On the agenda: Garden City meeting — Data Center (Apr 20)

THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS,
CITY MANAGER, DEPARTMENT HEADS, AND ALL INTERESTED PARTIES

This notice shall serve as your formal and official notification of the REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING to be
held on MONDAY, April 20, 2026, AT 7:00 PM, in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Civic Center, 6000
Middlebelt Road, Garden City, Michigan 48135; (734) 793-1600.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. OPENING CEREMONY
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. RECOGNITION
6. COMMENTS FROM STATE AND COUNTY OFFICIALS
7. PRESENTATION
8. COMMUNITY EVENTS
9. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. FY 2026-2027 Five Year Capital Improvement Plan
11. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
A. Consent Agenda
1. Approve Regular Council Meeting Minutes of 4/6/26
2. Approve Council Budget Meeting Minutes of 4/13/26
3. Receive and File Planning Commission Minutes of 3/12/26
4. Receive and File Commission On Aging Minutes of 3/11/26
5. Receive and File: City Financial Report for the month of March 2026
B. Action Items
1. FY 2026/2027 Five Year Capital Improvement Plan
2. Gateway Infrastructure, LLC – METRO Act Permit Application
3. 2026 Road Bond Issuance Resolution
4. 2026 Road Bond Issuance Engagement Letter – Bendzinski & Co.
5. 2026 Sidewalk Program – Bid Award
6. Housing Readiness Master Plan Amendment – Approve Distribution of Draft
Amendment
7. Goodfellows On-Street Sales
12. OTHER BUSINESS
13. PUBLIC COMMENT – GENERAL (non-agenda items only)
14. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER
15. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
16. CLOSED SESSION
17. ADJOURNMENT
Bryan C. Smith
City Clerk

Garden City Council Meeting Agenda

March 23, 2026

Page 2

ADA Accommodation. The City of Garden City will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services (such as signers
and audio tapes) to individuals with disabilities attending meetings or hearings. A two-week notice is required.
For assistance, please contact the Administration office at (734) 793-1660.
Public Participation at Meetings. Members of the public shall speak only when recognized by the presiding
officer. Members of the public shall be limited to speaking only during the “Public Comment – General” for issues
not on the meeting agenda (limited to three (3) minutes) and following Council discussion on each agenda item
prior to a vote by the City Council on that item (limited to three (3) minutes). Each speaker shall observe the
specified time limitation unless the rules are waived by a majority vote of the City Council. Due to an issue that
may involve a large amount of public comment, by a majority vote of the City Council, the public comment time
limit may be reduced to one (1) minute per member of the public. The presiding officer may also encourage
groups to designate one or more individuals to speak on their behalf to avoid cumulative comments. Individuals
may only speak one time per topic, including one time during public comment. Individuals may only comment
during public comment and/or when a vote is being taken by the Council. Prior to addressing the City Council,
members of the public shall register with the City Clerk on a form provided by the Clerk and shall identify
themselves by name, street name, and city of residence at the podium prior to speaking. The City Clerk shall
record in the meeting minutes the name, street name, city of residence, and/or organizational affiliation of
persons addressing the City Council and the topic to which they speak. A person shall not be excluded from a
meeting that is otherwise open to the public except for a breach of the peace actually committed at the meeting.
Disorderly Conduct at Meetings Prohibited. The presiding officer may call to order any person who is breaching
the peace or being disorderly by speaking without recognition, engaging in booing or catcalls, applauding, failing
to be germane to the topic or issue being considered, speaking longer than the allotted time, threatening intent
to commit an act of unlawful violence to a particular individual or group of individuals, excessive body odor, or
engaging in other conduct which is determined by the presiding officer to be disruptive to the meeting. Any
person so disrupting a lawful public meeting of the City Council may be removed or excluded from a meeting
that is otherwise open to the public in accordance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act and shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor pursuant to state statute, being MCL 750.170 et seq, and §131.03(B) of the City Code Of
Ordinances. The Chief of Police or his designate shall serve as the sergeant-at-arms at council meetings for
purposes of enforcement of the rules under this section.

CITY OF GARDEN CITY
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
April 6, 2026
The Mayor and Council of the City of Garden City met in Regular Session Monday, April 6,
2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Civic Center, 6000 Middlebelt Road, Garden
City, Michigan.
REGULAR MEETING

Present were: Mayor Jacobs, Mayor Pro-Tem J. Dold, Councilmembers Hughes, Witt, King,
K. Dold and Karafotis
Members absent and excused: None
Also present were Acting City Manager/Fire Chief Keen, City Clerk Smith, City Treasurer
Shepard, Chief Arnoske, and Interim Parks and Recreation Director King.
 Item #26-03-042 - Moved by Witt; supported by Hughes:
RESOLVED:
Motion to approve the agenda as presented:
1. Resolution - 2025 Wayne County Hazard Mitigation Plan
2. Resolution – Data Center Application Moratorium
3. Resolution – Opposition to State Legislation Preempting Local Zoning Regulations
4. Call For Public Hearing - FY 2026-2027 General Appropriations and Tax Levy
Ordinance
5. Call For Public Hearing - FY 2026-2027 Water and Sewer Rates
AYES:
ABSENT:

Unanimous
None

Motion Passes 7-0
RECOGNITION
 Mayor Jacbos, Fire Chief Keen, Police Chief Arnoske and Rink Manager Downey presented a
check for the proceeds of recent Police vs. Fire Charity Hockey game to the Our H.O.M.E
Food Pantry.
 Mayor Jacobs, Mayor Pro-Tem Dold and Police Chief Arnoske presented a plaque of
recognition to Officer Joseph Stanley.

City of Garden City Council Meeting
April 6, 2026

Page 2 of 6

COMMENTS FROM STATE AND COUNTY OFFICIALS – None
PRESENTATION
 Officer Joseph Stanley gave a presentation on the Garden City Police Department K-9 officer
program.
COMMUNITY EVENTS - None
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
 Item #26-04-056 - Moved by Witt; supported by J. Dold:
RESOLVED:
Motion to accept the Consent Agenda as presented
1. Approve Regular Council Meeting Minutes of 3/23/26
2. Receive and File: City Invoices Paid Report for the month of March 2026
AYES:
ABSENT:

Unanimous
None

Motion Passes 7-0
 Item #26-04-057 - Moved by J. Dold; supported by Karafotis:
RESOLVED: Motion to approve the attached resolution to adopt the 2025 Wayne County
Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Garden City, MI
RESOLUTION NO. 26-04-057
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF GARDEN CITY ADOPTING THE 2025 WAYNE COUNTY HAZARD
MITIGATION PLAN
WHEREAS the City of Garden City recognizes the threat that natural hazards pose to people and property within the
City of Garden City and
WHEREAS the City of Garden City has prepared a multi-hazard mitigation plan, hereby known as the 2025 Wayne
County Hazard Mitigation Plan in accordance with federal laws, including the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act, as amended; the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as amended; and the National
Dam Safety Program Act, as amended; and
WHEREAS the 2025 Wayne County Hazard Mitigation Plan identifies mitigation goals and actions to reduce or
eliminate long-term risk to people and property in the City of Garden City from the impacts of future hazards and
disasters; and
WHEREAS adoption by the City of Garden City demonstrates its commitment to hazard mitigation and achieving
the goals outlined in the 2025 Wayne County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF GARDEN CITY, MI, THAT:
Section 1. In accordance with the administrative rules the City of Garden City adopts the 2025 Wayne County Hazard
Mitigation Plan. While content related to the City of Garden City may require revisions to meet the plan approval
requirements, changes occurring after adoption will not require the City of Garden City to re-adopt any further
iterations of the plan. Subsequent plan updates following the approval period for this plan will require separate
adoption resolutions.

City of Garden City Council Meeting
April 6, 2026
AYES:
ABSENT:

Page 3 of 6

Unanimous
None

Motion Passes 7-0
 Item #26-04-058 - Moved by Hughes; supported by Karafotis:
RESOLVED:
Move to approve the attached resolution to establish a moratorium on
data processing and storage center applications for a six-month period to allow for the
adoption of appropriate zoning regulations.
RESOLUTION #26-04-058
CITY OF GARDEN CITY, MICHIGAN
MORATORIUM ON DATA PROCESSING AND STORAGE CENTERS
WHEREAS, the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, P.A. 110 of 2006, MCL 125.3101 et seq., authorizes the City of Garden
City (the "City") to adopt reasonable regulations to control the establishment and use of Data Processing and Storage Centers
in accordance with the City's Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City has become aware of an increase in the number of Data Processing and Storage Centers in the
region, which is an emerging land use not sufficiently contemplated in the current Master Plan nor by the current zoning
ordinance for any location in the City; and
WHEREAS, integration of Data Processing and Storage Centers as a land use within the City's existing land uses
requires suitable regulations and controls to ensure compliance with the City's Master Plan, among other things, by promoting
compatibility with residential property, ensuring balanced utilization of available public utilities, promoting protection of water
resources and for the protection of general health, safety and welfare of all of the City's residents; and
WHEREAS, this Council believes it is prudent and wise in light of the emergence of Data Processing and Storage
Centers as a land use in the region, to assure proper locating and regulation of these land uses in the City and must consider this
Resolution for Moratorium on Data Processing and Storage Centers so as to better protect the public health, safety, and welfare
of City residents; and
WHEREAS, imposing a moratorium, on a limited temporary basis, is reasonable and necessary in order to allow the
City to fully explore, analyze, research and develop proposed amendments to the Master Plan and the City Zoning Ordinance,
and to make recommendations to the City Council regarding such amendments applicable to Data Processing and Storage
Center uses in the City;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, a moratorium is hereby imposed upon the issuance of any and all permits, licenses, or
approvals for any property subject to or under the jurisdiction of the City's Zoning Ordinance for the establishment or use of any
new Data Processing and Storage Center uses in the City. The moratorium imposed by this Resolution shall remain in effect for
six (6) months following the effective date of this Resolution, or until Data Processing and Storage Center regulatory
amendments to the City's Zoning Ordinance become effective, whichever occurs first. Before this moratorium expires, the City
may by resolution extend the moratorium for up to six (6) months to allow sufficient time to complete amendments to its
Ordinances, if necessary. If an extension is adopted, the City will publish notice of the extension.

AYES:
ABSENT:

Unanimous
None

Motion Passes 7-0

City of Garden City Council Meeting
April 6, 2026

Page 4 of 6

 Item #26-04-059 - Moved by King; supported by J. Dold:
RESOLVED:
Motion to approve the attached resolution opposing the State House
legislation package of House Bills 5529-5532 and House Bills 5581-5585
that would preempt local zoning authority related to housing
regulations.
RESOLUTION #26-04-059
CITY OF GARDEN CITY, MICHIGAN
RESOLUTION OPPOSING STATE LEGISLATION THAT WOULD PREEMPT
LOCAL ZONING AUTHORITY REGARDING HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

WHEREAS, the City of Garden City is a municipal corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of
Michigan and is charged with protecting the health, safety, and welfare of its residents; and
WHEREAS, the Michigan House of Representatives recently introduced a package of bills that would preempt local
authority over zoning and land use decisions related to housing development; and
WHEREAS, the City of Garden City supports efforts to increase housing affordability and expand housing
opportunities within the State of Michigan, the legislation as introduced would significantly limit the authority of locally elected
governing bodies and appointed planning commissions and zoning boards to make decisions that reflect the unique character,
infrastructure capacity, and priorities of their communities; and
WHEREAS, local zoning and housing standards are carefully developed to align with the capacity of roads,
stormwater systems, water and sewer infrastructure, and police and fire services, and are integrated with long-range master
plans, capital improvement plans, and municipal budget forecasting; and
WHEREAS, local planning processes are transparent and participatory, providing residents with direct access to
public meetings, hearings, and elected officials, thereby ensuring accountability and community engagement in land use
decisions; and
WHEREAS, State preemption of local zoning authority diminishes local accountability and may not adequately
account for the varied infrastructure constraints, geographic conditions, and community needs that differ significantly across
Michigan municipalities; and
WHEREAS, responsible housing growth should occur through collaboration between the State of Michigan and local
governments to ensure that affordability goals are balanced with infrastructure capacity, public safety considerations, and
sound fiscal management;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
1. The City of Garden City hereby formally opposes the Michigan House housing preemption package as currently
introduced.

2. The city urges members of the Michigan Legislature to vote against the bills in their current form and to engage

collaboratively with local governments to develop housing policies that promote affordability while preserving local
planning authority and protecting public infrastructure systems.

3. The city supports constructive dialogue and partnership with the State to identify meaningful solutions that increase
housing opportunities without creating unfunded mandates or infrastructure burdens on local communities.

4. The Clerk is directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution to the Governor of the State of Michigan, members of the

Michigan House of Representatives and Michigan Senate representing this community, the Michigan Municipal
League, the Michigan Townships Association, the Michigan Association of Counties, and any other interested parties.

City of Garden City Council Meeting
April 6, 2026
AYES:
ABSENT:

Page 5 of 6

Unanimous
None

Motion Passes 7-0
 Item #26-04-060 - Moved by K. Dold; supported by Witt:
RESOLVED:
Move to introduce the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 General Appropriations
and Tax Levy Ordinance and call for a public hearing to be held on
Monday, May 4, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
AYES:
ABSENT:

Unanimous
None

Motion Passes 7-0
 Item #26-04-061 - Moved by King; supported by K. Dold:
RESOLVED:
Motion to introduce and call for a Public Hearing on the 2026-2027
Water & Sewer Rate Ordinance to be held on Monday, May 4, 2026 at
7:00 p.m.
STATE OF MICHIGAN, COUNTY OF WAYNE
CITY OF GARDEN CITY
ORDINANCE
ORDINANCE AMENDING THE WATER AND SEWER RATES
SECTIONS 53.03 THROUGH 53.04 OF CHAPTER 53
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE WATER AND SEWER RATES AND CHARGES, SECTIONS 53.03 THROUGH
53.04 OF CHAPTER 53 OF TITLE V OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF GARDEN CITY; PROVIDING FOR RATES
AND CHARGES FOR WATER AND SEWER SERVICE; PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL
OR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE.
THE CITY OF GARDEN CITY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1.

AMENDMENT TO THE CODE.

Sections 53.03 through 53.04, of the City Code are hereby amended to read as follows:
53.03. WATER SUPPLY RATES.
(A)

Consumption base rate $69.75 $73.24 per 1,000 cubic feet of water.

(B)

Annual fixed user charges, in addition to those in division (A) above: $78.43

(C)

Service outside City. Water service rates charged for water service outside the City shall be 100%
of the rates and charges set forth in division (A) and (B) above, or as may hereafter be established
for City water service by City Council Resolution.

53.04. SEWAGE DISPOSAL RATES.
(A)

Consumption base rate, including excess sewage: $77.09 $80.94 per 1,000 cubic feet.

City of Garden City Council Meeting
April 6, 2026

Page 6 of 6

(B)

Annual fixed user charges: $78.43

(C)

RV Annual fixed construction charges: $20.03

(D)

Sewage disposal rates outside the City. Charges for sewage disposal service to premises outside
the city shall be 100% of the rates and charges set forth in division (A) and (B) above or as may
hereafter be established for sewage disposal service by City Council Resolution.

SECTION 2.

VIOLATION AND PENALTY.

Any person or entity that violates any provision of this Ordinance may, upon conviction, be fined not more than
Five Hundred ($500.00) Dollars or imprisoned not more than Ninety (90) days, or both, in the discretion of the court.
SECTION 3.

SEVERABILITY.

If any clause, sentence, section, paragraph or part of this Ordinance, or the application thereof to any person,
firm, corporation, legal entity or circumstances, shall be for any reason adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to
be unconstitutional or invalid, said judgment shall not affect, impair or invalid the remainder of this Ordinance. It is
hereby declared to the legislative intent of this body that the Ordinance is severable, and that the Ordinance would
have been adopted had such invalid or unconstitutional provision not have been included in this Ordinance.
SECTION 4.

REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES.

All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed only to the extent necessary to
give this Ordinance full force and effect.
SECTION 5. SAVINGS CLAUSE.
All rights and duties which have matured, penalties which have been incurred, proceedings which have begun
and prosecution for violations of law occurring before the effective date of this Ordinance are not affected or abated by
this Ordinance.
SECTION 6.

PUBLICATION.

The Clerk for the City of Garden City shall cause this Ordinance to be published in the manner required by
law.
SECTION 7.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This Ordinance, as amended, shall take full force and effect on July 1, 2026 after publication as required by
law.

AYES:
ABSENT:

Unanimous
None

Motion Passes 7-0
Mayor Jacobs announced it was time for public comment.
 Stephanie Richards, Wayne County Sherrif’s Office, provided council with an update from the
Wayne County Sherrif’s Office
 David Molnar, commented on US Congress recess.

There being no further business before Council, the meeting was then adjourned at 7:56 p.m.
Bryan C. Smith, City Clerk

CITY OF GARDEN CITY
COUNCIL BUDGET MEETING MINUTES
April 13, 2026
The Mayor and Council of the City of Garden City met for a City Council Budget Meeting, April
13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Civic Center, 6000 Middlebelt Road, Garden
City, Michigan.
BUDGET MEETING
Members present were Mayor Pro-Tem J. Dold, Councilmembers Hughes, Witt, King, K. Dold, and Karafotis
Members absent and excused: Mayor Jacobs
Also present were City Manager Gibbons, City Clerk Smith, City Treasurer Shepard, DPS Director Ohman,
Police Chief Arnoske, Interim Parks and Recreation Director King, and FRC Supervisor Shaun Hahn.

 Item #26-04-062 - Moved by Witt; supported by Hughes:
RESOLVED:
Motion to approve the agenda as presented:

The meeting agenda considered the following items.
 Discussion: FY 26/27 Budget Process & Progress
 Discussion: Street Lighting Special Assessment
AYES:
Unanimous
ABSENT:
Jacobs
Motion Passes 6-0
City Manager Gibbons provided information and a progress update on the FY 26/27 budget approval process
and council as a whole discussed their questions and comments regarding the proposed budget.
City Manager Gibbons presented information regarding the Street Lighting Special Assessment. Council
discussed the assessment as approved and possibility of removing the assessment.
Mayor Jacobs announced it was time for public comment.





Michael Jones, gave information on the Garden City Lions club and need for new members and on upcoming
community events including the Garden City Theater Program production of Frozen and Mothers Day Lunch at
Radcliff Center
Lore Walkonis, spoke regarding the streetlighting special assessment, asked where to find current financial
information online, stated that a finance director should help with budget oversight, asked if employees pay into
health insurance, and a question about road bond funding.
David Molnar, spoke regarding property tax increases, streetlighting assessment, increased costs on retired persons,
and noise from Garden City Hospital.
Donna Canzoneri, spoke regarding the streetlighting assessment and the cost increases to residents.

There being no further business before Council, the meeting was then adjourned at 7:26 pm.
Bryan C. Smith
City Clerk

CITY OF GARDEN CITY
PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
March 12, 2026
The Planning Commission met for a Regular Meeting on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
in the Council Chambers at the Civic Center: 6000 Middlebelt Road, Garden City, Michigan.
REGULAR MEETING
ROLL CALL
Present were: Chairperson May, Commissioners Williams, King, & Daniels
Absent were: Bazzi, Walls and Steenburg (excused)
Also present were: McKenna Consultants Mario Ortega and Laura Mangan, Deputy Clerk
Goscicki
 Item #26-03-010; Approval of Agenda
RESOLVED: Moved by King; Supported by Williams: Motion to approve the meeting agenda
as presented.
AYES:
ABSENT:

Unanimous
Bazzi, Walls and Steenburg

Motion Carried 4-0
 Item #26-03-011; Approval of Minutes
RESOLVED: Moved by Williams; Supported by King: To approve the Regular Meeting Minutes
of February 12, 2026, as presented.
AYES:
ABSENT:

Unanimous
Bazzi, Walls and Steenburg

Motion Carried 4-0

PUBLIC COMMENT
The chair announced it was time for public comments for items not on the agenda.


There were no comments from the public.

