A proposed sale of eight city-owned lots to the Urban League hit pause — then came a pointed plea to keep it moving.
- Before the vote to hold, the Urban League’s leader laid out a redevelopment plan for the east side cultural district: 29 parcels already owned, grant-ready and partnerships lined up — asking the council to see it as an anchor, not a land bank.
- One alder backed the hold to support a colleague whose ward is affected, saying this should’ve been worked out before the meeting — and urging everyone to meet, align and avoid a repeat of past process missteps.
- Another alder pushed for clear timelines and accountability, citing years of stagnation and too many idle lots. He wants action, not another plan on paper, before transferring more land.
- The Urban League responded: those big parcels are already theirs, community surveys will drive what gets built, and developers are interested in both large and small sites.
- Public comment turned sharp — calling out members who leave early, questioning delays in filling the Police Civilian Review Commission and blasting time spent on sealed-bid debates.
- A new attendee urged a revote on the landlord licensing referendum, arguing the last vote was muddled by bad advice and that residents deserve to weigh in at the ballot.
Watch for the clash between urgency and process, and how “hold it” vs. “prove it” shaped the night.
