tate Supports Historically Black Colleges on Sat. Feb 20th

By  Richard C. Clement

The Detroit Alumni Chapter of Alabama State University is pleased to have Detroit City Council member James Tate of District 1 as our guest speaker at the 66^th Annual Founders Day Luncheon on Saturday February 20^th at 11:30am.  Council member Pro Tem Cushingberry is an ardent supporter of Dr. Gwendolyn E. Boyd and her leadership as the President of Alabama State University. Council member Cushingberry supports the existence and importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.  

The Chapter will take care of your breakfast/lunch with a hearty menu so don’t cook, come hungry and prepared to eat good meal.  Council member Tate was chosen by the membership because of his leadership on issues concerning the City of Detroit. A direct quote from his City of Detroit webpage explains his leadership style.

“He is known for making the tough decisions when they have to be made and believes in accessible government. Councilman Tate consistently seeks ways to forge and cultivate neighborhood partnerships within the district. Hosting monthly meetings in District 1, Tate ensures that residents are up to speed on the latest issues that affect their lives. His bi-weekly Satellite Hours at the Motor City Java and Tea House further extends Councilman Tate into the community. He’s on the ground and on the run in District 1. “

Council member Tate is primarily responsible for creating a task force on Black Male Engagement along with fellow Council member Andre Spivey to address the growing pressures put on Black Males growing up in this ever changing complex world. Council member Tate has been instrumental in shaping the future of the growing Marijuana Industry in the City of Detroit by introducing legislation to place the entire process of licensing online instead of mailing in paperwork. 

Council member Tate is an esteemed member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity that has committed to help shape the future of our children who choose to attend HBCU for a solid education.  

The donation of $40 for this event will go toward scholarships, and expenses for current and prospective students attending Alabama State University.

To purchase a ticket please call the office (313) 224-4535 and ask for Richard C. Clement or contact Mrs. Lorinette B. Clark at (313) 418-8489

Push With Cush to fill 120 Information Technology Jobs with the City of Detroit

By Councilmember Pro Tem George Cushingberry Jr.

Join the Technology
Push with Cush!

The City of Detroit Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIt) is actively looking to hire up to 120 Information Technology professionals to work full time. Council member Pro Tem Cushingberry supports the ultimate goal to have a 90/10 ratio of full time positions to part time contractors employed.  We will be looking for local talent from schools like Wayne State to Historically Black Colleges and Universities that have strong Information Technology programs. Councilmember ProTem Cushingberry Jr. is strongly pushing for talent and diversity in Information Technology because of the alarming lack of African Americans, who chose to pursue a career in the field.





If you are interested in applying for a job, please visit the City of Detroit website at www.detroitmi.gov to view the numerous openings with us. Closing Date is Feb 1st, 2016 for most positions. In some cases filing deadlines will be extended for some positions.

THERE IS NO PENALTY FOR APPLYING FOR MORE THAN ONE JOB LISTING!!!!!

Marijuana Information for the City of Detroit - Quick Links to Answer Your Questions About What is Going On

by Richard C. Clement
     Marijuana Policy Analyst

           The following links are reference links to information regarding the management of Marijuana in Detroit Michigan.  These links point to maps and ordinance information that may be helpful to you. Please be aware that Ordinance #61 is being re-written as a ballot question to the voters which may affect the implementation date of March 1^st, 2016. If enough voters decide to make it a ballot question, the ordinance is null and void until the issue is decided on August 2, 2016 by the voters.

Please click on the following links for additional information.

General How Do I Do It Information Page  

APPLY FOR A MARIHUANA LICENCE IN THE CITY OF DETROIT NEW!

City of Detroit Law Department Marijuana News Feb 2016

Marijuana Information Systems - BSEED, Detroit Police, Law Department Presentation

Marijuana Information Fact Sheet 

Marijuana License Ordinance #24

Marijuana Zoning Ordinance #61 

Marijuana Zoning Map Of Detroit

Referendum Ballot Question on Ordinance #61 Petition Language, August 2, 2016

From Councilmember James Tate's website:

"The above map illustration of the zoning regulations for medical marijuana facilities contained in Councilman Tate's proposed amendment to Chapter 61 of the 1984 Detroit City Code. The bold portions of the map indicate which areas of the City would be eligible for medical marijuana facilities under the proposed zoning regulations. It is important to note that medical marijuana facilities would be restricted from being located within 2,000 radial feet of another facility.