BUSINESS ITEMS


None

PUBLIC HEARING


None

Planning Commission
March 12, 2026 - Page 2 of 3

OTHER BUSINESS
1. Zoning Ordinance Amendment
a. Parking on residentially used lots
a. DISCUSSION: Mario Ortega reviewed details of discussion points
from a McKenna later, dated March 5, 2026. In his overview, several
points were touched on regarding updates and considerations for
changes and stipulations regarding parking on residentially used lots.
Commissioners shared comments including points such as fixed
footage, parking for attached verses detached garages, and potential
issues with stormwater run-off.
b. Murals
a. DISCUSSION: Mario Ortega reviewed details of discussion points
from a McKenna later, dated March 5, 2026. In his overview, several
points were touched on regarding updates and considerations for
changes and stipulations regarding murals fixed to commercial
businesses throughout the city. Commissioners shared comments
including points on specific dimensions and sign regulations.
c. Massage therapy facilities
a. DISCUSSION: Mario Ortega reviewed details of discussion points
from a McKenna later, dated March 5, 2026. In his overview, several
points were touched on regarding updates and considerations for
changes and stipulations regarding massage therapy faculties.
Commissioners shared comments including points on determination
of following state regulations language or local ordinance language,
specifically, relating to surrounding communities and best practices.
2. Housing Master Plan Amendment
a. DISCUSSION: McKenna Consultants Mario Ortega and Laura Mangan
reviewed the Housing Readiness 2026 Master Plan Amendment, drafted
March 6, 2026. Afterwards, Commissioners addressed comments including
immediate changes in the updated draft, updated statistical percentages in
relation to population, age range, and income level, as well as future
projections in each category.
3. Scheduling of Public Hearings
 Item #26-03-012; Public Hearing for 30759 Ford Rd.
RESOLVED: Moved by King; Supported by Williams: Motion to schedule a public hearing on
April 9, 2026, to discuss a proposed planning development rezoning to allow for the construction
of a new four-story mixed-use building at 30759 Ford Rd.
AYES:
ABSENT:

Unanimous
Bazzi, Walls and Steenburg

Motion Carried 4-0
 Item #26-03-013; Public Hearing for 32611 Ford Rd.
RESOLVED: Moved by Daniels; Supported by King: Motion to schedule a public hearing on
April 9, 2026, to discuss a proposed private recreation indoor/outdoor special land use

Planning Commission
February 12, 2026 - Page 3 of 3
application to establish an indoor/outdoor dog park at 32611 Ford Rd.
AYES:
ABSENT:

Unanimous
Bazzi, Walls and Steenburg

Motion Carried 4-0
COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS


The Commissioners had no comments this evening.

ADJOURNMENT
Having no further business the Chair adjourned the meeting at 8:24 p.m.

Matthew K. Miller, AICP
Community Development Director

CITY OF GARDEN CITY
COMMISSION ON AGING (COA) MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2026

Call to Order: 9:26 John Gibson, Chairperson
Moment of Silence: Observed
Roll Call: John Gibson, Sharon Hassett, Mike Jones, Pam Cooley, Dianna Mifsud,
Roxanna Mueller, Joi Matney, Kelly Bailey. Norah Fix — Excused Absences
Guests: Kim Dold, Sarah Minich, Robert Szura, Doris Williams
Minutes: February 11, 2026, minutes approved by Mike Jones, Joi Matney
Financial Report: Commission account $5.01 and Escrow account is $1,018.24.
Division Reports:
John: Nothing
Sarah: Cardio Drumming is full, may add another class. St. Patrick's Day lunch is sold out.
Grief & Loss Support will begin in April. Easter lunch April 2, 12-2pm, $15/$20. DIA trip April
21, $5.00. Mother's Day lunch May 7, 12pm, $20/$25. Summer BarBQ June 4, at Radcliff,
BarBQ in the park on July 1. A suggestion was made for non-resident volunteers who have
worked a minimum set of hours be charged resident fees for parties they wish to attend. The
C.O.A. will assist with circulating flyers, obtaining gifts and assisting where needed.
Kim Dold: Fire station is coming along. On the first weekend in June there will be free citywide
garage sale. April 22 will be a Makers Swap at Radcliff. An Administrative Hearings Bureau was
established to assist with blight violations. Pros & cons discussed on data cameras.
Business:


Pickle ball courts are being used in the gym.




Senior Alliance introduced and distributed Band Together Safety bracelets.
Health & Wellness expo is being planned for the fall. We will not participate in the
advertised Senior event at Westland as a vendor spot was $450.

Communications:
Kiwanis Pig Race was well attended. Garden Club Conference at GCHS March 14 th.
March 12 @ GCHS is Empty Bowl fundraiser $10. Volunteer March 28 @ 10:00 fill food bags.
Fire v/s Police hockey tournament March 14 @ 7:00pm. April 4, 9-11am. Pancake breakfast
with the Easter bunny $8/$11. Frozen theater production April 24, 25, 26.

Motion to adjourn at 10:29 am by John, Sharon
Next meeting will be April 8, 2026, at 9:15 am.
Respectively submitted, Sharon Hassett, Secretary

CITY OF GARDEN CITY

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
REQUEST FORM
Submitted To:

Mayor & Council

Submitted By:

Tim Gibbons, City Manager

BID/CONTRACT
BOARD APPOINTMENT
CEREMONIAL
EXECUTE AGREEMENT
FEE WAIVER
LIQUOR LICENSE
NEW/AMENDED ORDINANCE
ON-STREET SALES
OTHER

Date:

4/16/26

OFFICE USE ONLY
ITEM # 11B1
Council Meeting of
DATE: 4/20/26

ACTION REQUESTED
PERMIT
PD CHANGE OF USE
PD SITE PLAN
PRESENTATION
PROCLAMATION
RESOLUTION
REZONING
SUPP/TRF APPROPRIATION
PUB HEARING REQUIRED

xxx

TITLE / DESCRIPTION OF ITEM (IF ORDINANCE, CITE TITLE/CHAPTER/SECTION(S))

FY 2026-2027 Proposed Five Year Capital Improvement Plan
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
Motion to approve the proposed Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal year
2026-2027 as presented.

Fiscal Year

FINANCIAL IMPACT
G/L Acct. Number

Amount

REVIEW CHECKLIST
DEPARTMENT(S):
FINANCIAL:
COMMISSION(S):
CITY ATTORNEY:
CITY MANAGER:

DATE:
DATE:
DATE:
DATE:
DATE:

CITY OF GARDEN CITY, MICHIGAN

PROPOSED FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Beginning Fiscal Year 2026-2027
1/23/2025

FUND
General Fund
101

Current Yr
DEPARTMENT

PROJECT

Administration
Administration
Court

City-Wide Workstations
City-Wide Comp Servers
Computer Equipment

FY 2025-26

FY 2026-27

FY 2027-28

FY 2028-29

FY 2029-30

FY 2030-31

20,000
-

5,000
5,000
22,500

7,000
5,000
-

8,000
20,000
-

8,000
5,000
-

9,000
5,000

-

-

5 YEAR -PROJECT
TOTAL

Court

E-Filing Equipment

-

-

11,000

Clerk

Election Equipment

-

10,000

15,000

Police

Cell block restoration

25,000

25,000

25,000

25,000

37,000
40,000
22,500
11,000
40,000
100,000

Police

PD report room restoration

50,000

25,000

-

-

75,000

Police

AXON BWC/FLEET
cameras
Prep Radios (4 per year)
Locker rooms and
basement
AxonTasers Equip

Police

Drone/Dock

Police

Vehicle Replace Plan

Police
Police
Police

Treasurer

-

15,000

100,000
41,030

84,000

-

100,000

120,000

200,000

32,000

436,000

50,000

-

-

50,000

25,000

25,000

130,000

130,000

-

-

50,000
53,000
650,000
75,000
20,000
18,000
1,375,000
40,000
60,000

53,000
130,000
-

-

200,000

130,000

130,000

Fire

Utility/FM Vehicle

75,000

-

75,000

-

-

Fire

Fire Hoses/Nozzles

12,000

-

-

-

-

20,000

Fire

Thermal Imagers (2)

Fire

Fire Engine

125,000

1,000,000

125,000

125,000

Fire
Fire

Offices-North Side
Office / Restroom-South

60,000

-

-

Fire

Stryker(CardiacMonitors,
Lucas Devices, Stretchers)

-

35,000

35,000

35,000

105,000

105,000

315,000

Fire

Ambulance Replace Plan

50,000

-

285,000

65,000

65,000

65,000

480,000

Communications

Wireless Intercom/Radios

10,000

10,000

-

-

-

-

10,000

Communications

ID Printer

6,000

-

-

-

-

-

Communicaitons

Computer Upgrade

-

-

-

5,000

-

-

5,000

18,000
-

40,000

-

Page 1 of 7

CITY OF GARDEN CITY, MICHIGAN

PROPOSED FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Beginning Fiscal Year 2026-2027
1/23/2025

FUND
General Fund

Current Yr
PROJECT

FY 2025-26

FY 2026-27

FY 2027-28

FY 2028-29

FY 2029-30

FY 2030-31

Communications

Tricaster Update

-

-

-

-

-

40,000

-

-

-

-

-

40,000
-

10,000

10,000

-

-

-

-

10,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

250,000

-

-

-

250,000

45,000

-

-

-

-

70,000

70,000

-

-

-

225,000

-

-

225,000

100,000

20,000

50,000

-

-

-

70,000

-

-

-

200,000

-

-

200,000

120,000

-

120,000

-

-

-

120,000

-

-

-

-

500,000

-

500,000

-

100,000

-

-

-

-

100,000

-

-

-

-

100,000

-

100,000

-

-

-

-

-

250,000

250,000

100,000

-

-

-

-

100,000

-

40,000

Public Works
General Fund
101

Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation

Ice Arena - Locker Room

Parks and Recreation

Ice Arena - Flooring

Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation

* Cost shared with
Local Streets - 20%
** Cost shared with
Local Streets and
Water/Sewer

Permanent Benches for
Parks
City Park - Add'l
Playground Equip (WC)
Ice Arena - Boards, Glass,
Netting
Ice Arena - Sound
System/Lighting
City Park - Replace
Ballfield Lighting
City Park - Poolhouse
Bathroom Replacement

Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation

Major Streets
202

5 YEAR -PROJECT
TOTAL

DEPARTMENT

Ice Arena - Roof
replacement
Florence Park - Playground
renovation
Helen Park - Playground
renovation
Kiwanis Park- Playground
renovation
Passenger Bus

Parks and Recreation

City Park-Tree inventory,
pruning & planting

-

-

40,000

-

-

Non-Departmental

City Hall Main and North
Hallways Renovations
(Electrical, HVAC,
Generator, Equipment,
Security, etc)

400,000

-

-

-

-

-

Non-Departmental

Conversion to BS&A Cloud

-

175,000

-

-

175,000

Major Streets

Reconstruct or
Rehabilitate Major Roads

525,000

525,000

525,000

525,000

525,000

525,000

2,625,000

Major Streets

Annual Sidewalk Program

50,000

50,000

50,000

50,000

50,000

50,000

250,000

Major Streets

*Equipment/ Mower
**Equipment/ One-Ton
Dump Truck

18,000
135,000

Major Streets

6,000

6,000

6,000

40,000

45,000

50,000

Page 2 of 7

CITY OF GARDEN CITY, MICHIGAN

PROPOSED FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Beginning Fiscal Year 2026-2027
1/23/2025

FUND
General Fund

Local Streets
203
* Cost shared with
Major Streets - 80%
** Cost shared with
Major Streets and
Water/Sewer

Current Yr
FY 2025-26

FY 2026-27

FY 2027-28

FY 2028-29

FY 2029-30

FY 2030-31

5 YEAR -PROJECT
TOTAL

2-5 yd Dump w/Plow and
Salt Package

-

-

75,000

-

-

80,000

155,000

Major Streets

Trees/Landscape Improv

-

Local Streets

Reconstruct or
Rehabilitate Local Roads

-

1,125,000

1,125,000

1,125,000

1,125,000

1,125,000

5,625,000

Local Streets

Annual Sidewalk Program

300,000

300,000

300,000

300,000

300,000

300,000

1,500,000

Local Streets

*Equipment/ Mower

6,000

18,000

300,000

550,000

50,000

135,000

DEPARTMENT

PROJECT

Major Streets

Local Streets
Local Streets
Local Streets

2-5 yd Dump w/Plow and
Salt Package
**Equipment/ One-Ton
Dump Truck
DPW Building & site
improvements

25,000

6,000
-

-

6,000
250,000

40,000
-

-

-

-

45,000
-

50,000

25,000

-

-

Page 3 of 7

CITY OF GARDEN CITY, MICHIGAN

PROPOSED FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Beginning Fiscal Year 2026-2027
1/23/2025

FUND
General Fund
Street Bond
Constr 405
Water
593
** Cost shared with
Major and Local
Streets

Current Yr
DEPARTMENT

PROJECT

Local Streets

Trees/Landscape Improv

Street Improvements

Water

Water Main Replacement
(EGLE)
Lead Water Line
Replacement (EGLE)
Meter Replacement
Program
Residential Cross
Connection Program
**Equipment/ One-Ton
Dump Truck
DPW Building & site
improvements
Backhoe

Sewer

Vactor/Jet Truck

Sewer

Sewer Lining Program

Sewer

Maplewood Lift Statioin
Renovations

Water
Water
Water
Water
Water
Water

Sewer
594
** Cost shared with
Major and Local
Streets

Various

FY 2025-26

FY 2026-27

3,200,000

100,000

140,000

FY 2027-28
30,000

FY 2030-31

5 YEAR -PROJECT
TOTAL

30,000

60,000
7,252,243

-

-

-

1,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

5,000,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

500,000

350,000

350,000

350,000

350,000

350,000

1,750,000

140,000

140,000

140,000

140,000

140,000

700,000

50,000

135,000

-

45,000
-

150,000

100,000

FY 2029-30

7,252,243

40,000
-

FY 2028-29

-

-

-

150,000

-

300,000
400,000

-

-

400,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

325,000

-

-

-

100,000

500,000
325,000

Page 4 of 7

CITY OF GARDEN CITY, MICHIGAN

PROPOSED FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Beginning Fiscal Year 2026-2027
1/23/2025

FUND
General Fund

Current Yr
DEPARTMENT
Sewer
Sewer

Fed Grant Constr
WC ARPA 472

Radcliff Center
Radcliff Center
Radcliff Center
Radcliff Center

PROJECT
DPW Building & site
improvements
**Equipment/ One-Ton
Dump Truck
Portion of Gymnasium and
Entrance
New Roofing System
Youth Educaiton Play
Museum and Teaching
Kitchen
HVAC Units, Control
System

FY 2025-26

FY 2026-27

FY 2027-28

FY 2028-29

FY 2029-30

-

-

-

-

-

40,000

45,000

FY 2030-31

5 YEAR -PROJECT
TOTAL

50,000

135,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Page 5 of 7

CITY OF GARDEN CITY, MICHIGAN

PROPOSED FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Beginning Fiscal Year 2026-2027
1/23/2025

FUND
General
Fed
Grant Fund
Constr
Omnibus 473
DDA
729

Current Yr
DEPARTMENT
Radcliff Center
DDA

PROJECT

FY 2026-27

FY 2027-28

FY 2028-29

FY 2029-30

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,200,000

-

1,200,000

5,304,030

12,235,743

5,744,000

7,570,000

4,980,000

5,201,000

35,730,743

General Fund

889,030

646,500

1,674,000

1,938,000

1,235,000

919,000

6,412,500

Major Streets

575,000

621,000

675,000

626,000

600,000

711,000

3,233,000

Local Streets

300,000

1,471,000

1,705,000

1,476,000

1,455,000

1,781,000

7,888,000

Street Bond Constr

3,200,000

7,252,243

-

-

-

-

7,252,243

Water/Sewer Fund

340,000

2,245,000

1,690,000

2,330,000

1,690,000

1,790,000

9,745,000

Fed Grant Constr WC ARPA

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Fed Grant Constr Omnibus

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

DDA

5,304,030

12,235,743

5,744,000

1,200,000
7,570,000

4,980,000

5,201,000

1,200,000
35,730,743

Portion of Gymnasium and
Entrance
Parking Improvements

GRAND TOTALS:

FY 2030-31

5 YEAR -PROJECT
TOTAL

FY 2025-26

TOTALS BY FUND

Page 6 of 7

CITY OF GARDEN CITY, MICHIGAN
PROPOSED FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN

Beginning Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Current Year

1/23/25

FY 2025-26

FY 2026-27

FY 2027-28

FY 2028-29

FY 2029-30

FY 2030-31

889,030
575,000
300,000
3,200,000
340,000
5,304,030

646,500
621,000
1,471,000
7,252,243
2,245,000
12,235,743

1,674,000
675,000
1,705,000
1,690,000
5,744,000

1,938,000
626,000
1,476,000
2,330,000
1,200,000
7,570,000

1,235,000
600,000
1,455,000
1,690,000
4,980,000

919,000
711,000
1,781,000
1,790,000
5,201,000

TOTAL

TOTALS BY FUND
General Fund/Public Safety
Major Streets
Local Streets
Street Bond Constr
Water/Sewer Fund
Fed Grant WC ARPA
Fed Grant US Discr
DDA

Summary of Capital Program for the City of Garden City.
Copies are available in the City Clerk's Office during regular business hours.

6,412,500
3,233,000
7,888,000
7,252,243
9,745,000
1,200,000
35,730,743

CITY OF GARDEN CITY

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
REQUEST FORM
Submitted To:

Tim Gibbons, City Manager

Submitted By:

Bryan C. Smith, City Clerk

BID/CONTRACT
BOARD APPOINTMENT
CEREMONIAL
EXECUTE AGREEMENT
FEE WAIVER
LIQUOR LICENSE
NEW/AMENDED ORDINANCE
ON-STREET SALES
OTHER

Date:

10/1/25

OFFICE USE ONLY
ITEM # 11 B 2
Council Meeting of
DATE: 4/20/25

ACTION REQUESTED
PERMIT
PD CHANGE OF USE
PD SITE PLAN
PRESENTATION
PROCLAMATION
RESOLUTION
REZONING
SUPP/TRF APPROPRIATION
PUB HEARING REQUIRED

xx

TITLE / DESCRIPTION OF ITEM (IF ORDINANCE, CITE TITLE/CHAPTER/SECTION(S))

Gateway Infrastructure, LLC. – METRO Act Permit Application
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
To approve the METRO Act Right-of-Way permit application submitted by Gateway Infrastructure, LLC
(D/B/A Gatewayfiber contingent upon the contractor providing a performance bond (or irrevocable
letter of credit) in an amount acceptable to the City Manger, prior to the start of any construction
activities.

Fiscal Year

FINANCIAL IMPACT
G/L Acct. Number

Amount

REVIEW CHECKLIST
DEPARTMENT(S):
FINANCIAL:
COMMISSION(S):
CITY ATTORNEY:
CITY MANAGER:

DATE:
DATE:
DATE:
DATE:
DATE:

OFFICE OF THE

CITY CLERK

Garden City Civic Center
6000 Middlebelt Road
Garden City, Michigan 48135

Bryan Smith, City Clerk
[email protected]

Phone: 734-793-1620
Fax: 734-793-1661
[email protected]
www.GardenCityMI.org

April 13, 2026
To:
From:
Subject:

Tim Gibbons, City Manager
Bryan C. Smith, City Clerk
METRO Act Permit – Gateway Infrastructure LLC.

The City of Garden City has received a METRO Act permit application from Gateway Infrastructure, LLC. in compliance with the
METRO Act. This request for a permit is primarily the permission from the City for the applicant to do work within the City’s
right-of-way and easements in the City.
Under the Michigan Metropolitan Extension Telecommunications Rights-of-Way Oversight (METRO) Act (2002 PA 48), a
municipality cannot unreasonably deny a permit. I have included section of the legislation as written below.
484.3115 Provider access to and use of public rights-of-way.
Sec. 15.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a municipality shall, upon application, grant to providers a permit for access
to and the ongoing use of all public rights-of-way located within its municipal boundaries. A municipality shall act reasonably
and promptly on all applications filed for a permit involving an easement or public place.
(2) This section shall not limit a municipality's right to review and approve a provider's access to and ongoing use of a public
right-of-way or limit the municipality's authority to ensure and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
(3) A municipality shall approve or deny access under this section within 45 days from the date a provider files an
application for a permit for access to a public right-of-way. A provider's right to access and use of a public right-of-way shall
not be unreasonably denied by a municipality. A municipality may require as a condition of the permit that a bond be posted
by the provider, which shall not exceed the reasonable cost to ensure that the public right-of-way is returned to its original
condition during and after the provider's access and use.
(4) Any conditions of a permit granted under this section shall be limited to the provider's access and usage of any public
right-of-way.
(5) A provider undertaking an excavation or constructing or installing facilities within a public right-of-way or temporarily
obstructing a public right-of-way, as authorized by the permit, shall promptly repair all damage done to the street surface and
all installations on, over, below, or within the public right-of-way and shall promptly restore the public right-of-way to its
preexisting condition. The authority shall also have the jurisdiction to require the repair and restoration of any right-of-way,
including state right-of-way, which has not been repaired or restored after installation.
The applicant intends to install fiber optic cable and other necessary facilities within the public road right-of-way. The
applicant provides broadband internet and voice over internet protocol (VoIP) to residential and business customers. This
includes residential and commercial VoIP services.
Representatives from Gatewayfiber met with the representatives from the building department, Buccilli Group and myself to
introduce the project and scope of work. The applicant anticipates they could be ready to begin construction within 3 weeks
permits are approved.
A representative from Gatewayfiber will be in attendance at the Monday, April 20, 2026 Council Meeting to answer any
questions Mayor and Council may have.

