Will Detroit’s Latest Demands to Perfecting Church Lead to Completion?

By Donald James Senior Writer, Real Times Media

The majestic future home of Perfecting Church, under construction for almost 20 years, is impossible to miss for anyone traveling along Detroit’s Woodward Ave., just north of Seven Mile Rd. And the question for many who pass the construction site regularly is, Will Perfecting Church ever finish its new edifice?

The question is also being strongly asked by the City of Detroit these days, according to a four-page letter sent to Bishop Marvin Winans and Perfecting’s Board of Trustees in early January 2023. On the City’s Law Department letterhead and signed by Corporation Counsel and the City’s top attorney Conrad Mallett, the letter addresses issues of great concern rooted in the project’s code compliance and construction timelines.

A building located at 2046 Springwells St. in Southwest Detroit had thriving retail but its second-floor apartments were vacant. Thanks to a pilot program that launched recently as a full-fledged City of Detroit-funded program, those apartments are now affordable housing.

The development also includes six newly built, two-bedroom townhomes with attached garages, as well as a new-construction, six-unit building featuring two-bedroom apartments and a community room for residents of the entire development. The new buildings replaced previously vacant land, so it adds not only affordable housing to the North End but also density.

The properties are now leasing at a range of affordable incomes, ranging from 30 percent to 80 percent AMI. This equates to $19,200 to $51,200 annually for a family of two.

“This is the type of city we are building, where people of all income levels can afford to live in any neighborhood they wish,” Duggan said of the announcement.

“This project will serve as an excellent example of how inclusive development can be done,” Develop Detroit CEO Sonya

WHAT’S INSIDE

In a copy of the letter obtained by the Michigan Chronicle from the City, the written correspondence emphasized, among other requests and directives, the importance of Perfecting renewing its building permits for the church’s construction project, submitting all prior proposals to the City’s Planning and Development Department for review and reevaluation; contacting the City’s Planning and Development Department to begin the process of negotiating a new development agreement; and submitting multiple documents and reports, including proof of financing from a financial institution for the completion of Perfecting Church at 19170 Woodward Ave.

The City is also asking for a construction management report with timelines for completion. Deadlines as to when the City expects to receive various reports, updates and other pertinent documentation were contained in the letter.

“Every deadline is not absolute, but every deadline is critical,” Mallett told the Chronicle. “We are hopeful that the Bishop and the leadership at Perfecting Church recognize the seriousness of the letter, but also the remaining opportunity to comply accordingly.”

Mallett said the letter to Bishop Winans is straightforward in outlining what the City is requesting from Perfecting. Mallet added that to the degree that the directions given in the letter are not met, the likely outcome would be litigation.

“I have a profound respect for Bishop Winans,” Mallett said. “Prayerfully, things will work out and litigation won’t be necessary. So far, they are doing everything we have asked them to do. Communication and moving toward compliance are critical for these matters to be resolved.”

The Chronicle attempted to reach Bishop Winans via phone at Perfecting Church for comment on the City’s letter and plans to complete the new edifice, but was directed to Cindy Flowers, Perfecting’s general manager.

Flowers said Bishop Winans wasn’t granting individual interviews regarding the City’s letter at this time. She also said she could not comment on the letter. However, the Bishop, according to Flowers, will release a statement to the media about the matter soon.

Nevertheless, Detroit City Council Member Angela Whitfield-Calloway, who represents District 2 where the future home of Perfecting will be located, commented.

“I am in agreement with the letter sent by the City,” Whitfield-Calloway told the Chronicle. “The letter wasn’t harsh; it was very clear and direct. I hope that the City’s administration and Bishop Winans can come to an agreement that will move the construction project forward to completion without going to court.”

Whitfield-Calloway, who holds a law degree, added that many residents in the immediate area are tired of looking at the two-decade-old construction site that has become an eyesore and has been racking up hefty fines for violations of property maintenance codes. Yet, Whitfield-Calloway said she is a cheerleader for the completion of the new Perfecting Church.

“Whatever the City can do to support Bishop Winans and the project, I would like to see happen,” the councilwoman said. “Whatever I can do as the councilperson representing District 2, I would like to do if possible, but the Bishop has to complete the project or decide what he is going to do with the property. Either he has the resources or access to resources and finances to complete construction, or he doesn’t. He needs to tell the

Celebrating

By Sherri Kolade

The 2023 Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence ladies are here. The 51 celebrants networked during an Honoree Mixer on Thursday, February 23 at the International Banquet & Conference Center. The exclusive event, for current and former honorees, described as the “fun before the fun” precedes an induction on Wednesday, April 5 at the Motor City Casino & Hotel.

The Michigan Chronicle endeavors each year to recognize African American women from all walks of life who inspire others via their leadership efforts in Detroit and elsewhere across a variety of career pathways.

The Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence Awards celebrates local African American women who inspire others through their vision and leadership, exceptional achievements, and participation in community service. Each event attracts nearly 1,100 accomplished influencers, executives, heroines, and decision-makers.

In 2023, the 16th year, we will induct a new class of honorees

Mays added. “We are proud to help build a community and work with the existing neighborhood to expand opportunities for its residents to succeed.”

“This development is not only bringing quality affordable housing to Detroit’s North End but helping to revitalize the neighborhood in an equitable way,” said Julie Schneider, director of the City’s Housing & Revitalization Department.

Residents can also get more information on the City’s affordable housing website, Detroit Home Connect, at homeconnect.detroitmi.gov.

Another housing development project in Detroit was also unveiled in late January with the city’s Housing & Revitalization Department (HRD) and the Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA), which announced its Second-Floor Residential Grant Program, which aims to convert vacant, second-floor space above commercial spaces into affordable apartment units in Southwest Detroit.

The program, which will reimburse property owners up to $10,000 for performing eligible improvements on their unused second-floor apartments, is expected to result in 24 new affordable housing units. Property owners can apply from now until 5:00 p.m. March 31.

“The City of Detroit is always looking for ways to create affordable housing and opportunities for Detroiters,” said Julie Schneider, director of HRD.

Laura Chavez-Wazeerud-Din, vice president of Programs at Southwest Detroit Business Association, agrees.

“I think it’s beautiful for our program to be partnered with the City of Detroit and bring economic development to Southwest Detroit and increasing safe and affordable housing for Detroit residents, [which] is crucial when we talk about our community,” she told the Michigan Chronicle recently.

Eligible properties must have unused second-floor apartments located above ground-floor commercial space. They also must be located within the geographic boundaries of West Vernor