If you have any additional questions or need further clarification, please feel free to contact Councilman Tate's office by phone at (313)224-1027 or by email at councilmembertate@detroitmi.gov "

Marijuana Management in Motown - Showtime is Tue. Feb 2nd, 2015 @ 10am

by Richard C. Clement - Marijuana Policy Analyst

        On Tuesday Feb 2^nd at 10 am, the new Detroit Marijuana Ordinance and Licensing procedure will be demonstrated before a full body of the City Council.  When implemented, this will significantly reduce the number of Marijuana Compassion Centers in the City of Detroit.  Currently there are over 150 places of business operating in the city. When this ordinance takes effect On March 1^st, there may be a little as 5 of them in the City with restrictions so tight that you will be able to get a Gun much easier than some Ganja.

        Supporters and owners of Compassion Centers who object to provisions of the ordinance feel that this should be a ballot question placed to ALL of the people. One of the major objections is the provision of 1000 feet from a church or religious institution. Some religions use Marijuana as holy sacrament as a primary part of their religious practice. In this case an owner can get a use permit from BSEED as a religious institution in zones B1, B2, B4,B5, B6 business districts as a matter of right. In other cases the occupancy permit of a church can be challenged in a hearing at the Zoning Board.  There are a number of churches that are improperly zoned and do not qualify under Ordinance #61.

         Supporters of drive through and other marijuana services also feel that this issue should be decided by the voters. Therefore, and at the request of Council member Pro Tem George Cushingberry Jr, the Law Department was directed to develop ballot language so that voters can decide the issue in November of 2016 at the ballot box. With the gathering of the signatures of 5000 registered voters in the City of Detroit, the implementation of this ordinance will be suspended until a vote is taken.

          Corporation Council Attorney Melvin “Butch” Hollowell and staff  have been crafting the language for the petition since October 2015. Corporation council staff has promised Pro Tem Cushingberry that language will be available to the public on or before February 2^nd,  2016. 

           Meanwhile organizations like MI-Legalize and Abrogate Michigan have Ballot Initiative petitions that will alleviate the issues with the City to make a fair and equitable law regarding Marijuana in Michigan. The Marijuana industry has been a boon to places like Lowes and Home Depot for construction material. Work for Union Electricians, Carpenters and Bricklayers are in demand because of the new ganja-peneuer industry. Empty buildings in the City are being used instead of open to being looted and set fire by people like squatters who use open flame to keep warm.

            The only restrictions that the Marijuana community agrees with is the 1000 foot barrier from a school.  Otherwise, everything else about the ordinance is up for a ballot vote by the people.

Stay tuned to Detroit City Council live stream at www.detroitmi.gov  Channel 10 on February 2^nd, 2016 at 10 am to view the presentation.

District 2 State of the District Field Report - Continue the Push with Pro Tem Cush!

Greetings,

A Toast to Deception by the
Emergency Manager and Flint Officials

          The situation in Flint Michigan regarding the water is a criminal act of negligence committed by employees of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.  We are strongly recommending that Barbara McQuade and Loretta Lynch with the United States Department of Justice to convene a grand jury to investigate and prosecute anyone involved in the falsification of documents that produced this disaster. There is no excuse for this criminal behavior from Civil Servants who took an oath to serve the people with honesty and integrity.  As compensation to Flint residents, their co-pays for the Affordable Care Act shall be significantly reduced by %95 to %100 to accommodate the health care needs of the affected.  When the water is so bad that General Motors can’t use it to build their cars, then why it was good for people to drink according to State of Michigan “experts”. The participants in this modern day Tuskegee Experiment for profit shall be stung like a Hornet in a court of law.

        The process for obtaining a License for Marijuana Caregiver Centers is taking place as we speak. Fees by law will not be higher than $1000 and through the referendum process a fair and equitable ordinance will become the law of all the people.  Unfortunately, there are some members in our community who want to create a problem that does not exist.  There are some in the community who say that these places bring crime and drive the values of property down.  Under further inspection by Council staff members of these businesses, these allegations are not true. Recently in January of 2016, Detroit Police Chief James Craig was quoted on Detroit Speaks with Cliff Russell (WCHB 1200 AM Detroit MI) that the crime numbers associated with these Marijuana places are not there and, the department has more issues to deal with like murders, car jackings, and mentally ill people that need help instead of jail.

