Consultants outline outreach plan for Eastpointe master plan; surveys and focus groups scheduled next month

Consultants for the master‑plan update described a public‑engagement program that will include a citywide survey, stakeholder interviews, targeted focus groups and open houses. They asked commissioners to help spread the word and encouraged participation from residents, business owners and community organizations.
Erin, a planning consultant, said the team will publish a survey that likely collects self‑reported demographic information (age, household income, rent vs. own) so staff can monitor response distributions while the survey is open and take steps to fill demographic gaps. "One of the things we do while the survey is open is we try to monitor the responses that we're getting … and match it to the overall demographics of the city," Erin said, describing tactics such as paper surveys at the library or QR mailers to boost responses in underrepresented groups.
Consultants said two subject‑specific focus groups — one on housing and land use and one on economic development — are scheduled for the 23rd and 24th of next month, with additional public open houses and site tours planned. Vice Chair Sasek and Commissioners asked for the Chamber of Commerce and local employers to be included in business outreach; staff said a business‑focused stakeholder session is planned.
Public commenter Jennifer Nicholas urged clearer, more concise action items in the master plan and raised affordability concerns about new multifamily apartment pricing and a quadplex project on Kelly Road: she noted that rents discussed at a prior session would require household incomes above some local renters' earnings and said the proposed housing did not match the existing brick character on Kelly.
The consultants and staff committed to wider distribution of materials and to follow up with commission members by email before the next meeting. No formal votes were taken at the session.