CITY OF GARDEN CITY

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
REQUEST FORM
Submitted To:

Tim Gibbons, City Manager

Submitted By:

Shannon Shepard,
Treasurer/Finance Director

Date:

4/16/2026

OFFICE USE ONLY
ITEM #

11 B 3

Council Meeting of
DATE: 4/20/2026

BID/CONTRACT
BOARD APPOINTMENT
CEREMONIAL
EXECUTE AGREEMENT
FEE WAIVER
LIQUOR LICENSE
NEW/AMENDED ORDINANCE
ON-STREET SALES
OTHER

ACTION REQUESTED
PERMIT
PD CHANGE OF USE
PD SITE PLAN
PRESENTATION
PROCLAMATION
RESOLUTION
REZONING
SUPP/TRF APPROPRIATION
PUB HEARING REQUIRED

X

TITLE / DESCRIPTION OF ITEM (IF ORDINANCE, CITE TITLE/CHAPTER/SECTION(S))

2026 Road Bond Issuance Resolution
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
To approve the following resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds not to exceed
$7,360,000 to improve streets and related items, in which the debt service will be paid
with a levied millage.

Fiscal Year

FINANCIAL IMPACT
G/L Acct. Number

Amount

REVIEW CHECKLIST
DEPARTMENT(S):
FINANCIAL:
COMMISSION(S):
CITY ATTORNEY:
CITY MANAGER:

Shannon Shepard

DATE:
DATE:
DATE:
DATE:
DATE:

4/16/2026

OFFICE OF THE

CITY TREASURER

Garden City Civic Center
6000 Middlebelt Road
Garden City, Michigan 48135

Phone: 734-793-1610
www.GardenCityMI.org

Shannon Shepard, City Treasurer
[email protected]

To: Tim Gibbons, City Manager
From: Shannon Shepard, Treasurer
Date: 4/16/2026
Subject: 2026 Road Bond Issuance (Second Series)
Attached, please find a resolution authorizing the issuance of the second series of bonds related to the City’s
2022 voter-approved street improvement program.
In August 2022, voters approved the issuance of up to $15,000,000 in unlimited tax general obligation bonds
to fund street improvements and related work throughout the City. In 2024, the City issued the first series of
these bonds in the amount of $7,500,000. The proposed resolution authorizes the issuance of the remaining
portion of the approved bonds, in an amount not to exceed $7,360,000, to fund the next phase of the
program.
As with the first issuance, the debt service for these bonds will be paid from the millage approved by voters as
part of the 2022 ballot proposal. The ballot language allows the bonds to be issued in multiple series, with
each series structured to be repaid within five years. This issuance does not represent a new tax, but rather
the continuation of the originally approved financing plan.
Following Council approval, the City will proceed with the sale of the bonds and complete the issuance in
accordance with the parameters outlined in the attached resolution.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you,

Shannon Shepard, Garden City Treasurer

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF
2026 UNLIMITED TAX GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
(SECOND SERIES OF ROAD IMPROVEMENT BONDS)
_____________________________________________
CITY OF GARDEN CITY
County of Wayne, State of Michigan
_____________________________________________
Minutes of a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Garden City, County of Wayne,
State of Michigan, held on April 20, 2026, at 7:00 o’clock p.m., prevailing Eastern Time.
PRESENT:

Members:_________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________
ABSENT:

Members:_________________________________________________________

The following preamble and resolution were offered by Member ______________________ and
supported by Member __________________________:
WHEREAS, the qualified electors of the City of Garden City, County of Wayne, State of Michigan
(the “City”), at the election duly called and held on August 2, 2022, did by more than the required majority
of those voting approve the following proposition (the "Bond Proposal"):
City of Garden City
Garden City Street Improvement Bond Proposal
Shall the City of Garden City, County of Wayne, Michigan, borrow the principal sum of
not to exceed Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000) and issue its general obligation
unlimited tax bonds, in one or more series, payable in not to exceed five (5) years from the
date of issuance of each series, for the purpose of paying the cost to improve, replace,
resurface, and reconstruct streets in the City, including sidewalk improvements, drainage
improvements, and water and sewer improvements, together with necessary rights-of-way,
appurtenances and attachments thereto?
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Bond Proposal, the City has previously issued its 2024 Unlimited Tax
General Obligation Bonds in the aggregate principal sum of $7,500,000 (which was sold with a net original
issue premium of $171,696.10); and
WHEREAS, it is the determination of the City Council that at this time the second series of
unlimited tax general obligation bonds in the principal amount of not to exceed Seven Million Three
Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars ($7,360,000) should be issued pursuant to the Bond Proposal for the
purpose of paying the costs of the second phase of the improvements described in the Bond Proposal (the
“Project”) and paying costs incidental to the issuance of the bonds.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
1.
Authorization of Bonds; Bond Terms. Bonds of the City designated 2026 UNLIMITED
TAX GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS (the “Bonds”) are hereby authorized to be issued in the
aggregate principal sum of not to exceed Seven Million Three Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars
($7,360,000) or such lesser amount as shall be determined by the City Manager or the City Finance
Director (each an “Authorized Officer”), at the time of sale of the Bonds for the purpose of paying the
cost of the Project and costs of issuance of the Bonds. The issue shall consist of bonds in fully-registered
form of the denomination of $5,000, or multiples thereof not exceeding for each maturity the maximum
principal amount of that maturity, numbered consecutively in order of registration, dated as of the date of
delivery, or such other date as determined by an Authorized Officer, at the time of sale of the Bonds. The
Bonds shall bear interest, mature and be payable at the times and in the manner set forth in Sections 6 and
7 hereof.
The Bonds shall bear interest at a rate or rates to be determined at the time of the sale thereof, but
in any event not to exceed five percent (5%) per annum, payable on October 1, 2026 (or such date as
determined by an Authorized Officer at the time of the sale thereof) and semiannually thereafter. The
Bonds shall be sold at public sale at a price not less than 99% of the principal amount thereof.
The Bonds shall be subject to redemption prior to maturity in the manner and at the times and
prices set forth in Sections 6 and 7 hereof and if term bonds are selected by the original purchaser of the
Bonds, then the Bonds will be subject to mandatory redemption in accordance with the foregoing
referenced maturity schedule at par.
Interest shall be payable to the registered owner of record as of the 15th day of the month prior to
the payment date for each interest payment. The record date of determination of registered owner for
purposes of payment of interest as provided in this paragraph may be changed by the Township to conform
to market practice in the future. Interest shall be payable to the registered owner of record as of the 15th
day of the month preceding the payment date for each interest payment. The principal of the Bonds shall
be payable at Argent Institutional Trust Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, who is hereby selected to act
as transfer agent for the Bonds (the “Transfer Agent”), or such other bank or trust company selected by
an Authorized Officer prior to the publication of the notice of sale for the Bonds as the transfer agent for
the Bonds.
The Bonds may be issued in book-entry only form through The Depository Trust Company in New
York, New York (“DTC”) and each Authorized Officer is authorized to execute such custodial or other
agreement with DTC as may be necessary to accomplish the issuance of the Bonds in book-entry-only
form and to make such changes in the Bond Form within the parameters of this resolution as may be
required to accomplish the foregoing.
2.
Execution of Bonds. The Bonds of this issue shall be executed in the name of the City with
the manual or facsimile signatures of the Mayor and the City Clerk and shall have the seal of the City, or
a facsimile thereof, printed or impressed on the Bonds. No Bond executed by facsimile signature shall be
valid until authenticated by an authorized officer or representative of the Transfer Agent. The Bonds shall
be delivered to the Transfer Agent for authentication and be delivered by the Transfer Agent to the
purchaser or other person in accordance with instructions from the City Treasurer upon payment of the

-2-

purchase price for the Bonds in accordance with the bid therefor when accepted.
3.
Transfer of Bonds. The Transfer Agent shall keep the books of registration for this issue
on behalf of the City. Any Bond may be transferred upon such registration books by the registered owner
of record, in person or by the registered owner’s duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of the Bond for
cancellation, accompanied by delivery of a duly executed written instrument of transfer in a form approved
by the Transfer Agent. Whenever any Bond or Bonds shall be surrendered for transfer, the City shall
execute and the Transfer Agent shall authenticate and deliver a new Bond or Bonds, for like aggregate
principal amount. The Transfer Agent shall require the payment by the bondholder requesting the transfer
of any tax or other governmental charge required to be paid with respect to the transfer.
Unless waived by any registered owner of Bonds to be redeemed, official notice of redemption
shall be given by the Transfer Agent on behalf of the City. Such notice shall be dated and shall contain at
a minimum the following information: original issue date; maturity dates; interest rates; CUSIP numbers,
if any; certificate numbers (and in the case of partial redemption) the called amounts of each certificate;
the place where the Bonds called for redemption are to be surrendered for payment; and that interest on
the Bonds or portions thereof called for redemption shall cease to accrue from and after the redemption
date.
In addition, further notice shall be given by the Transfer Agent in such manner as may be required
or suggested by regulations or market practice at the applicable time, but no defect in such further notice
nor any failure to give all or any portion of such further notice shall in any manner defeat the effectiveness
of a call for redemption if notice thereof is given as prescribed herein.
4.
Debt Retirement Fund; Unlimited Tax Pledge; Defeasance of Bonds. The City Treasurer
is authorized and directed to open a depositary account with a bank or trust company designated by the
City Council, to be designated 2026 UNLIMITED TAX GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS DEBT
RETIREMENT FUND (the “Debt Retirement Fund”), the moneys to be deposited into the Debt
Retirement Fund to be specifically earmarked and used solely for the purpose of paying principal of and
interest on the Bonds as they mature. The City hereby pledges its unlimited tax full faith and credit for
the prompt payment of the Bonds. All proceeds from taxes levied for the Debt Retirement Fund shall be
deposited into the Debt Retirement Fund as collected. Commencing with the year 2026, there shall be
levied upon the tax rolls of the City for the purpose of the Debt Retirement Fund each year, in the manner
required by the provisions of Act 34, Public Acts of Michigan, 2001, as amended, an amount sufficient so
that the estimated collection therefrom will be sufficient to promptly pay, when due, the principal of and
interest on the Bonds becoming due prior to the next annual tax levy; provided, however, that if at the
time of making any such annual tax levy there shall be other funds available or surplus moneys on hand
in the Debt Retirement Fund for the payment of principal of and interest on the Bonds, then credit therefor
may be taken against such annual levy for the Debt Retirement Fund.
In the event cash or direct obligations of the United States or obligations the principal of and
interest on which are guaranteed by the United States, or a combination thereof, the principal of and
interest on which, without reinvestment, come due at times and in amounts sufficient to pay at maturity
or irrevocable call for earlier optional redemption, the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the
Bonds, shall be deposited in trust, this resolution shall be defeased and the owners of the Bonds shall have
no further rights under this resolution except to receive payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on the Bonds from the cash or securities deposited in trust and the interest and gains thereon and

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to transfer and exchange Bonds as provided herein.
5.
Construction Fund; Proceeds of Bond Sale. The City Treasurer is authorized and directed
to open a separate depositary account with a bank or trust company designated by the City Council, to be
designated 2026 UNLIMITED TAX GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS CONSTRUCTION FUND (the
“Construction Fund”), and deposit into the Construction Fund the proceeds of the Bonds less accrued
interest, if any, which shall be deposited into the Debt Retirement Fund. The amounts specified by an
Authorized Officer at the time of sale of the Bonds from the net proceeds of sale of the Bonds (including
proceeds of the good faith deposit received at the time of sale) shall be deposited to the appropriate account
in the Construction Fund to be used to pay for the Project and the costs of issuance of the Bonds. Except
for investment pending disbursement and as herein provided, the moneys in each account in the
Construction Fund shall be used solely to pay the costs of the Project, the costs of issuance of the Bonds,
as such costs become due and payable and, as may be necessary, to rebate arbitrage earnings, if any, to
the United States Department of Treasury as required by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the “Code”).
6.

Bond Form. The Bonds shall be in substantially the following form:

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
STATE OF MICHIGAN
COUNTY OF WAYNE

CITY OF GARDEN CITY
2026 UNLIMITED TAX GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND

Interest Rate
%

Maturity Date
October 1, 20__

Date of Original Issue
__________, 2026

Registered Owner:

Cede & Co.

Principal Amount:

__________________________________ Dollars

CUSIP
____________

The City of Garden City, County of Wayne, State of Michigan (the “City”), acknowledges itself to owe and
for value received hereby promises to pay to the Registered Owner specified above, or registered assigns, the
Principal Amount specified above, in lawful money of the United States of America, on the Maturity Date specified
above, with interest thereon (computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) from
the Date of Original Issue specified above or such later date to which interest has been paid, until paid, at the Interest
Rate per annum specified above, first payable on October 1, 2026 and semiannually thereafter. Principal of this
bond is payable at the designated corporate trust office of _______________________________,
_______________, Michigan, or such other transfer agent as the City may hereafter designate by notice mailed to
the registered owner not less than sixty (60) days prior to any interest payment date (the “Transfer Agent”). Interest
on this bond is payable to the registered owner of record as of the fifteenth (15th) day of the month preceding the
interest payment date as shown on the registration books of the City kept by the Transfer Agent by check or draft
mailed to the registered owner of record at the registered address. For prompt payment of this bond, both principal
and interest, the full faith, credit and resources of the City are hereby irrevocably pledged.
This bond is one of a series of bonds of even Date of Original Issue aggregating the principal sum of
$____________, issued for the purpose of paying the cost to improve, replace, resurface, and reconstruct streets in
the City, including sidewalk improvements, drainage improvements, and water and sewer improvements, together
with necessary rights-of-way, appurtenances and attachments thereto and paying costs incidental to the issuance of
the series of bonds in pursuance of a vote of the qualified electors of the City voting thereon at an election duly
called and held on August 2, 2022.
Bonds of this issue shall not be subject to redemption prior to maturity.
[Insert Term Bond redemption provisions, if necessary.]
In case less than the full amount of an outstanding bond is called for redemption, the Transfer Agent, upon
presentation of the bond called in part for redemption, shall register, authenticate and deliver to the registered owner
of record a new bond in the principal amount of the portion of the original bond not called for redemption.
Notice of redemption shall be given to the registered owner of any bond or portion thereof called for
redemption by mailing of such notice not less than thirty (30) days prior to the date fixed for redemption to the
registered address of the registered owner of record. A bond or portion thereof so called for redemption shall not
bear interest after the date fixed for redemption provided funds are on hand with the Transfer Agent to redeem the
bond or portion thereof.

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This bond is transferable only upon the registration books of the City kept by the Transfer Agent by the
registered owner of record in person, or by the registered owner’s attorney duly authorized in writing, upon the
surrender of this bond together with a written instrument of transfer satisfactory to the Transfer Agent duly executed
by the registered owner or the registered owner’s attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon a new registered
bond or bonds in the same aggregate principal amount and of the same maturity shall be issued to the transferee in
exchange therefor as provided in the resolution authorizing this bond and upon the payment of the charges, if any,
therein prescribed.
This bond is payable out of the City’s Debt Retirement Fund for this issue and in order to make such
payment, the City is required each year to levy taxes on all taxable property within the boundaries of the City for
such payment, without limitation as to either rate or amount.
It is hereby certified and recited that all acts, conditions and things required by law to be done, precedent
to and in the issuance of this bond and the series of bonds of which this is one, exist and have been done and
performed in regular and due form and time as required by law, and that the total indebtedness of the City, including
this bond and the series of bonds of which this is one, does not exceed any constitutional, statutory or charter debt
limitation.
This bond is not valid or obligatory for any purpose until the Transfer Agent’s Certificate of Authentication
on this bond has been executed by the Transfer Agent.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City, by its City Council, has caused this bond to be signed in its name with
the facsimile signatures of its Mayor and its City Clerk and a facsimile of its corporate seal to be printed hereon, all
as of the Date of Original Issue.
CITY OF GARDEN CITY
County of Wayne
State of Michigan

By_______________________________________
Its Mayor
(SEAL)
By_______________________________________
Its City Clerk

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(Form of Transfer Agent’s Certificate of Authentication)
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This bond is one of the bonds described herein.

_______________________________
_______________, Michigan
Transfer Agent

By_____________________________________________
Authorized Signatory
Authentication Date:_________________, 2026

[Bond printer to insert form of assignment]

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7.
Notice of Sale. The Authorized Officers are authorized to fix a date of sale for the Bonds
and to publish a notice of sale of the Bonds in The Bond Buyer, New York, New York, which notice of
sale shall be in substantially the following form:

-8-

$7,360,000*
CITY OF GARDEN CITY
COUNTY OF WAYNE, STATE OF MICHIGAN
2026 UNLIMITED TAX GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
*Subject to adjustment as set forth in this Official Notice of Sale
BIDS for the purchase of the above bonds will be received in the manner described in this Official Notice
of Sale on __________, __________, 2026 until __:__ _.m., prevailing Eastern Time, at which time and place the
bids will be publicly opened and read.
ELECTRONIC BIDS: Bidders may submit bids for the purchase of the above bonds as follows:
Electronic bids will be received on the same date and until the same time by Bidcomp/Parity as agent of
the undersigned. Further information about Bidcomp/Parity, including any fee charged, may be obtained from
Bidcomp/Parity, Anthony Leyden or CLIENT SERVICES, 1359 Broadway, Second Floor, New York, New York
10018, (212) 849-5021. IF ANY PROVISION OF THIS OFFICIAL NOTICE OF SALE SHALL CONFLICT
WITH INFORMATION PROVIDED BY BIDCOMP/PARITY, AS THE APPROVED PROVIDER OF
ELECTRONIC BIDDING SERVICES, THIS OFFICIAL NOTICE OF SALE SHALL CONTROL.
Electronic bids may also be submitted to the office of Bendzinski & Co. Municipal Finance Advisors at
[email protected]; provided that electronic bids must arrive before the time of sale.
Bidders may choose either of the foregoing means to present bids but a bidder may not present a bid by
more than one of such means. Each bidder bears all risks associated with the submission, transmission and delivery
of its bid.
BOND DETAILS: The bonds will be registered bonds of the denomination of $5,000 or multiples thereof
not exceeding for each maturity the maximum principal amount of that maturity, originally dated as of the date of
delivery, numbered in order of registration, and will bear interest from their date payable on October 1, 2026 and
semiannually thereafter.
The bonds will mature on the 1st day of October in each of the years as follows:
Year
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030

Amount*
$ 2,475,000
2,530,000
1,065,000
800,000
490,000

*ADJUSTMENT OF TOTAL PAR AMOUNT OF BONDS AND PRINCIPAL MATURITIES: The
City reserves the right to adjust the aggregate principal amount of the bonds after receipt of the bids and prior to
final award, if necessary, so that the purchase price of the bonds will provide an amount determined by the City to
be sufficient to construct the project and to pay costs of issuance of the bonds. The adjustments, if necessary, will
be in increments of $5,000. The purchase price will be adjusted proportionately to the adjustment in issue size, but
the interest rates specified by the successful bidder for all maturities will not change. The successful bidder may
not withdraw its bid as a result of any changes made within these limits.
*ADJUSTMENT TO PURCHASE PRICE: Should any adjustment to the aggregate principal amount of
the bonds be made by the City, the purchase price of the bonds will be adjusted by the City proportionally to the