        We have African American pastors that own Caregiver Centers that employ many people. They do not support the 1000 foot requirement from a religious institution and requesting that this and other provisions be placed on the ballot for November 2016. Furthermore some of these pastors should know better and seem to forget the history of the Slave Trade were Black People sold other Black people into slavery. In this case the pastors support keeping marijuana illegal to support the for profit prison industry.  There are cities like Ypsilanti, Lansing, Flint, that have many Caregiver Centers in their cities, therefore the allegations made by community groups regarding these places of business are unfounded and remind you of the 1939 Reefer Madness movement.

                The Livernois Avenue of Fashion is thriving again with new lights and businesses that meet the needs of their customers.  The lights took longer than expected because the wiring on the street was over 50 years old. We support the business owners on the Avenue who want the parking meters removed from the street.  They have caused the business owners to lose customers because of the inflexibility of the meters and our office is working with the owners to resolve the problems. We want more people to start voicing their concerns to Wayne County and Lansing for the condition of Outer Drive from Livernois all the way to Southfield Freeway.  Between Livernois and Wyoming, the road conditions are atrocious and needs to be paved over immediately. We want to highlight and give a shout out to the new Hartford Village complex on Meyers and welcome to our new residents who will be living there.

                The empty land at the State Fairgrounds has a site plan and layout by the Magic Plus LLC group. We hope that this group can expand their efforts as far as they can between Woodward, John R, 8 Mile, and McNichols because this area is begging for redevelopment. The plan is for a movie theater,  housing, and a fully modal transportation center that includes, Amtrak, Light Rail, DDOT, and SMART. On 7 mile and Woodward a faith based transportation hub in partnership with the Tasty World, BP Gas Station, Miles Green Acres Compassion Center, and the Perfecting Church will facilitate the connection between North, South, East, and West distances in the city.  We support the participation of the Magic Plus Group in the re-vitalization of Detroit.  We will continue to support the development of a regional light rail system that will rival Miami, Washington DC, and New York rail systems. 

        This growth within the district may result in the re-activation of the fire house at Curtis and Livernois that is 2.5 miles from Pasteur School into a fully operational fire house. In layperson terms there will be two fire trucks instead of one with a rescue unit. Some of the older firehouses may qualify for a historic grant because of the age of the facility.  This means that a Detroit based company like CAASTI Construction Company (www.caasti.com) can redo the interior of fire houses and create job opportunities for carpenters, bricklayers, electricians, etc.  

         This growth will continue with the additional officers needed at the 12th Precinct because of the redevelopment of the old State Fairgrounds property by Magic PLUS. When this project is completed DPD will be adding at least 10 new officers to patrol the new neighborhood.

        

         The Adams/Butzel Recreation Center has a world class NHL sized hockey skating rink. It is one of the Department’s premiere recreation centers in the district. Did you know that African Americans invented the game of Hockey? (click here to find out)  If you want to learn how to play the game, then this is the place to come.  Trainers with professional hockey experience are available to teach you the basics.

         We will work to remove one of the Emergency Managers orders regarding the parking tickets. We want citizens to get a 24 hour grace period to pay a $20 fine instead of being socked $45 a pop.  Michigan cities like Lansing are forgiving when it comes to parking tickets and people. 

Property Tax Progress (click here)

Finally, we want to give a shout out to Pastor Oscar King of the Northwest Unity Baptist Church whose leadership in the District has helped to make for a better quality of life in our neighborhood and our city.

Fire up Detroit, Fire Up!

An Apology to L. Brooks Patterson and Support for the Teachers at Cass Tech

By Richard C. Clement

Mr. L. Brooks Patterson will be receiving a phone call and a personal visit from Legislative Aide Richard Clement at 313 224-4535 apologizing for offending him by calling him a drunkard in social media. The comments made by me in response to the trolls insulting the integrity and leadership of Councilmember Pro Tem George Cushingberry Jr. in social media with unprofessional names was inappropriate at a personal level.

