Honoring Rita VanBrandeghen

Rita has been a volunteer on the Library Advisory Board since 2001 and after 25 years has decided to close an extraordinary chapter of service that has left a lasting impact on the Library and City of Berkley. We appreciate all she has provided to the community!

Monster Mash Special Event Application

Downtown Development Authority Director Nate Mack and event lead Lisa Kempner presented the application to approve the BOOkley Monster Mash Block Party for Saturday, October 24 2026 from 2-5pm. This will be the first year the event is held separately from the Trick or Treat Stroll after concerns about the long day both events created previously and to hopefully increase event safety. The Dorothea Pocket Park will also be available throughout the month of October. More information about the Monster Mash event can be found at the DDA website: downtownberkley.com

First reading of an ordinance to amend Sections 2.02 Definitions, 6.03.C Use Groups, and 14.04.Q Off-Street Parking Requirements, and to add Section 8.23 Data Centers of Chapter 138 Zoning of the City of Berkley Code of Ordinances

Community Development Director Kristen Kapelanski and Carlisle/Wortman Associate Planner Michelle Marin presented various Code of Ordinance amendments and an addition. The main focus of the amendments and addition are to create precautions in case the City were to be approached by anyone with hopes of building a Data Center. The amendment cannot restrict the building of Data Centers outright, but does heavily restrict what would be possible to be built within Berkley. Restrictions include limits for continuous noise and generator air quality emission standards.

Coolidge Corridor Study Proposal

Deputy City Manager Shawn Young introduced representatives from Spalding DeDecker to present their proposal for a Coolidge Corridor Study. A presentation was given by Senior Vice President Jeremy Schrot and Planning Discipline Lead Angela Fortina. The project will focus on the future of development on Coolidge between 11 Mile and Webster. Fortina provided further context of project goals and a rough project timeline for what Spalding DeDecker hopes to achieve by July of 2027. 

The proposal has been built around an engagement strategy - focusing on making sure community members, regional agencies (SMART, RCOC), City departments, and City leadership are all part of the process in creating a new vision for the future of the Coolidge Corridor. Examples of Spalding’s previous work in other cities for similar initiatives were presented and can be found in the meeting documents. The plan hopes to assess what will work best for everyone that uses Coolidge and to then create a funding strategy to hopefully achieve the original goals. 

Professional services agreement with Spalding DeDecker and associated budget amendment for the preparation of a conceptual plan and cost estimate for a municipal parking lot on Cummings Avenue

Director Kapelanski also presented hopes to create a municipal parking lot on Cummings Avenue. This plan would be created with the help of Spalding DeDecker to understand what a lot could look like and what costs would be involved. Having a plan would help the surrounding prospective businesses to understand the City’s goals and make more informed decisions on the future development of the area. 

Want to Learn More?

• Watch the meeting recording

• Review the agenda and minutes

• Our next Council meeting will be Monday, October 5 at 7pm - we’d love to see you there!

Thanks for staying connected with your city! Your engagement helps make Berkley better for everyone.