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adjustment in principal amount of the bonds. The adjusted purchase price will reflect changes in the dollar amount
of the underwriter’s discount and original issue discount/premium, if any, but will not change the per-bond
underwriter’s discount as calculated from the bid and initial reoffering prices.
INTEREST RATE AND BIDDING DETAILS: The bonds shall bear interest at rate or rates not
exceeding five percent (5%) per annum, to be fixed by the bids therefor, expressed in any fraction of 1%. The
interest on any one bond shall be at one rate only and all bonds maturing in any one year must carry the same interest
rate. No proposal for the purchase of less than all of the bonds or at a price less than 99% of their par value will be
considered.
NO OPTIONAL REDEMPTION OF BONDS: The bonds shall not be subject to optional redemption
prior to maturity.
TERM BOND OPTION: The initial purchaser of the bonds may designate any one or more maturities as
term bonds. The amounts of the maturities which are aggregated in a designated term bond shall be subject to
mandatory redemption on October 1 of the years and in the amounts set forth in the above maturity schedule at a
redemption price of par, plus accrued interest to the date of mandatory redemption. Term bonds or portions thereof
mandatorily redeemed shall be selected by lot. Any such designation must be made at the time bids are submitted
and must be listed on the bid.
BOOK-ENTRY OPTION: Upon the request of the successful bidder, the bonds will be issued in bookentry-only form as one fully registered bond per maturity and will be registered in the name of Cede & Co., as
bondholder and nominee for The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), New York, New York. DTC will act as
securities depository for the bonds. Purchase of the bonds will be made in book-entry-only form, in the
denomination of $5,000 or any multiple thereof. Purchasers will not receive certificates representing their interest
in bonds purchased. It will be the responsibility of the purchaser to obtain DTC eligibility. Failure of the purchaser
to obtain DTC eligibility shall not constitute cause for a failure or refusal by the purchaser to accept delivery of and
pay for the bonds. In the alternative, the successful bidder may request bond certificates to be delivered to the
purchaser as one fully registered bond per maturity.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRATION: Principal shall be payable at the principal corporate trust
office of Argent Institutional Trust Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, or such other transfer agent as the City may
hereafter designate by notice mailed to the registered owner of record not less than 60 days prior to an interest
payment date. Interest shall be paid by check mailed to the registered owner of record as shown on the registration
books of the City as of the 15th day preceding an interest payment date. The bonds will be transferred only upon
the registration books of the City kept by the transfer agent.
PURPOSE AND SECURITY: The bonds were authorized at an election held on August 2, 2022 for the
purpose of paying the cost of improving, replacing, resurfacing, and reconstructing streets in the City, including
sidewalk improvements, drainage improvements, and water and sewer improvements, together with necessary
rights-of-way. The bonds will pledge the full faith and credit of the City for payment of the principal and interest
thereon and will be payable from ad valorem taxes which may be levied without limitation as to rate or amount.
The rights or remedies of bondholders may be affected by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance or other
laws affecting creditors’ rights generally now existing or hereafter enacted and by the application of general
principles of equity including those relating to equitable subordination.
GOOD FAITH: A good faith deposit in the form of a certified or cashier’s check drawn upon an
incorporated bank or trust company, or wire transfer, in the amount of one percent (1%) of the final aggregate
principal amount of the bonds, payable to the order of the City will be required of the successful bidder. The
successful bidder is required to submit its good faith deposit to the City as instructed by the City’s municipal advisor
not later than Noon, prevailing Eastern Time, on the next business day following the sale. The good faith deposit

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will be applied to the purchase price of the bonds. In the event the purchaser fails to honor its accepted bid, the good
faith deposit will be retained by the City. No interest shall be allowed on the good faith check. The good faith check
of the successful bidder will be cashed and payment for the balance of the purchase price of the bonds shall be made
at the closing.
AWARD OF BONDS-TRUE INTEREST COST: The bonds will be awarded to the bidder whose bid
produces the lowest true interest cost determined in the following manner: the lowest true interest cost will be the
single interest rate (compounded on October 1, 2026 and semi-annually thereafter) necessary to discount the debt
service payments from their respective payment date to __________, 2026, the anticipated date of closing, in an
amount equal to the price bid, excluding accrued interest. Each bidder shall state in its bid the true interest cost to
the City, computed in the manner specified above.
NOT QUALIFIED TAX-EXEMPT OBLIGATIONS: The City has not designated the bonds as
“qualified tax-exempt obligations” for purposes of the deduction of interest expense by financial institutions
pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
TAX MATTERS: In the opinion of Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C., bond counsel, under
existing law, assuming compliance with certain covenants, interest on the bonds is excludable from gross income
for federal income tax purposes as described in the opinion, and the bonds and interest thereon are exempt from all
taxation by the State of Michigan or any taxing authority within the State of Michigan except estate taxes and taxes
on gains realized from the sale, payment or other disposition thereof.
ISSUE PRICE: The winning bidder shall assist the City in establishing the issue price of the bonds and
shall execute and deliver to the City at closing an “issue price” or similar certificate setting forth the reasonably
expected initial offering price to the public or the sales price or prices of the bonds, together with the supporting
pricing wires or equivalent communications, substantially in the form attached either as Appendix __ or Appendix
__ of the preliminary Official Statement, with such modifications as may be appropriate or necessary, in the
reasonable judgment of the winning bidder, the City and bond counsel.
The City intends that the provisions of Treasury Regulation Section 1.148-1(f)(3)(i) (defining “competitive
sale” for purposes of establishing the issue price of the bonds) will apply to the initial sale of the bonds (the
“Competitive Sale Requirements”) because:
a.

the City is disseminating this Official Notice of Sale to potential underwriters in a manner that is
reasonably designed to reach potential underwriters;

b.

all bidders shall have an equal opportunity to bid;

c.

the City anticipates receiving bids from at least three underwriters of municipal bonds who have
established industry reputations for underwriting new issuances of municipal bonds; and

d.

the City anticipates awarding the sale of the bonds to the bidder who submits a firm offer to purchase
the bonds at the lowest true interest cost, as set forth in this Official Notice of Sale.

Any bid submitted pursuant to this Official Notice of Sale shall be considered a firm offer for the purchase
of the bonds, as specified in the bid.
In the event that all of the Competitive Sale Requirements are not satisfied, the City shall so advise the
winning bidder. The City will not require bidders to comply with the “hold-the-offering price rule (as described
below),” and therefore does not intend to use the initial offering price to the public as of the sale date of any maturity
of the bonds as the issue price of that maturity, though the winning bidder, in consultation with the City, may elect

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to apply the “hold-the-offering price rule” (as described below). Bids will not be subject to cancellation in the event
the Competitive Sale Requirements are not satisfied. Unless a bidder intends to apply the “hold-the-offering price
rule” (as described below), bidders should prepare their bids on the assumption that all of the maturities of the bonds
will be subject to the 10% Test (as described below). The winning bidder must notify the City of its intention to
apply either the “hold-the-offering price rule” or the 10% Test at or prior to the time the bonds are awarded.
If the winning bidder does not request that the “hold-the-offering price rule” apply to determine the issue
price of the bonds, then the following two paragraphs shall apply:
a.

The City shall treat the first price at which 10% of a maturity of the bonds (the “10% Test”) is sold to
the public as the issue price of that maturity, applied on a maturity-by-maturity basis. The winning
bidder shall advise the City if any maturity of the bonds satisfies the 10% Test as of the date and time
of the award of the bonds; and

b.

Until the 10% Test has been satisfied as to each maturity of the bonds, the winning bidder agrees to
promptly report to the City the prices at which the unsold bonds of that maturity have been sold to the
public. That reporting obligation shall continue, whether or not the closing date has occurred, until
either (i) all bonds of that maturity have been sold or (ii) the 10% Test has been satisfied as to the bonds
of that maturity, provided that, the winning bidder’s reporting obligation after the closing date may be
at reasonable periodic intervals or otherwise upon request of the City or bond counsel.

If the winning bidder does request that the “hold-the-offering price rule” apply to determine the issue price
of the bonds, then the following three paragraphs shall apply:
a.

The winning bidder, in consultation with the City, may determine to treat (i) pursuant to the 10% Test,
the first price at which 10% of a maturity of the bonds is sold to the public as the issue price of that
maturity and/or (ii) the initial offering price to the public as of the sale date of any maturity of the bonds
as the issue price of that maturity (the “hold-the-offering price rule”), in each case applied on a maturityby-maturity basis. The winning bidder shall advise the City if any maturity of the bonds satisfies the
10% Test as of the date and time of the award of the bonds. The winning bidder shall promptly advise
the City, at or before the time of award of the bonds, which maturities of the bonds shall be subject to
the 10% Test or shall be subject to the hold-the-offering price rule or both.

b.

By submitting a bid, the winning bidder shall (i) confirm that the underwriters have offered or will offer
the bonds to the public on or before the date of the award at the offering price or prices (the “initial
offering price”), or at the corresponding yield or yields, set forth in the bid submitted by the winning
bidder, and (ii) if the hold-the-offering-price rule applies, agree, on behalf of the underwriters
participating in the purchase of the bonds, that the underwriters will neither offer nor sell unsold bonds
of any maturity to which the hold-the-offering-price rule shall apply to any person at a price that is
higher than the initial offering price to the public during the period starting on the sale date and ending
on the earlier of the following:
i.

the close of the fifth (5th) business day after the sale date; or

ii.

the date on which the underwriters have sold at least 10% of that maturity of the bonds
to the public at a price that is no higher than the initial offering price to the public;

The winning bidder shall promptly advise the City when the underwriters have sold 10% of that
maturity of the bonds to the public at a price that is no higher than the initial offering price to the public,
if that occurs prior to the close of the fifth (5th) business day after the sale date.

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c. The City acknowledges that, in making the representation set forth above, the winning bidder will rely
on (i) the agreement of each underwriter to comply with the requirements for establishing issue price
of the bonds, including, but not limited to, its agreement to comply with the hold-the-offering-price
rule, if applicable to the bonds, as set forth in an agreement among underwriters and the related pricing
wires, (ii) in the event a selling group has been created in connection with the initial sale of the bonds
to the public, the agreement of each dealer who is a member of the selling group to comply with the
requirements for establishing issue price of the bonds, including, but not limited to, its agreement to
comply with the hold-the-offering-price rule, if applicable to the bonds, as set forth in a selling group
agreement and the related pricing wires, and (iii) in the event that an underwriter or dealer who is a
member of the selling group is a party to a third-party distribution agreement that was employed in
connection with the initial sale of the bonds to the public, the agreement of each broker-dealer that is a
party to such agreement to comply with the requirements for establishing issue price of the bonds,
including, but not limited to, its agreement to comply with the hold-the-offering-price rule, if applicable
to the bonds, as set forth in the third-party distribution agreement and the related pricing wires. The
City further acknowledges that each underwriter shall be solely liable for its failure to comply with its
agreement regarding the requirements for establishing issue price of the bonds, including, but not
limited to, its agreement to comply with the hold-the-offering-price rule, if applicable to the bonds, and
that no underwriter shall be liable for the failure of any other underwriter, or of any dealer who is a
member of a selling group, or of any broker-dealer that is a party to a third-party distribution agreement
to comply with its corresponding agreement to comply with the requirements for establishing issue
price of the bonds, including, but not limited to, its agreement to comply with the hold-the-offeringprice rule, if applicable to the bonds.
By submitting a bid, each bidder confirms that:
a.

any agreement among underwriters, any selling group agreement and each third-party distribution
agreement (to which the bidder is a party) relating to the initial sale of the bonds to the public, together
with the related pricing wires, contains or will contain language obligating each underwriter, each
dealer who is a member of the selling group, and each broker-dealer that is a party to such third-party
distribution agreement, as applicable, (A)(i) to report the prices at which it sells to the public the unsold
bonds of each maturity allocated to it, whether or not the closing date has occurred, until either all bonds
of that maturity allocated to it have been sold or it is notified by the winning bidder that the 10% Test
has been satisfied as to the bonds of that maturity, provided that, the reporting obligation after the
closing date may be at reasonable periodic intervals or otherwise upon request of the winning bidder,
and (ii) to comply with the hold-the-offering-price rule, if applicable, if and for so long as directed by
the winning bidder and as set forth in the related pricing wires, (B) to promptly notify the winning
bidder of any sales of bonds that, to its knowledge, are made to a purchaser who is a related party to an
underwriter participating in the initial sale of the bonds to the public (each such term being used as
defined below), and (C) to acknowledge that, unless otherwise advised by the underwriter, dealer or
broker-dealer, the winning bidder shall assume that each order submitted by the underwriter, dealer or
broker-dealer is a sale to the public.

b.

any agreement among underwriters or selling group agreement relating to the initial sale of the bonds
to the public, together with the related pricing wires, contains or will contain language obligating each
underwriter or dealer that is a party to a third-party distribution agreement to be employed in connection
with the initial sale of the bonds to the public to require each broker-dealer that is a party to such thirdparty distribution agreement to (i) report the prices at which it sells to the public the unsold bonds of
each maturity allocated to it, whether or not the closing date has occurred, until either all bonds of that
maturity allocated to it have been sold or it is notified by the winning bidder or such underwriter that
the 10% Test has been satisfied as to the bonds of that maturity, provided that, the reporting obligation
after the closing date may be at reasonable periodic intervals or otherwise upon request of the winning

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bidder or such underwriter, and (ii) comply with the hold-the-offering-price rule, if applicable, if and
for so long as directed by the winning bidder or the underwriter and as set forth in the related pricing
wires.
c.

Sales of any bonds to any person that is a related party to an underwriter shall not constitute sales to
the public for purposes of establishing issue price.
Further, for purposes of this Official Notice of Sale:

a.

“public” means any person other than an underwriter or a related party,

b.

“underwriter” means (A) any person that agrees pursuant to a written contract with the City (or with the
lead underwriter to form an underwriting syndicate) to participate in the initial sale of the bonds to the
public and (B) any person that agrees pursuant to a written contract directly or indirectly with a person
described in clause (A) to participate in the initial sale of the bonds to the public (including a member of a
selling group or a party to a third-party distribution agreement participating in the initial sale of the bonds
to the public);

c.

a purchaser of any of the bonds is a “related party” to an underwriter if the underwriter and the purchaser
are subject, directly or indirectly, to (i) more than 50% common ownership of the voting power or the total
value of their stock, if both entities are corporations (including direct ownership by one corporation of
another), (ii) more than 50% common ownership of their capital interests or profits interests, if both entities
are partnerships (including direct ownership by one partnership of another), or (iii) more than 50%
common ownership of the value of the outstanding stock of the corporation or the capital interests or profit
interests of the partnership, as applicable, if one entity is a corporation and the other entity is a partnership
(including direct ownership of the applicable stock or interests by one entity of the other); and

d.

“sale date” means the date that the bonds are awarded by the City to the winning bidder.

LEGAL OPINION: Bids shall be conditioned upon the approving opinion of Miller, Canfield, Paddock
and Stone, P.L.C., attorneys of Detroit, Michigan, a copy of which opinion will be furnished without expense to the
purchaser of the bonds at the delivery thereof. The fees of Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C. for services
rendered in connection with such approving opinion are expected to be paid from bond proceeds. Except to the
extent necessary to issue its approving opinion as to validity of the above bonds, Miller, Canfield, Paddock and
Stone, P.L.C. has not been requested to examine or review and has not examined or reviewed any financial
documents, statements or materials that have been or may be furnished in connection with the authorization,
issuance or marketing of the bonds, and accordingly will not express any opinion with respect to the accuracy or
completeness of any such financial documents, statements or materials. In submitting a bid for the bonds, the bidder
agrees to the representation of the City by Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C., as bond counsel.
DELIVERY OF BONDS: The City will furnish bonds ready for execution at its expense. Bonds will be
delivered without expense to the purchaser through DTC in New York, New York, or such other place to be agreed
upon. The usual closing documents, including a certificate that no litigation is pending affecting the issuance of the
bonds, will be delivered at the time of delivery of the bonds. If the bonds are not tendered for delivery by twelve
o’clock noon, prevailing Eastern Time, on the 45th day following the date of sale, or the first business day thereafter
if the 45th day is not a business day, the successful bidder may on that day, or any time thereafter until delivery of
the bonds, withdraw its proposal by serving notice of cancellation, in writing. Payment for the bonds shall be made
in Federal Reserve Funds.
CUSIP NUMBERS: Upon the request of the successful bidder, CUSIP identification numbers will be
printed on the bonds, but neither the failure to print such numbers on any bonds nor any error with respect thereto

-14-

shall constitute cause for a failure or refusal by the purchaser thereof to accept delivery of and pay for the bonds.
Application for CUSIP identification numbers will be made by Bendzinski & Co. Municipal Finance Advisors,
registered municipal advisors to the City. All expenses in relation to the printing of CUSIP numbers on the bonds
shall be paid for by the City; provided, however, that the CUSIP Service Bureau charge for the assignment of such
numbers shall be the responsibility of and shall be paid for by the purchaser.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT: A preliminary Official Statement that the City deems to be final as of its date,
except for the omission of information permitted to be omitted by Rule 15c2-12 of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, has been prepared and may be obtained from Bendzinski & Co. Municipal Finance Advisors, financial
advisors to the City, at the address and telephone listed under REGISTERED MUNICIPAL ADVISORS below.
Bendzinski & Co. Municipal Finance Advisors will provide the winning bidder with an electronic version of the
final Official Statement within 7 business days from the date of sale to permit the purchaser to comply with
Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 15c2-12. Copies of the Official Statement will be supplied by
Bendzinski & Co. Municipal Finance Advisors, upon request and agreement by the purchaser to pay the cost of the
copies. Requests for copies should be made to Bendzinski & Co. Municipal Finance Advisors within 24 hours of
the time of sale.
BOND INSURANCE AT PURCHASER’S OPTION: If the bonds qualify for issuance of any policy of
municipal bond insurance or commitment therefor at the option of the bidder/purchaser, the purchase of any such
insurance policy or the issuance of any such commitment shall be at the option and expense of the purchaser of the
bonds. Any and all increased costs of issuance of the bonds resulting from such purchase of insurance shall be paid
by the purchaser, except that if the City has requested and received a rating on the bonds from a rating agency, the
City shall pay the fee for the requested rating. Any other rating agency fees shall be the responsibility of the
purchaser. FAILURE OF THE MUNICIPAL BOND INSURER TO ISSUE THE POLICY AFTER THE BONDS
HAVE BEEN AWARDED TO THE PURCHASER SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE CAUSE FOR FAILURE OR
REFUSAL BY THE PURCHASER TO ACCEPT DELIVERY OF THE BONDS FROM THE CITY.
CONTINUING DISCLOSURE: As described more fully in the Official Statement, the City has agreed
to provide or cause to be provided, in accordance with the requirements of Rule 15c2-12 promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission, (i) on or prior to the last day of the sixth month after the end of each fiscal
year commencing with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, certain annual financial information and operating data,
including audited financial statements for the preceding fiscal year, generally consistent with the information
contained or cross-referenced in the Official Statement relating to the bonds, (ii) timely notice of the occurrence of
certain material events with respect to the bonds and (iii) timely notice of a failure by the City to provide the required
annual financial information on or before the date specified above.
BIDDER CERTIFICATION: NOT “IRAN-LINKED BUSINESS” By submitting a bid, the bidder
shall be deemed to have certified that it is not an “Iran-Linked Business” as defined in Act 517 Michigan Public
Acts of 2012, being MCL 129.311 et. seq.
REGISTERED MUNICIPAL ADVISORS: Bendzinski & Co. Municipal Finance Advisors, Grosse
Pointe, MI (the “Municipal Advisor”) is a Registered Municipal Advisor in accordance with the rules of the
Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (“MSRB”). The Municipal Advisor has been retained by the City to
provide certain financial advisory services relating to the planning, structuring and issuance of the bonds. The
Municipal Advisor is not engaged in the business of underwriting, trading, marketing or the distribution of securities
or any other negotiable instruments. The Municipal Advisor’s duties, responsibilities and fees arise solely as a
Registered Municipal Advisor to the City and it has no secondary obligation or other responsibility.
FURTHER INFORMATION relating to the bonds may be obtained from Bendzinski & Co. Municipal
Finance Advisors, 17000 Kercheval Ave., Suite 230, Grosse Pointe, MI 48230. Telephone (313) 961-8222.

-15-

THE RIGHT IS RESERVED TO REJECT ANY OR ALL BIDS.
Bryan Smith
City Clerk
City of Garden City

-16-

8.
Useful Life of Project. The estimated period of usefulness of the Project is hereby declared
to be not less than five (5) years.
9.
Tax Covenant. The City shall, to the extent permitted by law, take all actions within its
control necessary to maintain the exclusion of the interest on the Bonds from gross income for federal
income tax purposes under the Code, including, but not limited to, actions relating to any required rebate
of arbitrage earnings and the expenditures and investment of Bond proceeds and moneys deemed to be
Bond proceeds.
10.
Official Statement; Qualification for Insurance; Ratings. Any Authorized Officer is
authorized and directed to cause the preparation and circulation of a preliminary and final Official
Statement with respect to the Bonds; to procure qualification of the Bonds for a policy of municipal bond
insurance if deemed appropriate by the City’s financial advisor; and to obtain ratings on the Bonds.
11.
Continuing Disclosure. The City agrees to enter into a continuing disclosure undertaking
for the benefit of the holders and beneficial owners of the Bonds in accordance with the requirements of
Rule 15c2-12 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and any Authorized Officer is
hereby authorized to execute such undertaking prior to delivery of the Bonds.
12.
Authorization of Other Actions. The Authorized Officers are each individually hereby
authorized to adjust the final Bond details set forth herein to the extent necessary or convenient to complete
the transaction authorized herein, and in pursuance of the foregoing are authorized to exercise the authority
and make the determinations authorized pursuant to Section 315(1)(d) of Act 34, Public Acts of Michigan,
2001, as amended (“Act 34”), including but not limited to, determinations regarding interest rates, prices,
discounts, maturities, principal amounts, denominations, dates of issuance, interest payment dates,
redemption rights, series designation, the place of delivery and payment, and other matters, provided that
the principal amount of Bonds issued shall not exceed the principal amount authorized in this resolution,
the maximum interest rate on the Bonds shall not exceed 5% per annum, and the Bonds shall be sold at a
price not less than 99% of their par value. The Authorized Officers are each authorized and directed to
take all other actions necessary or advisable, and to make such other filings with any parties, including
the Michigan Department of Treasury, to enable the sale and delivery of the Bonds as contemplated herein.
13.
Award of Sale of Bonds. Each of the Authorized Officers is hereby authorized on behalf
of the City to award the sale of the Bonds to the bidder whose bid meets the requirements of law and
which produces the lowest true interest cost to the City computed in accordance with the terms of the
Official Notice of Sale as published.
14.
Bond Counsel. Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C. is hereby approved as bond
counsel for the Bonds, notwithstanding periodic representation in unrelated matters of parties or potential
parties to the transaction contemplated by this resolution.
15.
Municipal Advisor. Bendzinski & Co. Municipal Finance Advisors is retained as the
municipal advisor to the City in connection with the issuance of the Bonds.