I do apologize to all Cass Tech Alumni for mis-representing the boss on his Facebook Account as a Cass Tech Alumni. I was acting like a Technician when I am actually a Mumford Mustang in support of public education including(but not limited to) art, swimming, music, S.T.E.M, careers, drivers ed, special ed, politics, public safety like EMT, Police, Fire, sports, broadcasting, etc. This apology includes all of the retired DPS teachers, including the substitutes I dogged along the way to becoming an adult.

I support DPS employees all the way up to Elected Board Member Lamar Lemmonds, to Pasteur School and back again. Public education is under attack from hucksters and speculators who see every child as a $7,500 profit center instead of an asset with unique traits and talent that numbers cannot measure.  

If anyone in a public position says that teachers are overpaid, they should be arrested for a misdemeanor and given a choice of 90 days in jail or, work as a substitute teacher one day week for an entire school year. Furthermore, public school teacher’s health care costs should include the use of Medical Marijuana to treat the PTSD conditions of the job. Teachers do an excellent job with the resources that they are given. We need educators instead of MBA’s and speculators in charge of education because the number testing thing is not working.

Finally I want to congratulate all of the teachers at Cass Tech who took a stand and said enough is enough. I want them to make sure to find every student who will be 18 years old on or before November 8^th, 2015, and have them register and voting for people who have your best interests at heart.  

Thank you,

Richard C. Clement

Legislative Aide to Councilmember Pro Tem George Cushingberry Jr. District 2

CC: Shout out to WDIV 4 Detroit Reporter Priya Mann for getting back with me.

W.W.C.Y.D. if he had social media available?

Where WWCYD equals What Would Coleman Young Do?

Property Taxes in Detroit. Good news message on how you can save some money

by Richard C. Clement

Now is the time to plan to lower your property tax if you feel that your assessment is unfair. There are three possible steps to the annual appeal process:

1. Assessors Review (local)

2. March Board of Review (local)

3. Michigan Tax Tribunal (state)

Make plans to appeal your assessment between the dates of February 2^nd through 16^th.  If you are not satisfied with the local assessor’s review, you have a right to appeal the March board of review. (Click Here to Review the Steps Needed to get the Job done)

There are many programs available to lower your taxes such as a poverty exemption credit and Neighborhood Enterprise Zones. (Click here to read NEZ information). This is only the request form for a poverty application please do not submit financial information with the form!

To qualify for a tax exemption under the poverty program, you must:

1. Own and occupy the property as your primary homestead as of December 31, 2014.

2. Must have a principal residence exemption on file.

3. Household (related and non-related) annual income must fall within the poverty guidelines.

4. You must submit a completed application and provide all required documents for the board to render a decision.

Incomplete applications may not be considered. Important notice any person who knowingly makes a false statement or misrepresentation will be denied a poverty exemption and may be prosecuted to the fullest extent provided by law. Any or all applications are subject to random home inspections for compliance with City of Detroit guidelines. (Click Here For Poverty Tax Exemption Forms)

If you disagree with the March Board of Review decision, you have as a right by law to appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. All Property Classified Real Property can be protested at the March Board of Review. This is necessary to protect your rights to further appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal for valuation and exemption appeals and/or State Tax Commission for classification appeals.

To appeal a decision of the March Board of Review, you must write to the Michigan Tax Tribunal before June 30th each year. Please visit www.michigan.gov/taxtrib  for the appropriate appeal form.

Property Classified Commercial Real, Industrial Real Appeal to the March Board of Review is not required. However, if desired, an appeal must be made during the Assessors Review Period (see above for deadline) in order to appeal to the March Board of Review; or an appeal can be made directly to the Michigan Tax Tribunal prior to May 31st .

Property Classified Commercial Personal, Industrial Personal and Utility Personal

Taxpayers who wish to appeal for these classifications are not required to appear at the March Board of Review. However, if desired, an appeal may be made to the March Board of Review (see above for deadline and mailing address) or an appeal can be made directly to the Michigan Tax Tribunal prior to May 31st . Appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal requires that a personal property statement be filed by February 20th .

Michigan Tax Tribunal P.O. Box 30232 Lansing, M 48909 (517) 636-7551 www.michigan.gov/taxtrib