Welcome back to The Agenda, a monthly column in which we highlight issues of importance in our community and ways you can get involved. This column is for May 2024.

Probably the most consequential item on the city of Adrian’s docket this month is the proposed redevelopment of the Bixby Hospital site. The Adrian City Planning Commission is expecting to review the developer’s request for a Planned Unit Development at its next meeting.

The developer, Collier Gibson, has signed an agreement with ProMedica to buy the property, and hopes to build a development of about 50 rental homes plus common areas.

Here’s a more in-depth story.

Since a lot of people have ideas about what should happen on the Bixby site, we should probably note that the city government’s role here is somewhat limited. The sale of the property is a private matter between two private entities, ProMedica and Collier Gibson, and the city has no more say over that than they would over a person selling their house. Because the developer is asking for a Planned Unit Development to be overlaid on the city’s zoning map to make the development possible, the city does have a bit more authority than it would in some other developments, but the government’s role is still pretty restricted. The planning commission cannot order ProMedica to sell to somebody else or do something different with the land, nor can it demand that the developer pursue some completely different idea. The city’s authority is limited to reviewing the plans that are brought to it and saying yes or no — determining whether those plans comply with city ordinances and are consistent with the city’s land use plan. 

The planning commission will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, in the City Chambers building at 159 E. Maumee St.

Adrian’s bicentennial is coming up. Would you like to be part of planning the celebration? The city is holding a town hall meeting on Monday, May 13, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.  in the community room at the Adrian District Library to get the ball rolling on plans.

Open office hours with Bob Behnke: Adrian City Commissioner Bob Behnke invites residents to meet with him on Wednesday, May 8, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Adrian District Library, 143 E. Maumee St. Behnke’s Commissioner Conversations series is intended as an informal way for residents to ask questions about city government or bring up any issues they would like to see addressed.

Reminder for east side residents: If you experience continued odor problems from the Crimson Holdings powdered egg plant, you can report them by going to michigan.gov/EGLECrimsonHoldings and clicking on “Submit an air quality complaint.” You can also contact Leslie Love at city hall by emailing llove@adrianmi.gov.

If you live in the city of Adrian, the Adrian school district, or the Morenci school district, don’t forget to vote! Here is a recap of the millage renewals that will be on the May 7 ballot in those areas.