-17-

16.
Rescission. All resolutions and parts of resolutions insofar as they conflict with the
provisions of this resolution be and the same hereby are rescinded.
AYES:

Members:_________________________________________________________

NAYS:

Members:_________________________________________________________

RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED.

__________________________________________
Bryan Smith, City Clerk

I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and complete copy of a resolution adopted by the City
Council of the City of Garden City, County of Wayne, State of Michigan, at a regular meeting held on
April 20, 2026, and that the meeting was conducted and public notice of the meeting was given pursuant
to and in full compliance with the Open Meetings Act, being Act 267, Public Acts of Michigan, 1976, and
that the minutes of the meeting were kept and will be or have been made available as required by the Act.

__________________________________________
Bryan Smith, City Clerk

50563998.1/032153.00032

-18-

$14,860,000
CITY OF GARDEN CITY
COUNTY OF WAYNE, STATE OF MICHIGAN
UNLIMITED TAX GENERAL OBLIGATION ROAD BONDS

SCHEDULE OF DEBT SERVICE AND MILLAGE REQUIREMENTS
5 YEAR BOND ISSUE
2024 BONDS
Fiscal Year
Beginning
July 1
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030

Principal
Due
October 1
$ 2,810,000
2,960,000
500,000
575,000
655,000

$

Interest
Rate
5.000%
5.000%
5.000%
5.000%
5.000%

7,500,000

2026 BONDS

Interest
Due
October 1
$ 148,958
117,250
43,250
30,750
16,375

Interest
Due
April 1 NEXT
$
117,250
43,250
30,750
16,375
-

Total
Principal
& Interest
Requirements
$ 3,076,208
3,120,500
574,000
622,125
671,375

$ 356,583

$

$

207,625

8,064,208

Principal
Due
October 1

$

$

2,475,000
2,530,000
1,065,000
800,000
490,000
7,360,000

Interest
Rate

3.000%
3.000%
3.000%
3.000%
3.000%

Interest
Due
October 1

Interest
Due
April 1 NEXT

$

$

63,787
73,275
35,325
19,350
7,350
$ 199,087

$

73,275
35,325
19,350
7,350
135,300

* Average
2024 Bond Assumptions:
Bonds Dated:
First Interest Payment:
Number of Days:
Subsequent Interest Payment:
Number of Days:
First Principal Payment:
Projected Interest Rate:
2023 Taxable Value:
Growth Rate in Taxable Value:

2026 Bond Assumptions:
05/08/2024
10/01/2024
143 *
04/01/2025
180
10/01/2024
5.00%
$662,269,735
2.20%

Bonds Dated:
First Interest Payment:
Number of Days:
Subsequent Interest Payment:
Number of Days:
First Principal Payment:
Projected Interest Rate:
2025 Taxable Value
Growth Rate in Taxable Value:

06/17/2026
10/01/2026
104 *
04/01/2027
180
10/01/2026
3.00%
$756,679,115
2.20%

17000 Kercheval Ave., Suite 230, Grosse Pointe, Michigan 48230
PHONE: (313) 961-8222
The information contained herein was derived from sources generally recognized as reliable and does not
make any representations as to correctness or completeness and has in no way been altered except to the
extent that some information may be summarized, and is in no way intended to be a solicitation for orders.

Total
Principal
& Interest
Requirements

$ 2,612,062
2,638,600
1,119,675
826,700
497,350
$ 7,694,387

TOTAL
Total
Principal
& Interest
Requirements
$
3,076,208
3,120,500
3,186,062
3,260,725
1,791,050
826,700
497,350
$ 15,758,595

MILLAGE REQUIREMENT
Taxable
Value
in 1,000
$ 715,184
756,679
773,326
790,339
807,727
825,497
843,658

July 1
Millage
Requirement
$
4.3013
4.1239
4.1199
4.1257
2.2174
1.0015
0.5895
$
2.9256 *

CITY OF GARDEN CITY

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
REQUEST FORM
Submitted To:

Tim Gibbons, City Manager

Submitted By:

Shannon Shepard,
Treasurer/Finance Director

Date:

4/14/2026

OFFICE USE ONLY
ITEM #

11 B 4

Council Meeting of
DATE: 4/20/2026

BID/CONTRACT
BOARD APPOINTMENT
CEREMONIAL
EXECUTE AGREEMENT
FEE WAIVER
LIQUOR LICENSE
NEW/AMENDED ORDINANCE
ON-STREET SALES
OTHER

ACTION REQUESTED
PERMIT
PD CHANGE OF USE
PD SITE PLAN
PRESENTATION
X
PROCLAMATION
RESOLUTION
REZONING
SUPP/TRF APPROPRIATION
PUB HEARING REQUIRED

TITLE / DESCRIPTION OF ITEM (IF ORDINANCE, CITE TITLE/CHAPTER/SECTION(S))

2026 Road Bond Issuance Engagement Letter - Bendzinski & Co.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
To approve the engagement letter with Bendzinski & Co. to serve as Municipal
Advisor for the City’s 2026 road bond issuance and to authorize payment of the
issuance fee in the amount of $30,860.00, contingent upon closing of the bonds.

Fiscal Year
2025-2026

FINANCIAL IMPACT
G/L Acct. Number
405-405-332.394

Amount
$30,860.00

REVIEW CHECKLIST
DEPARTMENT(S):
FINANCIAL:
COMMISSION(S):
CITY ATTORNEY:
CITY MANAGER:

Shannon Shepard

DATE:
DATE:
DATE:
DATE:
DATE:

4/14/2026

OFFICE OF THE

CITY TREASURER

Garden City Civic Center
6000 Middlebelt Road
Garden City, Michigan 48135

Phone: 734-793-1610
www.GardenCityMI.org

Shannon Shepard, City Treasurer
[email protected]

To: Tim Gibbons, City Manager
From: Shannon Shepard, Treasurer
Date: 4/16/2026
Subject: Bendzinski & Co. Engagement – 2026 Road Bond Issuance
Attached, please find an engagement letter with Bendzinski & Co. to serve as Municipal Advisor for the City’s
2026 road bond issuance.
Bendzinski & Co. will assist the City throughout the bond issuance process, including developing the financing
structure, coordinating the sale, reviewing bids, and preparing final pricing and debt service schedules. They
also served as Municipal Advisor for the first series of bonds issued in 2024.
The engagement includes an issuance fee in the amount of $30,860, which is contingent upon the successful
closing of the bonds and will be paid from bond proceeds.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you,

Shannon Shepard, Garden City Treasurer

April 8, 2026
Mr. Tim Gibbons, City Manager
City of Garden City
6000 Middlebelt
Garden City, MI 48135
RE: $7,360,000 City of Garden City, County of Wayne, State of Michigan, General Obligation
Unlimited Tax Bonds, Series 2026
Dear Tim,
Bendzinski & Co. Municipal Finance Advisors would like to thank you for the opportunity
to serve as the Registered Municipal Advisor for the issuance of the above-mentioned bond issue.
This letter will confirm the terms of our engagement:
 Act on behalf of the City of Garden City, (the "Issuer") with a fiduciary duty, as well as
dealing fairly with all persons in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth by the
Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (“Board” or “MSRB”) and the Securities and
Exchange Commission (“SEC”);
 Phase I
o Prepare complete financial information in cooperation with officials and engineers in
order to arrive at the amount of the issue to be sold;
o Development of cash flow analysis and revenue sources to meet the principal and interest
obligations on the proposed bonds;
o With input from the Issuer, determine whether a private placement, competitive or a
negotiated sale is the most beneficial to the issuance of the bonds depending on the
selected bond issue type and current market conditions, and then develop a plan of
finance;
 Phase II
o Prepare a time schedule, illustrating the steps necessary to issue the bonds;
o If necessary, prepare with officials, the forms required by the Municipal Finance Division
of the Michigan Department of Treasury;
o Prepare bond specifications for bond counsel including interest rate limitations,
redemption provisions, bidding, and good faith details;
o Assist with the selection of registrar/transfer/paying agent, if requested;
o Assist the Issuer with the selection of an underwriter or placement agent, if requested;
o Based on information provided by the Issuer and other parties, prepare preliminary and
final official statement or other disclosure documents. Except as specifically provided
herein, Bendzinski & Co. is not responsible for preparing any preliminary or final
disclosure document, or for certifying as to the accuracy or completeness of any

17000 Kercheval Ave. • Suite 230 • Grosse Pointe, Michigan 48230
(313) 961-8222
E-mail • [email protected]

Mr. Tim Gibbons, City Manager
City of Garden City
April 8, 2026
preliminary or final disclosure document, other than with respect to any information
about Bendzinski & Co. provided by Bendzinski & Co. for inclusion in such documents;
o If the Bonds are to be rated, advising and assisting with the selection of rating agencies.
Preparation of materials to be provided to ratings agencies and in developing strategies
with officials for meetings with ratings agencies;
o A representative of Bendzinski & Co. shall review the bids for compliance with the terms
set forth by the Issuer;
o After the bids are received, Bendzinski & Co. will calculate and verify the True Interest
Cost on the bids submitted.
o Prepare an easy to read comparison of all the bids received;
o Prepare final closing memo, pricing numbers including the final debt service schedule,
pricing summary, and sources and uses of funds based on lowest bid; and
o Usual and customary Registered Municipal Advisor services as may be requested by the
Issuer.
Bendzinski & Co. proposes a fee of $30,860.00. This fee includes all out-of-pocket
expenses, meeting attendance, mileage, etc. This fee is payable upon closing of the bonds.
We believe this provides you with the outline of the services we provide. The Registered
Municipal Advisor fee is contingent upon the closing and delivery of the bonds. Although this
form of compensation may be customary, it presents a conflict because Bendzinski & Co. may
have an incentive to recommend unnecessary financings or financings that are disadvantageous
to the Issuer. For example, when facts or circumstances arise that could cause the financing or
other transaction to be delayed or fail to close, Bendzinski & Co. may have an incentive to
discourage a full consideration of such facts and circumstances, or to discourage consideration of
alternatives that may result in the cancellation of the financing or other transaction. Bendzinski
& Co. manages and mitigates this conflict primarily by adherence to the fiduciary duty which it
owes to municipal entities such as the Issuer which require it to put the interests of the Issuer
ahead of its own.
The Municipal Advisory Council of Michigan (the “MAC”) assesses Bendzinski & Co.,
a $450.00 fee for every bond issue where we act as municipal advisor in the State of Michigan.
This fee will be included in the overall bond costs of issuance. Our membership in the MAC is
voluntary, but the per bond issue assessment is meant to cover costs for credit reports and similar
information available from the MAC that is used in the offering document and in other states is
billed directly by a third-party. The MAC is a single-source municipal database for essential bond
and note details for all local government issuers in Michigan. Among 23 distinctive credit reports,
the MAC is the primary source for Issuer’s debt statements, overlapping debt and indirect debt,
as used to determine suitability and as disclosed in official statements, (if applicable). The MAC
tracks, monitors and records all Michigan new issue bond sales, whether competitive, negotiated
or private placements and bond calls. The MAC does not do any lobbying. Robert J. Bendzinski,
currently serves on the MAC Board of Directors.

17000 Kercheval Ave. • Suite 230 • Grosse Pointe, Michigan 48230
(313) 961-8222
E-mail • [email protected]

Mr. Tim Gibbons, City Manager
City of Garden City
April 8, 2026
Bendzinski & Co. is registered as a “municipal advisor” pursuant to Section 15B of the
Securities Exchange Act and rules and regulations adopted by the SEC and the MSRB. As part
of this registration Bendzinski & Co. is required to disclose to the SEC information regarding any
criminal actions, regulatory actions, investigations, terminations, judgments, liens, civil judicial
actions, customer complaints, arbitrations and civil litigation involving Bendzinski & Co.
Pursuant to MSRB Rule G-42, Bendzinski & Co. is required to disclose any legal or disciplinary
event that is material to the Issuer’s evaluation of Bendzinski & Co. or the integrity of its
management or advisory personnel. Bendzinski & Co. has determined that no such event exists
as there are no criminal actions, regulatory actions, investigations, terminations, judgments, liens,
civil judicial actions, customer complaints, arbitrations or civil litigation involving Bendzinski &
Co. that were required to be reported to the SEC.
The MSRB has made available on its website (www.msrb.org) a municipal advisory client
brochure that describes the protections that may be provided by MSRB rules and how to file a
complaint with the appropriate regulatory authority.
Copies of Bendzinski & Co.’s filings with the SEC can currently be found by accessing
the SEC’s EDGAR system Company Search Page, which is currently available at
https://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/companysearch.html and searching for either Bendzinski
& Co. or for our CIK number which is 1614475.
It is understood and agreed that either party to this contract of employment may terminate
the contract for any reason upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the other party. If our
employment on this basis is agreeable to you, please endorse your acceptance hereof on this letter
which will constitute our contract of employment.
Should you have any questions or require any additional information, please do not
hesitate to call.
Sincerely,
BENDZINSKI & CO.
Municipal Finance Advisors

Stephen Hayduk, CPA
Registered Municipal Advisor
Accepted: _______________________, 2026
CITY OF GARDEN CITY, STATE OF MICHIGAN
Signature:________________________________
Printed Name:_____________________________
Title:________________________________

17000 Kercheval Ave. • Suite 230 • Grosse Pointe, Michigan 48230
(313) 961-8222
E-mail • [email protected]

11 B 5

CITY OF GARDEN CITY

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
REQUEST FORM
Submitted To:
Submitted By:

Mayor and City Council
Mario Ortega – City
Planner/McKenna

Date:

04/14/2026

OFFICE USE ONLY
ITEM # 11 B 6
Council Meeting of
DATE: 04/20/2026

BID/CONTRACT
BOARD APPOINTMENT
CEREMONIAL
EXECUTE AGREEMENT
FEE WAIVER
LIQUOR LICENSE
NEW/AMENDED ORDINANCE
ON-STREET SALES
OTHER

ACTION REQUESTED
PERMIT
PD CHANGE OF USE
PD SITE PLAN
PRESENTATION
PROCLAMATION
RESOLUTION
REZONING
SUPP/TRF APPROPRIATION
PUB HEARING REQUIRED
X

TITLE / DESCRIPTION OF ITEM (IF ORDINANCE, CITE TITLE/CHAPTER/SECTION(S))

Housing Readiness Master Plan Amendment - Approve Distribution of Draft Amendment
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
Motion to authorize the distribution of the Housing Readiness Master Plan amendment to begin the
63-day comment period as required by the Michigan Planning Enabling Act.

Fiscal Year

FINANCIAL IMPACT
G/L Acct. Number

Amount

REVIEW CHECKLIST
DEPARTMENT(S):
FINANCIAL:
COMMISSION(S):
CITY ATTORNEY:
CITY MANAGER:

Planning Commission

DATE:
DATE:
DATE:
DATE:
DATE:

04/09/2025

OFFICE OF

COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT

Garden City Civic Center
6000 Middlebelt Road
Garden City, Michigan 48135

Phone: 734-793-1650
www.gardencitymi.org

Matthew Miller, Director
[email protected]

MEMORANDUM
To:

Mayor Jacobs and City Council Members

CC:

Tim Gibbons, City Manager

From:

Mario Ortega, AICP, City Planner/McKenna

Date:

April 14, 2026

Subject:

Master Plan Housing Amendment – Request to distribute the draft plan for public comment

The Planning Commission has completed a draft amendment to the City’s Master Plan focused on housing including
providing housing alternatives in the downtown. The Master Plan Amendment includes new housing related goals and
objectives focused on promoting reinvestment in existing housing while creating opportunities to expand the range of
available housing types. The City’s housing stock is analyzed utilizing US Census data along with regional statistics to
better understand the condition of existing housing and the residents the housing currently serves. The plan outlines
additional housing types that can be considered for infill development to give existing residents a wider variety of
choices including in the downtown area.
The Master Plan Amendment has been developed utilizing a grant from the Michigan State Housing Development
Authority (MSHDA). As part of the grant obligation, the plan must maintain a schedule to ensure a plan addressing
housing is ultimately adopted by the City.
As required by the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, PA 33 of 2008, MCL 125.3801 et seq. as amended, a draft master
plan amendment must be made available for public comment by residents, adjacent communities and the public for a
63-day review period. This gives all those interested an opportunity to provide input and recommend changes. At the
conclusion of the 63-day review period the Planning Commission will make any necessary edits to address concerns. The
Planning Commission then holds a public hearing and then adopts the plan by resolution. The plan amendment is then
forwarded to City Council who can adopt the plan by resolution.
Before you tonight is a request to take the next step in the grant process by authorizing distribution of the draft plan to
begin the 63-day comment period as required by the Michigan Planning Enabling Act.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

City of Garden City, MI:
Housing Master Plan Amendment
Review and Adoption Schedule
February 13, 2026

ADO PT IO N T I ME LI N E
DATE

TASK / MEETING

March 12, 2026

Planning Commission Meeting – Presentation to Planning
Commission of the draft Housing Master Plan Amendment.

March 13 - 30, 2026

Planning Commission members provide comments on draft plan to
McKenna staff.

April 9, 2026

Planning Commission Meeting – Planning Commission reviews the
final draft plan and submits the master plan amendment to City Council
for the 63-day distribution and public comment period.

April 20, 2026

City Council Meeting – City Council approves distribution of the
proposed master plan for comment.

April 21, 2026

The draft Plan is available for 63-day public comment period at City
Hall, the website, and other community facilities as appropriate.

June 22, 2026

The public comment period ends, all comments are collected,
synthiatized, and provided to the Commission for review.

June 23, 2026

Public hearing notice published not less than 15 days prior to Planning
Commission meeting.

July 9, 2026

Planning Commission Meeting – Planning Commission public
hearing. Revew of the Plan and any final edits incorporated. Adoption
of plan by resolution of not less than 2/3 of Planning Commission
members.

July 27, 2026

City Council Meeting – City Council adoption of plan by resolution.

Garden City Housing Master Plan Amendment
February 13, 2026

w

Housing Readiness

2026 Master Plan
Amendment

DRAFT - April 2, 2026

2026 Master Plan Amendment

Part I:

Executive
Summary: A
Housing Ready
Garden City

2026 Master Plan Amendment

2

Focus of this 2026 Master Plan
Amendment
Welcome to the Garden City 2025 Master Plan Amendment!
The Master Plan outlines a vision for Garden City’s future, emphasizing its
neighborhoods, institutions, business districts, downtown, transportation,
and parks. While the Plan was last updated in 2017, this amendment
focuses specifically on housing.
Housing quality, affordability, and availability are essential to the vitality
and well-being of Garden City’s residents. This Amendment offers a
comprehensive housing strategy to enhance housing opportunities
in Garden City. It serves as a policy guide for City officials, agencies,
organizations, and residents, providing a flexible roadmap for future
development. The plan ensures that new growth aligns with the City’s
goals and priorities.
A key function of this Master Plan Amendment is to provide a foundation
for future land use decisions. These housing recommendations, both
written and graphical, will serve as the legal basis for zoning and other
land use regulations in Garden City.

