Council accepts six‑year capital plan; residents urge broader Hawk campus study and raise parking concerns

Farmington Hills — The City Council accepted the fiscal‑year 2026–27 through 2031–32 Capital Improvements Plan on April 13 after a presentation from city planning staff outlining 142 projects totaling about $342 million over six years.

Diane Malville Freel, city planner, said transportation (local roads) represents the largest category of planned spending, followed by parks and recreation. Councilmembers asked questions about fleet strategy and sidewalk funding; staff said sidewalks are funded variably and can be advanced by pairing work with major road projects or by pursuing external grants.

During public comment, residents raised concerns about a separate but related planning issue: the proposed Hawk activity center. Commenters asked that the consultant scope include an analysis of an integrated expansion of the existing Hawk facility as an alternative to building a standalone activity center. One resident said a standalone estimate of $30–$35 million could be high given site constraints and urged the council to delay committing grant funds until a comprehensive comparison of options is completed.

Other speakers reported parking counts used by the ad hoc committee and flagged ADA parking usage, bus staging needs and potential summertime demand that could exceed available spaces. Councilmembers acknowledged the comments and said staff will consider scope and coordination between the CIP, the Hawk study and any grant commitments.

The council adopted the CIP by motion and will incorporate the approved plan into the budget process leading to final appropriations this summer.