ROYAL OAK, Mich. – UPDATE: Royal Oak City Council unanimously approved a resolution to adopt the city’s new Master Plan around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday.
The city of Royal Oak is contemplating a significant change to its housing policy that some residents believe could threaten single-family neighborhoods.
City officials attempted to address concerns during a meeting on Monday (May 19) night.
The proposed master plan does not include provisions for single-family homes.
Instead, it emphasizes the need for more diverse housing options. Proponents argue that increasing housing supply will help drive down costs.
However, many community members remain skeptical.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, tensions escalated when a resident exceeded her speaking time, prompting the entire city council to walk out.
This action left residents to discuss their concerns among themselves.
Supporters of the proposal assert that Royal Oak will require additional housing to accommodate a changing demographic.
They advocate for various multi-family housing units like condos, apartments, and townhomes.
Despite these arguments, not all residents are convinced. Before the meeting, some believed that city leaders had already made their decisions.
Bob Stuglin, a Royal Oak resident, voiced his concerns, saying, “It’s almost like the gentrification. It’s luxury, luxury.”
Nancy Poprafski, another resident, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the apprehension surrounding the proposed changes.
The meeting was ongoing after our newscast went off the air, and no decision was made as of Monday.
Watch the video above for the full story.