The Michigan Planning
Enabling Act (P.A. 33 of 2008,
as amended) requires that the
Planning Commission develop
and adopt a master plan that,
at a minimum, addresses
certain specific issues. Most
recently, on November 13,
2024, an amendment to the
Michigan Planning Enabling
Act (HB 5557) was signed into
law, to institute housing as a
core element of a community’s
master plan.
When creating or updating a
master plan, municipalities
should include strategies
that ensure a diverse
range of housing options—
encompassing various types,
price points, affordability levels,
ages, and other characteristics
(including single-and multi-unit)
to serve the housing demands
of a diverse population. The
law also recommends an
assessment of the community’s
current and projected housing
needs, along with policies and
strategies to address those
needs effectively.
This document, then, is the
Master Plan that has been
developed and adopted by the
City of Garden City Planning
Commission pursuant to the
Michigan Planning Enabling
Act.

3

Building On Previous
Planning Efforts
2017 Master Plan
In many ways, Garden City’s development pattern is
established, functions well, and the City has many
of the amenities that make places great and that are
attractive to new residents and business owners.
This Master Plan is intended to capitalize on what is
currently working in the city, fix what is not, and aspire
to a greater future for its residents and visitors. This
Master Plan Amendment is an opportunity to connect
and combine efforts for meaningful reinvestment in the
community. All aspects of the 2017 Master Plan remain
in effect, excluding the Future Land Use Map; this
Amendments is an addition to that Plan.

PLAN 204

2015 MASTE

R PLAN FO

0: GARDE

R THE CIT

Y OF GARD

N CITY

EN CITY, MIC

HIGAN

2022 Plan for the Downtown Development
Authority (DDA)
(The 3rd Amended and Restated Development Plan
and Tax Increment Financing Plan)
This Plan supports housing by promoting the
redevelopment of underused sites with mixed-use
and residential components, facilitating collaboration
between public and private sectors, and encouraging
the creation of a vibrant, mixed-use downtown that
can attract new housing developments. This Plan
builds upon some of these best practices and explores
connections to expanding the housing supply in
Garden City.

With improvements to policies and regulations, Garden City’s housing market has many opportunities
to become more inclusive, affordable, and attractive to new residents. There are also many
community assets that already add value to the local housing market.

2026 Master Plan Amendment

4

Housing Opportunity Through MSHDA
Background
In 2022, the State of Michigan released its first Statewide Housing Plan (SHP), establishing a bold vision to ensure
that every Michigan resident has access to safe, affordable, and accessible housing. The SHP identifies eight
priority areas and sets strategies to achieve the State’s ambitious target of 75,000 new or rehabilitated housing units
by 2027, focusing on housing supply, affordability, and equitable access.

Grant Awarded
The City of Garden City is proud to be selected as a recipient of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority
(MSHDA) Housing Readiness Incentive Grant. This funding supports local planning and implementation efforts
designed to expand housing options, improve affordability, and create vibrant, livable neighborhoods that meet the
needs of all residents. By leveraging this grant, Garden City can strategically align its local policies and land use
decisions with the SHP, ensuring that the City is positioned to capture housing investments and encourage growth
that benefits current and future residents.
Through this program, Garden City is taking decisive steps to become a more desirable place to live, work, and
grow for future generations. The funding enables the City to identify barriers to housing development, update
zoning and land use regulations, promote housing diversity, and encourage developments that meet the needs of a
changing population, including seniors, families, and young professionals.
By aligning with the Statewide Housing Plan, Garden City can help ensure that its neighborhoods remain vibrant,
equitable, and sustainable well into the future.

5

Statewide Housing Targets
The targets below will be achieved statewide as a result of the Statewide Housing Plan activities. State
agencies and partner organizations will work diligently over the next five years to exceed these targets
ensuring help reaches even more Michigan households.

2x

• 75,000+ new or rehabilitated housing units to include:

A University of Michigan
study found that rates of
disability nearly doubled
after someone was
diagnosed with COVID-19.11

48%

Among the state’s homeless
population, 48% are Black,
despite being only 14% of
Michigan’s overall population.12

• 39,000+ affordable rental units
• 21,500+ market-rate units (homeowner and rental)
• 13,500+ homeownership opportunities for low- and
moderate-income households

Michigan’s housing issues began long ago. Exclusionary and/or discriminatory

practices in the provision of housing, especially with regard to race, ethnicity, and
national origin, as well as sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, income, and
other characteristics, resulted in redlining, segregation, and community destruction.
To read more about how housing policies both contributed to and helped to remedy
housing issues, please refer to Appendix C.

• 1,000+ units of workforce housing
• 100,000+ households’ housing is stabilized
• Significantly reduce the equity gaps in homelessness,
accessible housing, and homeownership

Michigan also faces growing challenges in housing availability, construction, and development costs that
impact communities all around the state. Production of new housing falls far short of current demand.
As a result, existing housing—historically the main supply of housing for middle-income and low-income
families—is scarce.

• Strive to make homelessness rare, brief, and one time
• 15,000+ households increase home energy efficiency
and make weatherization improvements
Beyond the statewide targets, regional bodies will also set region-specific targets in connection with a
particular goal as part of their action plans. A scorecard will document outcome measures and targets, with
a public dashboard reporting the results.

84%

The Statewide Housing Plan will be revisited as efforts progress. Through ongoing reflection on data and
strong partner collaboration, Michigan will continually push farther toward the plan’s vision:

Between January 2013 and
October 2021, the average
sales price for a home in
Michigan increased by 84%,
compared to the national
average of 48%.13

$173,277

Michigan’s median
home price is $173,277.14

Michigan’s successful housing ecosystem provides safe, healthy, affordable,
accessible, and attainable housing for all in a community of their choice.

Tackling our housing shortage matters for economic reasons. Preserving our aging housing stock while
developing new units will help Michigan’s overall economy through new jobs and homes for all residents, but
it will also help businesses locally. Businesses of all sizes and geographic areas have made it clear that both
housing costs and the lack of housing availability are negatively impacting their ability to recruit and retain
staff. This is a critical issue for the state that needs urgent attention.
MICHIGAN'S S TATE WIDE HOUSING PL AN

18

MICHIGAN'S S TATE WIDE HOUSING PL AN

12

Alignment with the State of Michigan Housing Plan (SHP) is a goal of this Master Plan Amendment.
The eight priority areas outlined in the SHP, which repeat throughout this document are:

Equity and Racial Justice

Older Adult Housing

Address longstanding housing disparities for minority
populations.

Support strategies that allow seniors to live
independently and age in place.

Housing Ecosystem

Rental Housing

Improve communication and collaboration with
housing agencies and service providers, data
systems, and funding opportunities.

Implement strategies that prevent eviction, reduce the
cost burden of renting, and improve the quality of the
rental housing stock.

Preventing and Ending Homelessness

Homeownership

Provide housing options that offer short- and
long-term services for unhoused individuals and
families.

Increase opportunities for homeownership and reduce
the homeownership gap for minority households.

Housing Stock
Improve the quantity, quality, and placement of
housing.

Communication and Education
Inform the public about their rights relating to housing
and available resources.

2026 Master Plan Amendment

6

The Public Process
Input meetings with the Planning Commission, DDA,
City Council, and the general public were conducted
throughout 2025 and 2026.

Community Visioning Open House

Key Survey Takeaways:

A visioning session was held on January 23, 2025 at City
Hall and was attended by residents, business owners,
and representatives from City Council, the Planning
Commission, and the Downtown Development Authority
(DDA). Attendees shared their ideas and concerns for
housing across Garden City - both within neighborhoods
and within the downtown district and along major
corridors.

» Increasing the availability and diversity of senior
living options is a top housing priority for survey
respondents, with 36% indicating that more
assisted and independent senior living options
would be appropriate for Garden City.

Online Survey
Alongside the in-person engagement on January 23,
2025, the exercises and prompts were converted
into an online survey, which was made accessible to
residents and stakeholders. The purpose of this public
engagement was to collect feedback on the benefits and
amenities that matter most to those living and working
in Garden City, as well as to gain insight into community
preferences for housing types: ranging from housing for
all life stages to options in downtown Garden City and
beyond.
The survey was promoted on the City’s website and
social media platforms, with paper copies also available
at City Hall. A total of 155 responses were collected from
February 1 to February 19, 2025.

» Residents were more supportive of “gentle
density” housing types to increase the housing
supply in Garden City. Such housing types
included Townhomes (36%) and Cottage Houses
(detached units) (27%).
» Respondents were supportive of residential uses
in Downtown Garden City, provided they fit or
enhance the existing character of Downtown.
62% supported seeing at least 3-story, mixed-use
building Downtown, which would add housing
opportunities for Garden City while creating a
more walkable, dense, mixed-use environment.

7

Public Engagement Quotables:

“We need affordable senior housing with ease of access and
adaptability to senior needs.”
“Walkable downtown with trendy shops, restaurants and
bars.”
“I would like Garden City to become more of a downtown
destination such as Ferndale, Plymouth, or the vision for
Livonia. We need more compact dwelling units to increase
the number of residences. For each new building, I feel
strongly that a percentage must be allocated to low-income
housing.”
“Hoping materials would be reminiscent to that small town
feel with brick but also with accents that look more modern.
We want to encourage all age groups to our city.”

2026 Master Plan Amendment

8

Goals and Objectives: Housing Priorities
Clear goals and objectives help translate community values into action. Housing goals outlined here
address affordability, accessibility, housing diversity, and neighborhood stability, providing direction
for public and private decision-making across Garden City.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR GROWTH AND REINVESTMENT
Many of Garden City’s goals and objectives for supporting its
neighborhoods, developing downtown housing, and promoting economic
development align with the eight priority areas outlined in Michigan’s
Statewide Housing Plan (SHP).
The following pages detail how Garden City’s latest housing goals and
objectives (based off the most recent 2017 Master Plan, recent public
engagement feedback, and best practices) align with Michigan’s Statewide
Housing Plan (SHP) priorities.

Given Garden City’s aging population and the need to attract young professionals
and family forming individuals, the Michigan Statewide Housing Plan goals for
“Rental Housing”, “Homeownership”, and “Older Adult Housing” priorities are
especially pertinent.
Goals and objectives that expand quality rental housing and starter home
opportunities for young adults, and aging in place strategies that support older adults
will be necessary for the city to implement.

9

Goal 01
Housing Stock

SHP Goal Priority:

Improve the
quantity, quality,
and placement of
housing.

» Expand the range of housing options (including duplexes, townhomes, and
second-story residential mixed-use, both owner- and renter-occupied), to
accommodate a variety of generations and lifestyles.
» Promote continued reinvestment through mixed-use infill development that
complements the preservation and character of historic buildings.
» Create rooftops for a new residential population in the downtown,
increasing the vibrancy and stimulating retail and service demand.
» Allow strategic infill redevelopment of existing large residential lots with
extra open space or double-wide lots to be subdivided further, creating
more opportunities for homeownership.
» Continue pursuing code enforcement on blighted properties and unsafe
housing.
» Maintain an interconnected network of sidewalks, prioritizing infill and
improvements near schools, parks, and the downtown.

Goal 02
Rental Housing

SHP Goal Priority:

Implement strategies
that prevent eviction,
reduce the cost
burden of renting,
and improve the
quality of rental
housing.

» Incorporate a variety of housing types to provide renters with attractive
options that meet their needs and complement the existing neighborhoods.
» Continue code enforcement and rental property registration to develop a
safe and attractive rental housing options.
» Incentivize property owners to invest and renovate existing properties.
» Develop public amenities that will add value and demand for rental housing
in the downtown.
» Develop a stronger rental property maintenance process.

Goal 03
Homeownership
SHP Goal Priority:

Increase
opportunities for
homeownership and
reduce this gap for
minority households.

» Streamline the process to construct a variety of housing options, both
owner- and renter- occupied.
» Work with non-profit partners to develop home ownership support services.
» Ensure ordinances allow the creation of new starter homes to maximize first
time homeowner opportunities.
» Ensure the housing variety factors in a variety of price points.

2026 Master Plan Amendment

10

Goal 04

Older Adult Housing
SHP Goal Priority:

Support strategies
that allow seniors to
live independently
and age in place.

» Provide a safe and convenient multi-modal transportation system that
provides travel choices and balances the needs of all users.
» Plan for housing types to support a variety of age groups and family types.
» Support a rich quality of life through city cultural programming, vibrant
placemaking, and promotion of healthy lifestyles.
» Encourage connections between the Radcliff Center and senior housing
facilities to facilitate access to existing and new recreational programming
and lifestyle resources.
» Require accessible units with new, multi-unit developments.

Goal 05

Housing Ecosystem

» Work with non-profit partners to develop home ownership support services.

SHP Goal Priority:

» Protect and enhance the relationship of public spaces such as city hall, the
Radcliff Center, and parks, and their proximity to residential areas.

Improve
communication and
collaboration with
housing agencies and
service providers,
data systems, and
foundations.

» Increase job opportunities within the community.
» Promote continued reinvestment through mixed-use infill development that
complements the preservation of historic buildings.
» Expand mobility options and make it safer for walking and biking.
» Allow infill housing redevelopment near and around parks to maximize
amenity usage and recreation, and enhance security by placing more eyes
on the space.

Goal 06

End Homelessness
SHP Goal Priority:

Provide housing
options that offer
short- and longterm services for
unhoused individuals
and families.

» Streamline the process to construct a variety of housing options, both
owner- and renter- occupied.
» Work with non-profit partners to develop home ownership support services.
» Ensure ordinances allow the creation of new starter homes to maximize first
time homeowner opportunities.
» Connect people to workforce training programs, adult education,
postsecondary education, and entrepreneurship training so they can
ontinue to increase their earnings.

11

Goal 07

Equity & Racial Justice
SHP Goal Priority:

Address longstanding
housing disparities for
minority populations.

» Incentivize more affordable 3- and 4-bedroom unit options for larger and
multigenerational households.
» Promote the use of community-benefit agreements that give voice,
amenities,protections, and other assurances to residents affected by larger
scale development projects.
» Ensure the housing variety factors in a variety of price points.

Goal 08
Education

SHP Goal Priority:

Inform the public
about their rights
relating to housing
and available
resources.

» Meet people where they are when communicating with them through
culturally appropriate, accessible delivery formats (including for people with
disabilities), languages, and messengers.
» Increase awareness of and support for the importance and benefits of
accessible, affordable,and attainable housing throughout the community.

2026 Master Plan Amendment

Part II:

Housing in Garden
City Today

2026 Master Plan Amendment

14

Housing in Garden City Today

The characteristics of Garden City’s housing market reflect a dynamic
blend of factors that are pivotal to understanding local housing trends
and opportunities. This analysis provides a comprehensive examination
of various factors influencing the housing market, including housing
tenure, home values, the age of housing stock, and housing occupancy.
By understanding these aspects, a detailed overview of the current
state of housing is developed, providing insight into both the challenges
and potential for growth in Garden City’s housing market.
The following section explores population trends and projection data
using data from the 2022 Census and the Southeastern Michigan
Council of Governments (SEMCOG).
This analysis examines key trends, including the number of housing
units, new construction, owner-occupied vs. rental vs. vacant units,
housing values, rental rates, and the age of the housing stock, to
assess the overall health of the City’s housing market.

Key Housing Takeaways
» Despite ongoing and projected
population decline, vacancy
rates in Garden City remain
low, indicating that housing in
Garden City is in demand.
» Garden City’s population
is aging, indicating a
need to invest in aging
in place strategies, such
as accessibility upgrades
to existing homes and a
diversification of housing
types to allow seniors the
opportunity to live in a smaller,
lower maintenance home.
» Around 67.1% of homes in
Garden City are 3-bedroom
units, pointing to the lack of
housing diversity. Garden City
has an opportunity to attract
young professionals and
families by expanding housing
options on both the smaller
and larger end of the housing
spectrum.
» Garden City’s housing stock
continues to age, highlighting
the importance for home
repair resources and energy
efficiency upgrades to existing
homes.
» Median household income
in Garden City has slightly
declined, which is likely
tied to the aging population
and the number of retirees.
Encouraging the development
of homes for new working
residents and families will
likely increaes this figure.

15

Population – Past Trends and Future
Projections
Like many communities throughout Southeast
Michigan, Garden City has experienced
population decline over the past 20 years and
is projected to continue experiencing some
decline. While this may indicate a shrinking
demand for housing in Garden City, the low
percentage of vacant units overall indicates
a preference of homeowners to remain in the
community and for new residents to move in
when properties hit the market.

Table 1. Garden City Population Trends, 2000-2050

The average household size in Garden City
has also declined over the past 20 years
but is projected to remain level after 2020.
This may be due to households having fewer
children and the strong presence of senior
households whose adult children have moved
out. Smaller household sizes may demand
smaller homes to accommodate them. As a
result, Garden City should examine the size
of their existing housing units to see if there is
a gap in the supply of smaller homes.

Table 2. Average Household Size, Garden City, 2000-2050

Garden City’s population is projected to age
over the next 25 years. The two age groups
that are expected to grow are 65 - 84 and
those 85 and older. This aging population is
the result of younger people leaving and not
moving into the community, lower birth rates,
and longer life expectancies.

Table 3. Projected Population by Age, Garden City, 2020-2050

To support a growing aging population,
Garden City should consider implementing
aging in place strategies, including providing
or connecting seniors to resources that help
them make accessibility upgrades to their
homes, such as installing ramps and grab
bars. Garden City should also look to make
amendments to their Zoning Ordinance that
better allow independent and assisted senior
living facilities as well as smaller, lower
maintenance housing types (i.e., attached
townhomes and condominiums).
These changes can make it easier for seniors
to stay in the community long term, while
still providing new housing opportunities for
young professionals and families.

2000

Garden
City

30,047

2010

27,692

2020

PROJECTED CHANGE
2000-2050

PROJECTED
2050

27,380

NUMBER

PERCENT

-3,092

-10.3%

26,955

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 Decennial Census, 2018-2022 American Community
Survey 5-Year Estimates, and SEMCOG 2050 Regional Development Forecast

2000

Garden
City

2.61

2010

2.54

2020

PROJECTED CHANGE
2000-2050

PROJECTED
2050

2.43

NUMBER

PERCENT

-0.17

-6.5%

2.44

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 Decennial Census, 2018-2022 American Community
Survey 5-Year Estimates, and SEMCOG 2050 Regional Development Forecast

AGE GROUP

2020

PROJECTED
2050

PROJECTED CHANGE 20002050
NUMBER

PERCENT

Under 5

1,384

1,203

-181

-13.1%

5-17

3,869

3,508

-361

-9.3%

18-24

2,306

2,146

-160

-6.9%

25-64

15,427

15,181

-246

-1.6%

65-84

3,857

4,105

248

6.4%

85+

537

812

275

51.2%

Total

27,380

26,955

-425

-1.6%

Source: SEMCOG 2050 Regional Development Forecast

2026 Master Plan Amendment

16

Housing Types And Supply
Housing Tenure
Housing tenure is the number of housing units that are owned versus rented, as well as the number of housing units
that are vacant.
Table 4. Housing Tenure in Garden City and Surrounding Communities, 2022
GARDEN
CITY

DEARBORN
HEIGHTS

INKSTER

LIVONIA

WAYNE

WESTLAND

WAYNE
COUNTY

WAYNE
COUNTY
(EXCLUDING
DETROIT)

Owner Occupied

8,901

15,843

4,101

32,962

4,287

21,261

440,701

318,967

Renter Occupied

2,124

6,227

5,121

4,827

2,870

14,025

247,760

119,976

Vacant

299

1,365

1,859

1,366

745

2,576

103,708

29,858

Total

11,324

23,435

11,081

39,155

7,902

37,862

792,169

468,801

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2006-2010 and 2018-2022 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

Compared to surrounding
communities, Garden City has
a higher percentage of owneroccupied housing, with nearly
80% of homes being owneroccupied. Only Livonia has a higher
percentage of owner-occupied
units. Resultingly, Garden City
has a low percentage of renteroccupied homes compared to
surrounding communities, with less
than 20% of homes being renteroccupied.

Figure 1. Housing Tenure in Garden City and Surrounding Communities, 2022

Despite population decline over
the past 20 years, vacancy rates
in Garden City remain low, and are
lower than those of surrounding
communities. This is encouraging
for the state of housing in Garden
City.

20%

90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
10%
0%
Owner Occupied

Renter Occupied

Vacant

Garden City

Livonia

Wayne County

Dearborn Heights

Wayne

Inkster

Westland

Wayne County
(excluding Detroit)

17

Table 5. Housing Units by Number of Bedrooms, 2022

Garden City

STUDIO

1 BEDROOM

2 BEDROOMS

3 BEDROOMS

4 BEDROOMS

5+ BEDROOMS

39

670

1,855

7,594

1,036

130

Owner
Occupied

Renter
Occupied

Vacant

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2018-2022 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

Approximately 67% of Garden City’s housing units
are three-bedroom homes, which indicates a lack of
diversity in the immediate housing market. Smaller
housing units that are more attractive towards single
people, young professionals, and empty nesters looking
to downsize appear to be lacking in Garden City’s
existing housing stock. Furthermore, larger units with
at least five bedrooms that cater to the needs of large
or multi-generational households are also missing. By
diversifying the types of homes available in Garden City,
the City may be able to attract some of the population
that has been lost in previous decades and increase the
population of young people and families that can help
support Garden City’s aging population.

Housing Vacancy
The low vacancy rate (2.6%) is a major asset. For
context, a healthy vacancy rate in a community is below
5%.

1.

Housing

90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

Garden City

Wayne County

Wayne County

Southeast MI

(excluding Detroit)

2026 Master Plan Amendment

18

Age of Housing
Table 9. Age of Housing, Garden City, 2022
YEAR STRUCTURE BUILT

NUMBER

PERCENT

Built 2020 or later

0

0.0%

Built 2010 to 2019

25

0.2%

Built 2000 to 2009

188

1.7%

Built 1990 to 1999

228

2.0%

Built 1980 to 1989

325

2.9%

Built 1970 to 1979

1,202

10.6%

Built 1960 to 1969

1,457

12.9%

Built 1950 to 1959

6,279

55.4%

Built 1940 to 1949

1,111

9.8%

Built 1939 or earlier

509

4.5%

Consistent with post-World War II suburban growth
throughout the United States, Garden City experienced
its largest boom of housing construction between 1950
and 1959. A significant amount of housing was also built
between 1960 and 1979. Since this time period, housing
construction has dropped off significantly. Resultingly,
housing in Garden City is aging and requires more
frequent repairs.
Additionally, housing in Garden City may have issues
with energy efficiency. Connecting residents to
resources that can help repair and upgrade their homes
is a worthy housing goal for Garden City to consider.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 ACS

Table 10. Median Home Value and Median Gross Rent, Garden City and Surrounding Communities, 2010-2024
MUNICIPALITY

MEDIAN HOME VALUE

CHANGE, 2010-2024

MEDIAN GROSS RENT

CHANGE, 2010-2024

2010

2024

NUMBER

PERCENT

2010

2024

NUMBER

PERCENT

Garden City

$186,546

$168,800

-$17,746

-9.5%

$1,241

$1,150

-$91

-7.3%

Dearborn Heights

$186,102

$185,100

-$1,002

-0.5%

$1,356

$1,331

-$25

-1.9%

Inkster

$128,954

$80,400

-$48,554

-37.7%

$1,048

$1,170

$122

11.6%

Livonia

$270,492

$281,100

$10,608

3.9%

$1,264

$1,322

$58

4.6%

Wayne

$174,998

$157,800

-$17,198

-9.80%

$928

$974

$46

4.9%

Westland

$193,356

$184,600

-$8,756

-4.5%

$1,110

$1,158

$48

4.3%

Wayne County

$168,445

$158,600

-$9,845

-5.8%

$1,056

$1,043

-$13

-1.2%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 and 2024 ACS

Median Housing Values: While median home values in Garden City declined by 9.5% between 2010 and 2024, this
trend aligns with broader patterns across Wayne County and several neighboring communities. At the same time,
the City remains comparatively affordable, with home values below nearby higher-cost markets such as Livonia.
This creates an opportunity to position Garden City as an accessible homeownership market for first-time buyers
and moderate-income households.
Median Gross Rents: While some neighboring communities have experienced rising rents, Garden City has not
captured similar rental growth, indicating an opportunity to better compete for rental demand. This gap suggests
that the City is underserved by newer, higher-quality rental product, particularly options that appeal to young
professionals, smaller households, and residents seeking walkable environments. Mixed-use developments in the
downtown presents a key opportunity to reposition Garden City’s rental market; these opportunities are discussed
further on in this report.

19

Rental Properties

Ren

City of Garden City, Michigan

City of

January 22, 2026

January

Bridge Ave

Burnly Ave

Cambridge Ave

E Maplewood Ave

Hartel Ave

Central Av e

Mansfield Dr

Hawthorne Rd
Sharon Dr

Huntleigh Ave

Sunset Dr

Craig Ave

Balmoral Ave

Manor Park Dr

James Ave

Garden Ave

Bock Rd
Pierce Ave

Marquette Ave
Barton Ave

Arcola Ave

r

Kathryn Ave

Win te r

D

E Rose Ave
o n a Ave
Le

P
tle l

S Log Cabin Rd

y

L

Leona Ave

Rd

Pavillion Rd

Clair A ve

N Log Cabin

Alvin Ave
Alta Ave

N

Florence Ave

W Rose Ave

Sheridan Ave
Rosslyn Ave

Belton Ave

Lathers Ave

N Central Ave

Brandt Ave

Douglas Ave

Moeller Ave

Hennepin Ave
Brown Ave

Deering Ave

Middle Belt Rd

John Hauk Rd

Helen Ave

Donnelly Ave

Henry Ruff Rd

Dillon Rd

Ford Rd
Shotka Rd

Hubbard Ave

Pardo Ave

Merriman Rd

Cadillac Ave

Venoy Rd

Rahn Ave

Schuman Ave

R alph Ave

Beechwood Ave

1,000

Radcliff Ave

No

Gilman Ave

Arcola Ave

Birchlawn Ave

Industrial Ave

Feet

Re

Elmwood Ave
Dawson Ave

500

LEGEND

W Maplewood Ave

Block Ave

0

Cardwell Av e

Dover Ave

Chester Ave

Non-Rental Property

Shaller Dr

Rental Property

Windsor Ave

Whitby Ave

LEGEND

Elizabeth Dr

ve
F airfi eld A

Figure 2. Rental Property Map, 2026

Golfview Dr

Rush Ave

0

500

Basemap Source: Michigan Center for Geographic Information, Version 17a.
Data Source: Garden City, 2026. McKenna, 2026.

Basemap Source
Data Source: Gar

Table 11. Median Household Income, 2010-2024
2010

2024

CHANGE
2010-2024

PERCENT
CHANGE
2010-2024

Garden City

$77,175

$67,294

- $9,881

- 12.8%

Dearborn Heights

$67,332

$60,391

- $6,941

- 10.3%

Inkster

$44,443

$39,252

- $5,191

- 11.7%

Livonia

$97,545

$98,460

$915

0.9%

Wayne

$55,996

$59,038

$1,042

1.8%

Westland

$63,574

$62,076

- $1,498

- 2.4%

Wayne County

$59,026

$60,539

$1,513

2.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 and 2024 ACS

Median household incomes in Garden City have
declined over the last 14 years, which is similar
among surrounding communities. However, this
decline is likely tied to the fact that Garden City
continues to age, a larger percentage of retirees will
impact the income levels, even if working household
incomes are increasing.

2026 Master Plan Amendment

Part III:

Homes for
Everyone:
New Opportunities
for the City

2026 Master Plan Amendment

22

The Importance of Designing for All
Universal design, a term coined by the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University, aims to
enhance accessibility and usability for all users, without the need for adaptation of specialized design. Principles of
universal design support: equitable use, flexibility in use, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information, tolerance
for error, low physical effort, and size and space for approach and use.
The design of housing when universal, inclusive design is applied benefits not only residents with disabilities, but
residents of all backgrounds. While a home may be accessible for persons with disabilities, it may be the choice
for aging-in-place, caring for family members, or families with children to support long-term homeownership. The
consideration of design with respect to ability, language, culture, age, and various qualities incorporates physical
and individual needs.

Supply Gaps and Housing Barriers

Policies to Enhance Accessible Living

The shortage of affordable, accessible housing stock
is a significant challenge across the United States.
Per American Housing Survey data from 2011, fewer
than 4% of homes offered the three core features of
accessible housing: single-floor living, no-step entries,
and wide hallways and doorways.

Strategies to enhance accessibility and design in new
housing development and to increase accessibility
of the existing housing stock and neighborhoods
include:

A 2023 survey by Freddie Mac showed that nearly half
of renters with disabilities say their homes are minimally
or not at all accessible. In that survey, residents most
often reported needing bathroom mobility aids, home
security systems, no-step entries, and accessible
electrical outlets.

» Re-evaluate design requirements and potential
developer incentives to increase accessible housing in
new development.
» Update the zoning code and streamline administrative
procedures to reduce barriers to affordable, accessible
housing preservation and production efforts.
» Cultive safe, walkable environments where
pedestrians can access transit and shops and
services for daily needs.

23

Defining Accessible Housing
Accessible housing ensures that spaces are usable by persons of all abilities,
disabilities, needs, or limitations. There are numerous elements that can be
incorporated into a home, whether a single-unit house, apartment, condominiums,
or assisted living facilities.

Common construction and design elements that are recommended for accessible housing include:
Zero-Step Entrances.
Eliminates steps at home or
unit entrances, which is more
accessible for those with mobility
disabilities or who use mobility
devices.

Wider Doorways and Hallways.
Provides additional room for
residents who use wheelchairs to
easily navigate living spaces.

Roll-In Shower.
Showers that have flat or low
thresholds so wheelchairs can
easily roll into the shower. Roll-in
showers are also helpful for those
with mobility challenges who find
taking high steps difficult.

Lowered Countertops.
Countertops lower than standard
height reduce the need to bend or
reach over the counter, creating
better living experiences for those
with mobility needs.

Smooth Flooring.
Non-slip materials like hardwood,
tile, or low-pile carpet create
continuous flow zones between
rooms without compromising safety
or elegance.

Knee-Height Spaces.
Accommodated heights and the
space of kitchen, bathroom, and
common countertops allow for
wheelchair users to reach all
spaces.

Lever-Style Handles.
A more accessible handle option
than knobs as they only require a
simple pushdown/pull-up motion
(versus a twist). These are easier
to use for those with limited
dexterity.

Open Floor Plans.
These eliminate physical barriers
and create large, obstruction-free
environments that are easer to
transverse, particularly suitable
for wheelchair users, walkers, and
strollers.

2026 Master Plan Amendment

24

Encouraging Cottage Courts
Cottage courts are a form of small-scale, clustered housing designed to
provide a compact, community-oriented living environment that fits well
within established neighborhoods. The parcel typically contains 5-10,
smaller detached dwellings that are arranged around a shared open space
or courtyard that is visible from the street. This shared court serves as
a central feature, fostering social interaction, enhancing neighborhood
character, and replacing the traditional function of individual rear yards.
The front porches / entries to each unit face and open directly onto the
shared court, reinforcing a sense of community and encouraging informal
surveillance and safety. While the majority of cottages remain modest in
scale (±600-900 square feet in size, 1- to 1.5-stories in height), the rearmost building within a cottage court development may be permitted to reach
up to 2-stories in height to provide flexibility in design and unit mix.
Cottage courts are particularly well-suited to support aging in place. Their
smaller, first floor primary layouts reduce the need for stairs and are easier
to navigate for residents with mobility limitations. The proximity of homes
to one another, combined with shared open space, encourages social
interaction and reduces isolation, an important factor for all. Additionally, the
compact design requires less exterior and interior maintenance, making it
easier for residents to remain in their homes as they age. When paired with
accessible design features such as no-step entries, wider doorways, and
adaptable interiors, cottage courts can provide a comfortable and inclusive
housing option for residents at all stages of life.
To allow for cottage courts, the zoning ordinance will need to be updated
to accommodate clustered site layouts and flexible setback standards.
Design standards should emphasize pedestrian connectivity, high-quality
landscaping, and clear visibility of the shared court from the public street.

25

Table 12. Example of Typical Zoning Regulations for Front-Loaded Cottage Courts
REGULATION
TYPE

STANDARD

RECOMMENDATION

A

Minimum Lot Width

90 – 160 feet

B

Minimum Lot Depth

100 feet

Lot Dimensions

Building Dimensions
C

Minimum Building Width

24 feet

D

Minimum Building Depth

25 feet

E

Maximum Building Height

1- to 1.5-stories
(rear units can be increased to 2-stories)

Building Placement
F

Maximum Front Setback

15 feet

G

Minimum Rear Setback

5 feet

S

Minimum Side Setback
(abutting another lot)

4 feet

I

Minimum Setback from Adjacent Lot
Structures

10 feet

J

Minimum Side Setback
(abutting ROW)

7 feet

K

Minimum Separation Between Buildings

5 feet

Courtyard Design
L

Minimum Courtyard Width (varies)

20 feet to 30 feet

M

Minimum Courtyard Depth

55 feet

Cottage courts offer an
opportunity to diversify housing
options in Garden City by
introducing small-scale homes
that maintain a human-scale
and neighborhood-friendly
form while supporting longterm residency for a wide
range of households.

2026 Master Plan Amendment

26

Downtown Living
A healthy downtown is more than a place
to work or shop; it is also a place to live.
When people live within walking distance
of restaurants, stores, offices, parks, and
community spaces, the downtown area is
more active throughout the day and evening.
Residents support local businesses, increase
safety through regular activity, and contribute
to a strong sense of place.
For Garden City, expanding housing
downtown is an opportunity to strengthen
the city’s economic base while creating more
lifestyle choices for residents. Downtown
living often offers convenience, shorter
commutes, and a more walkable, active
lifestyle.
Housing Today in Downtown Garden City
Downtown Garden City contains a limited number of residential units
compared to other parts of the city. The 2022 DDA Plan estimates that
“there are approximately 77 residential parcels within the Development
Area.” This is an extremely low number for a walkable center, and not
enough homes to even support even the existing businesses that are
located downtown today. Existing housing in the downtown primarily
includes a small number of standalone residential buildings and singlefamily homes.
This limited housing supply downtown restricts:
» The number of people who can live within walking distance of downtown
jobs and services
» The ability of local businesses to rely on a built-in customer base
» Options for young professionals, small households, and retirees seeking
lower-maintenance living

Expanding housing choices downtown will help address these gaps.

Expanding housing in
downtown Garden City is both
an economic development
strategy and a communitybuilding initiative. By setting
clear targets, updating policies,
and supporting catalytic
projects, the City can create
a more vibrant, inclusive, and
resilient downtown.
Thoughtful growth will ensure
downtown remains the heart of
Garden City, not only as a place
to visit, but as a place to live!

27

Opportunities for Downtown Housing
Downtown Garden City has strong potential for additional housing because
it already offers:
» Walkable access to shops, restaurants, and services.
» Existing water, sewer, and street infrastructure.

To create a more balanced
and vibrant downtown,
Garden City can focus on
efforts which:

» Public spaces and civic buildings.
» Several buildings suitable for upper-story residential conversion.

New opportunities include:
» Developing mixed-use buildings with housing above retail or office space.
» Constructing townhomes or small-scale multi-unit buildings on vacant lots.
» With ±67% of homes as 3-bedroom units, there is a significant gap in the
housing supply for 1-bedroom or studio units. There is an opportunity for
smaller units to attract young professionals to be constructed within the
downtown and mixed-use developments.
» Encouraging live-work units for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
» Converting a few existing vacant upper floors into residential units.
» Repurposing underutilized and/or vacant surface parking lots into taxable
developments.
» Better land use and screening transitions from the downtown to many of the
surrounding, single-unit residential neighborhoods.

» Increase the number of housing
units downtown over the next
10–20 years.
» Encourage a mix of housing
types, including apartments,
townhomes, and upper-story
units.
» Promote housing that is
attainable to a range of income
levels, including workforce
housing.
» Support adaptive reuse of historic
buildings for residential purposes.
» Ensure new development aligns
with the desired architecture and
scale of the existing downtown.

Adding residents downtown will support a more vibrant street life, especially
during evenings and weekends.

Addressing Barriers to Housing Development
Multiple barriers make housing
development a challenge today:
» Zoning regulations limit
residential uses or density.
» Parking requirements (they
increase development costs).
» Construction and renovation
costs, particularly for older
buildings.
» Financing gaps for mixeduse or upper-story projects.

To address these barriers, Garden City will evaluate updates to
zoning regulations and development standards to make downtown
housing more feasible while maintaining quality design and building
form. These steps will help create predictable, transparent rules that
encourage investment.

» Allow residential uses by right
in downtown and mixed-use
districts.
» Encourage mixed-use
buildings with housing above
ground-floor commercial
space.
» Right-size parking
requirements to ensure they
are flexible and realistic.
» Streamline the redevelopment
of vacant or underutilized
properties.

28
2026 Master Plan Amendment

By updating zoning
standards to
accommodate welldesigned townhome
developments,
Garden City can
diversify its housing
stock and strengthen
its corridors and
downtown as
desirable, livable
destinations.

Townhomes to Support Downtown Growth
One option to expand housing options for young professionals and emerging households is to support
the development of attached townhomes along key corridors and in and around the downtown area.
Townhomes (typically 2- to 3-stories with individual entrances, modest footprints, and integrated or
shared parking) provide a balance between single-unit homes and larger, mixed use or multi-unit
buildings, making them well-suited for walkable, mixed-use environments.
To encourage quality development of townhomes, Garden City’s zoning regulations should include
design standards for street-facing entrances, minimal setbacks, and pedestrian-oriented design, while
permitting internal drives, shared open space, and a mix of parking solutions (including attached
garages or shared facilities). Moderately higher densities than surrounding existing neighborhoods
should be allowed along corridors to support transit, local businesses, and overall housing supply.
Strategically integrating townhomes along major streets and near downtown will help create a transition
between commercial areas and existing neighborhoods, while adding vibrancy to the area. These
housing types are particularly attractive to young professionals seeking attainable, low-maintenance
ownership or rental options in convenient, walkable locations.
Nearby examples developments include the West Village townhomes in the City of Dearborn and the
Union Street Historic Townhomes in the City of Plymouth, as detailed on the following page.

29

Table 13. West Village Townhomes
22158 W. VILLAGE DRIVE, DEARBORN, MI

General Design / Amenities
Attached housing that is incorporated into a walkable district near shops,
restaurants, etc., supporting an active, low-maintenance lifestyle that is
especially attractive to young professionals.

Table 14. Union Street Historic Townhomes

Development Details

General Design / Amenities

Density:

±12 dwelling units per acre

Unit Sizes:

1,000 to 1,700 square feet

Number of
Stories:

3-stories

Parking
Configuration:
Urban Form
Elements:

263 S. UNION STREET, PLYMOUTH, MI

Attached housing that is integrated into a compact downtown setting,
providing a transition between more intensive commercial areas and a
predominately single-family neighborhood.
Development Details

Attached, rear loaded garages
Direct street entries with front porches
Internal private drives and alleys
Shared open space

Density:

±15 dwelling units per acre

Unit Sizes:

1,150 to 2,160 square feet

Number of
Stories:

2-stories

Parking
Configuration:
Urban Form
Elements:

Shared, covered parking (two units have garages)
Limited direct street entries with smaller front porches
Internal private drive
Streetscape presents similar to a single-unit home;
massing of the units is not heavy along the primary
street

2026 Master Plan Amendment

30

Downtown Possibilities
Downtown Garden City has an opportunity to evolve into a dynamic, walkable district that blends new housing,
local businesses, and inviting public spaces into a cohesive, people-centered environment. By introducing a
mix of housing types alongside thoughtfully integrated retail and commercial uses, the downtown can become a
destination for young professionals, families, and long-time residents alike: supporting daily life, economic activity,
and community identity.
The redevelopment scenario on the following page illustrates just one possibility for the northwest corner of
Middlebelt and Ford Road.
Key elements of the design include:
» A strong, mixed-use presence along Ford Road, where development creates both a gateway and a destination.
» On the east end, a 4-story mixed-use building establishes a bold architectural identity, with upper-story step-backs
and terrace spaces that reduce its perceived scale while offering outdoor amenities and views.
» On the west end, a more intimate two-story mixed-use building provides a smooth transition to surrounding
neighborhoods, pairing ground-floor retail with upper-story residential units and discreet, covered parking at the rear.
» Moving inward, the site becomes increasingly residential and neighborhood-focused. Along Brand Street, two welldesigned six-unit buildings introduce “missing middle” housing in a compact, approachable form. Detached garages
are accessed via a rear alley, which also serves the broader development by providing shared access to parking for
nearby retail and mixed-use buildings. This approach minimizes curb cuts along primary streets, creating a safer and
more pleasant pedestrian experience.
» Beachwood Street is envisioned as a comfortable, walkable residential edge, lined with townhomes that bring doors,
windows, and activity directly to the street. Complementing this are senior-oriented housing units designed in a singlefamily format, offering individual entrances, attached garages, and private driveways. This blend maintains a familiar
neighborhood feel while expanding housing choice for residents at different life stages.
» At the heart of the district, the Garden Plaza emerges as a lively community focal point: a place for gathering, events,
and everyday interaction. Framed by eight-unit condominium buildings that front onto internal streets, the plaza is
activated by residents who overlook and engage with the space. A distinctive, curved retail building anchors the plaza,
creating a sense of place and serving as a destination for dining, shopping, and social activity.

Together, these elements illustrate how downtown Garden City can grow into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood,
one that supports new housing opportunities, attracts local businesses, and creates memorable public spaces that
bring the community together.

Concept
Concept
Garden City, MI
Garden City, MI

31

March 27th 2026
March 27th 2026
LEGEND
LEGEND
1 Townhouses : Attached Parking Units
1 Townhouses : Attached Parking Units

EXISTING
CHURCH
EXISTING
CHURCH
EXISTING
BUSINESSES
EXISTING
BUSINESSES

No of units : 24
No of units : 24
Area/unit : 1320 Sqft
Area/unit : 1320 Sqft
2
2

EXISTING
BUSINESSES
EXISTING
BUSINESSES

Six-Plex : Deattached Parking Units
Six-Plex : Deattached Parking Units

5
5

No of units : 12
No of units : 12
Area/unit : 1200 Sqft
Area/unit : 1200 Sqft
3
3

EXISTING
PLAZA
EXISTING
PLAZA

EXISTING
BUSINESSES
EXISTING
BUSINESSES

Mixed-Use
Mixed-Use
4
4
6
6

GARDEN
PLAZA
GARDEN
PLAZA

No of units : 21
No of units : 21
Area/unit : 1200 Sqft
Area/unit : 1200 Sqft
Total Commercial sqft : 11000 sq.ft
Total Commercial sqft : 11000 sq.ft
4
4

COMMUNITY
GREEN
COMMUNITY
GREEN

5
5

4-Story
4-Story

3
3

Retail/Commercial
Retail/Commercial

COMMUNITY
GREEN
COMMUNITY
GREEN

1
1

Total Retail/Commerical Sq.ft : 12000
Total Retail/Commerical Sq.ft : 12000
5
5

4
4

Eight-Plex
Eight-Plex
2-Story
2-Story

3
3

No of units : 24
No of units : 24
Area/unit : 1875 Sqft
Area/unit : 1875 Sqft
6
6

Senior Housing-Attached Parking Units
Senior Housing-Attached Parking Units

HENRY FORD

EXISTING
BUSINESSES
EXISTING
BUSINESSES

HONEYMOON
HOUSE
HENRY FORD
HONEYMOON HOUSE

2
2

EXISTING
BUSINESSES
EXISTING
BUSINESSES

No of units : 6
No of units : 6
Area/unit : 1875 Sqft
Area/unit : 1875 Sqft
Basemap Source: Michigan Geographic Framework, 2026
Data
Source:
Garden
City 2026,
McKenna,
2026
Basemap
Source:
Michigan
Geographic
Framework,
2026
Data Source: Garden City 2026, McKenna, 2026

0
0

150
150

300
300
Feet
Feet

2026 Master Plan Amendment

32

Future Land Use Plan
The Future Land Use Designations and Map
set forth recommendations for continued use,
new development, and reuse of land in the City
over the next two decades. The Future Land
Use Map is a link between what exists and
what City leaders and citizens would like to
have developed. Together, the Master Plan and
Future Land Use Map provide a flexible guide to
promote informed public and private decisionmaking for the betterment of the community.
The land use designations on the map are
generalized; they are not intended to be site
specific or to follow specific property lines.
Although the Master Plan and Future Land Use
Map form the basis for the Zoning Ordinance
and other legal controls, the Plan and Map are
intended to be policy documents and decisionmaking guides.

33
Future Land Use Designations
The following land use designations are represented on
the Future Land Use Map and within the Zoning Plan:

Detached Residential
The Detached Residential designation preserves the City’s established pattern of detached
homes and reinforces the character of traditional residential blocks. The Future Land Use Map
designates these areas primarily where detached housing currently exists.
Approximately 87% of the City’s housing stock was constructed prior to 1970. Many homes
have been rehabilitated by new owners, contributing to neighborhood stability and reinvestment.
Future infill and redevelopment should respect the scale, architectural character, and block
pattern of existing neighborhoods. This includes the following best practices:
» Encourage compatible infill housing on vacant or underutilized lots.
» High-quality, durable building materials such as brick are encouraged.
» Architectural variety should be promoted to avoid repetitive streetscapes.
» Pedestrian connections and sidewalks should be maintained and expanded where feasible.

Garden Residential
The Garden Residential designation contains unusually large residential blocks originally
intended to accommodate garden lots. The larger lot pattern results in significantly lower
housing density than the rest of the City, while the surrounding area also lacks public park
space.
Garden Residential areas are intended to:
» Preserve existing garden blocks and open space opportunities.
» Allow flexible housing development compatible with surrounding neighborhoods.
» Support the development of community gardens, shared open space, and small neighborhood
green areas.

As these blocks are significantly larger than typical Garden City blocks, they present
opportunities for thoughtful infill and redevelopment that can introduce additional housing while
preserving open space.
Potential development tools include:
» Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
» Micro-housing and smaller lot homes
» Townhomes or attached housing developments
» Planned developments designed at a block scale
» Development closer to the downtown area may support higher residential densities while
maintaining high-quality design and strong neighborhood character.

2026 Master Plan Amendment

34
Flexible Residential
Flexible Residential areas accommodate a greater range of housing types, including small-lot
detached homes, cottage courts, duplexes, townhomes, and low-rise multifamily housing.
These areas provide housing choices for:
» young families
» seniors
» smaller households
» residents seeking rental housing

Flexible Residential development is generally located near commercial corridors, employment
areas, and the downtown district where increased density can support local businesses and
walkability.
Typical development characteristics include:
» Moderate residential densities of approximately 12–17 units per acre.
» Parking located to the rear of buildings where possible.
» Individual unit entrances rather than shared interior corridors.
» High-quality architectural design and durable materials.
» Rooflines and façade elements that break up large building forms.
» Pedestrian pathways connecting to the City’s sidewalk network.
» Transitions between lower-density neighborhoods and commercial corridors.

Neighborhood Mixed-Use
Neighborhood Mixed-Use areas are multi-unit residential areas or small-scale mixed activity
centers located within or adjacent to neighborhoods. These areas are intended to support daily
needs within walking distance and include a mix of:
» small retail shops
» personal services
» neighborhood offices
» cafés and restaurants
» upper-story residential units / townhomes / live/work units

Buildings may contain a single use or multiple uses, and development should maintain a
neighborhood scale and pedestrian-friendly design, priotizing the following:
» buildings oriented toward the street
» pedestrian access and sidewalks
» limited curb cuts and reduced auto-oriented design
» compatibility with surrounding residential development

35
Mixed-Use
The Mixed-Use designation supports coordinated developments that combine residential,
commercial, office, and institutional uses in a cohesive environment. Mixed-Use areas are
typically located near the downtown district or along major corridors and are intended to support
walkable development patterns and create nodes of activity.
Buildings may contain:
» ground-floor commercial uses
» upper-story residential units (residential units are encouraged above commercial space in multistory buildings)
» offices
» civic or institutional uses

Development should incorporate:
» high-quality building materials
» rear-yard parking where feasible
» pedestrian connections to surrounding neighborhoods
» open spaces such as plazas, courtyards, or small greens

General Commercial
General Commercial areas accommodate retail, service, and commercial uses serving
Garden City residents and the larger, surrounding region. These areas are typically located at
major intersections and along primary corridors where larger commercial developments are
appropriate.
Typical uses include:
» retail stores
» restaurants
» professional services
» building supply businesses
» automotive-related services

Development within these areas should prioritize improved site design, coordinated access,
attractive building design, and landscaping to improve the visual quality of commercial
corridors.

2026 Master Plan Amendment

36
Central Business District (CBD)
The Downtown District functions as the primary commercial, civic, and cultural center of Garden
City. Downtown is envisioned as a walkable mixed-use environment supporting a wide variety of
activities including:
» specialty retail
» restaurants and cafés
» offices
» civic uses
» entertainment
» residential units above storefronts

High-quality design, pedestrian amenities, and public spaces such as plazas or courtyards are
encouraged. New development should:
» respect established downtown design standards
» emphasize pedestrian-oriented streetscapes
» incorporate high-quality architecture and materials
» ensure compatibility with nearby residential neighborhoods

Downtown redevelopment should focus on reinvestment in existing properties and incremental
development that strengthens the vitality of the district.

Light Industrial
Light Industrial areas support employment-generating uses such as small-scale manufacturing,
fabrication, and production. Given Garden City’s limited access to freeways and rail
infrastructure, the City’s industrial areas are intended to support smaller industrial and flexspace businesses rather than heavy manufacturing.
Appropriate uses may include:
» light manufacturing
» contractor shops
» small-scale distribution
» maker spaces
» shared workspaces
» artisan production and studios

Industrial areas are located primarily in the western portion of the City. Maintaining these uses
helps limit truck traffic and industrial impacts within residential neighborhoods.

37
Public / Semi-Public
Public / Semi-Public areas include a variety of insturational facilities that provide important
community services. Typical uses include:
» schools and educational facilities
» municipal buildings
» libraries / community facilities
» religious institutions
» childcare facilities

These institutional uses are expected to remain in their existing locations and may expand when
necessary, provided expansion is designed to minimize impacts on adjacent residential areas.

Recreation and Open Space
Recreation and Open Space areas include parks, recreational facilities, and publicly accessible
green spaces.These areas provide important environmental, recreational, and community
benefits and should be preserved for public use.
The City currently maintains multiple park sites totaling approximately 90 acres. Protecting
these recreational lands is a key goal of the Master Plan.
Future planning efforts should focus on:
» maintaining existing parkland
» expanding recreational opportunities
» improving pedestrian and bicycle access to parks
» preserving open space within redevelopment areas where possible

2026 Master Plan Amendment

38
The Zoning Plan
The Zoning Ordinance is the major tool available to local government to
implement the Master Plan. The Garden City Future Land Use Map indicates
residential growth areas of different densities and provides locations for
commercial and industrial uses. The land use classifications on the map and
the corresponding descriptions of those classifications forms the basis for
evaluations of future land use and the corresponding development associated
with that use.
A zoning plan is required by the Michigan planning and zoning enabling
acts. Section 33(d) of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, PA 33 of 2008, as
amended, requires that the master plan prepared under that act shall serve
as the basis for the community’s zoning plan. The Michigan Zoning Enabling
Act, PA 110 of 2006, as amended, requires a zoning plan to be prepared as the
basis for the zoning ordinance. The zoning plan must be based on an inventory
of conditions pertinent to zoning in the municipality and the purposes for which
zoning may be adopted (as described in Section 201 of the Michigan Zoning
Enabling Act).

Land use decisions play a
central role in shaping housing
opportunities. The Future Land
Use Plan illustrates where
different housing types are
most appropriate and how
housing readiness in Garden
City can be supported through
thoughtful placement, scale,
and compatibility with existing
neighborhoods.

Table 15. Zoning Plan
FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATION

ZONING DISTRICT(S)

NOTES

Detached Residential

R-1, One Family Residential

Update zoning district.

Garden Residential

R-1, One Family Residential
R-2, Two Family Residential

Create a new Garden Residential zoning district.

Flexible Residential

R-1, One Family Residential
R-2, Two Family Residential
R-3, Multiple Family Residential

Create a new Multi-Residential zoning district (will allow for the
elimination of the R-2 district).

Neighborhood Mixed-Use

R-3, Multiple Family Residential
C-1, Community Business
C-2, Community Business
O-1, Office
VP, Vehicular Parking

Create a new Neighborhood Mixed-Use zoning district (will allow for
the elimination of the O-1 and VP districts).

Mixed-Use

C-1, Community Business
C-2, Community Business
O-1, Office
VP, Vehicular Parking

Create a new Mixed-Use zoning district (will allow for the elimination
of the O-1 and VP districts).

Central Business District (CDB)

CDB, Central Business District
VP, Vehicular Parking

Update the CDB district (will allow for the elimination of the VP
district) and develop a Form-Based Code.

General Commercial

C-3, General Business
VP, Vehicular Parking

Create a new General Commercial zoning district (will allow for the
elimination of the VP district).

Light Industrial

M-1, Light Industrial

Update the M-1 district.

Public / Semi-Public

Varies

-

Recreation

Varies

-

*PD, Planned Developments are appropriate in a number of the prescribed zoning districts; however they are both location and use based and must be
reviewed individually, based on the specifics of the proposal.

2026 Master Plan Amendment

Appendix A

Complete
Online Survey
Engagement
Results

Existing Conditions and Amenities
Q: What are the most positive aspects of living in Garden City? Check all that apply:

70%

Garden City residents enjoy living in the
community for many reasons. Namely, 59.6%
of respondents appreciate public safety
support, such as police and fire. 50.3% enjoy
the sense of community and 48.3% like the
City’s location in the greater Detroit region.
Overall, respondents appear to prioritize highquality services and community, as well as the
convenient location in the city.

60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

Response

Aff
or
da
Lo
Cu ble
Ho
ca
ltu
tio
us
re
i
n
a
in
nd ng
Ed
th
h
u
eg
ist
ca
or
tio
re
Pa
y
at
n
rk
er
op
sa
D
t
io
nd
et
ns
ro
re
it
cr
re
gi
Pro eat
on
Pu
xim ion
bl
op
ity
ic
tio
to
sa
em
ns
fe
ty
plo
(p
y
m
ol
Qu
Tr
en
an
ali ice a
t
sp
ty
nd
or
ho
ta
fi
re
u
tio
)
na sing
nd
sto
ac
Se
c
k
c
ns
e o essi
bi
fc
l
i
ty
om
m
un
Ot
it
Do
he
wn y
r(
pl
to
ea
wn
se
sp
ec
ify
):

2026 Master Plan Amendment

42

Q: What do you love about your Garden City neighborhood? List any words or phrases that describe why
you love your home, street, or neighborhood.
This open-ended question asked residents to
list words or phrases that describe why they
love their home, street, or neighborhood. To
analyze these responses, the responses were
generated into a word cloud. The larger the
word appears in the cloud, the more frequently
that word was used in people’s responses.
Respondents most frequently mentioned their
appreciation for their quiet neighborhood and
close connections with their neighbors. This
plays into the strong sense of community
pride.
Other aspects that were mentioned were the
sense of safety in Garden City, well-maintained
streets, and proximity to nearby cultural and
employment centers like Detroit.

43

Housing
Q: Share all the types of homes you’ve lived in during your lifetime (even if outside of Garden City!).
Check all home choices that apply:

The majority of respondents have lived in
single-unit, detached dwellings (94.8%).
43.5% of survey respondents have lived in
a low-rise apartment/loft with 5 stories or
less during their life, and 16.9% have lived
in another type of housing, such as a dorm,
mixed-use building, or military housing
during their lifetime.

100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Hi
gh
-R
ise
Ap
M
a
id
( rtm
-R
ise 13+ ent
Ap sto .Lo
rie ft
ar
Lo
t
s)
w( m
Ri 6-12 ent
se
/
sto Lo
A
(5 part ries ft
)
sto m
rie ent
so /L
Tr
r l oft
ip
e
lex
To ss)
or
wn
Fo
ho
co ur
us
nv ple
e
er x
te (in
d
ho clu
Sin
us de
gl
in s
eg)
Un
it,
Du
D
(S et
pl
in ac
ex
gl h
e- ed
fa D
(
m
in S
w
So
m dep eni ily h elli
o
et
n
hi end r Li om g
ng
e)
e v
Els nt o ing
bu e
r F
ild (d ass acili
ist ty
in or
e
g, m
m , m d)
ilit ix
ar ed
y, -u
et se
c.)
...

Response

Q: It’s critical that Garden City offers a variety of housing types for all ages, price points, and lifestyles. In
thinking about housing across the community, consider the needs of: families, young professionals, starter
couples/individuals, empty nesters, senior facilities, etc.
What types of housing do you think are missing the most in Garden City? Check all that apply:
40%
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
Response

Se

lex

/F
(3 ou
-4 rp
un lex
ni
or
its
)
or Livin
in g
de (a
pe ssi
nd ste
en d
t)
To
wn
ho
us
e

ex
es
pl
Du
Tr
ip

No
n

eo

ft

he

Ab
ov
e
Co
(d tta
et g
ac e
he Ho
d us
un es
Co
its
u
)
(a rtya
tta rd
ch H
ed om
un es
its
)

0%

When considering housing types that meet
the needs of people at all life stages, many
respondents (34.4%) supported the addition
of assisted or independent senior living
options, which could encompass multi-unit,
single-units, attached, or detached housing
options. Besides assisted or independent
senior living, respondents saw Townhomes
(36.4%) and Cottage Houses (detached
units) (27.8%) as being most appropriate for
Garden City.

2026 Master Plan Amendment

44

Q: What types of Accessory Dwelling Units would you like to see in your neighborhood? Check all that
apply:
50%
Garden City residents were less supportive
45%
of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Garden
40%
City’s neighborhoods (43.5%).
35%
30%
Of the provided ADU options, respondents
were most supportive of carriage homes
25%
(standalone ADU) (35.9%).
20%
15%
10%
5%
Response
0%
None of the
above

CarriageHomes
(Standalone
ADU)

AtticorBasement
Converted
Garage-Second Conversion ADU
Floor ADU

Housing in Downtown Garden City
Q: What types of housing would you like to see in downtown Garden City? This would be limited to the area
surrounding the Middlebelt and Ford Road intersection. Check all that apply:

70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
Response

0%
None of the
above

3-Story, All
Residential
Building

3-Story,
Mixed Use
Building

4-Story, Mixed5-Story,Mixed
Use Building Use Building

Garden City residents could most easily
envision a mid-rise building in Downtown
Garden City, with 62.8% supporting seeing a
3-story, mixed-use building. Respondents were
more evenly mixed in their support of other
housing options in Downtown Garden City,
with 30.7% supporting a 3-story all residential
building, 35.5% supporting a 4-story, mixeduse building, and 19.0% supporting a 5-story,
mixed-use building. This reflects that survey
respondents are open to seeing housing and
mixed land uses in Downtown Garden City
but believe that new development should be
similar to the building heights currently present
Downtown.

45

Demographics
Q: How long have you lived in Garden City?

80%

Nearly 70% of survey respondents have lived
in Garden City over 21 years, and another
10.32% have lived in Garden City between
6 and 10 years. It is important to note that all
survey respondents were residents of Garden
City. This suggests that most Garden City
residents have strong ties to the community
and plan on staying in the community for the
long-term.

70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

Response

5 years
or less

6-10
years

11-15
years

16-20
years

21 years I do not live in
orlonger Garden City

CITY OF GARDEN CITY

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
REQUEST FORM
Submitted To:

Mayor & Council

Submitted By:

Bryan C. Smith, City Clerk

BID/CONTRACT
BOARD APPOINTMENT
CEREMONIAL
EXECUTE AGREEMENT
FEE WAIVER
LIQUOR LICENSE
NEW/AMENDED ORDINANCE
ON-STREET SALES
OTHER

Date:

3/19/26

OFFICE USE ONLY
ITEM # 11 B 7
Council Meeting of
DATE: 4/20/26

ACTION REQUESTED
PERMIT
PD CHANGE OF USE
PD SITE PLAN
PRESENTATION
PROCLAMATION
RESOLUTION
REZONING
SUPP/TRF APPROPRIATION
x
PUB HEARING REQUIRED

TITLE / DESCRIPTION OF ITEM (IF ORDINANCE, CITE TITLE/CHAPTER/SECTION(S))

On-Street Sales: Garden City Goodfellows
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
Motion to grant approval to the Garden City Goodfellows to hold their 2026 Goodfellow newspaper
fundraiser on Friday, June 26, Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28 from 8AM – 4PM at the
intersections of Ford & Middlebelt, Ford & Merriman, Ford & Venoy, and Middlebelt and Warren subject
to the receipt of a valid hold harmless agreement by each participant and compliance with the
provisions of City On-Street Sales Policy.

Fiscal Year

FINANCIAL IMPACT
G/L Acct. Number

Amount

REVIEW CHECKLIST
DEPARTMENT(S):
FINANCIAL:
COMMISSION(S):
CITY ATTORNEY:
CITY MANAGER:

DATE:
DATE:
DATE:
DATE:
DATE:

April 14, 2026

To Whom it May Concern:

The Garden City Goodfellows respectfully request to be added to the agenda of the Garden City
City Council meeting to be held on Monday, April 20th, 2026.
We are requesting permission for our 2026 Goodfellow newspaper fundraiser.
The newspaper street solicitation will take place on Friday, June 26th, Saturday, June 27th &
Sunday, June 29th , between the hours of 8:00am – 4:00pm.
The intersections requested for use include:
Ford & Middle Belt
Ford & Merriman
Middle Belt & Warren
Ford & Venoy
All insurances and hold harmless agreements will be secured by the Goodfellows board prior to
this event.
Respectfully yours,
Jaime Beccaccio
Garden City Goodfellows Secretary
734-536-6626