Appeals court upholds 19-year sentence for ex-Detroit Riverfront Conservancy CFO Former Detroit Riverfront Conservancy CFO William Smith lost his appeal of a 19-year prison sentence for embezzling more than $44 million from the nonprofit. A federal appeals panel dismissed Smith’s appeal, ruling he had waived his right to appeal as part of his plea agreement. Smith, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering, is serving his sentence at a federal prison in Milan, Michigan. His conviction prompted significant governance reforms at the conservancy. Source: Detroit Free Press
Detroit hands neighborhood solar projects to DTE after contractor exits business Detroit City Council voted 6-3 to transfer three neighborhood solar projects from Boston-based Lightstar Renewables to DTE Energy after Lightstar announced it was exiting the solar development business following a private equity acquisition. DTE will now oversee all five solar sites across 165 acres of largely vacant Detroit land. Nearby homeowners are receiving free energy-efficiency upgrades in exchange for the solar fields. Three council members voted against the move, citing distrust of DTE and frustration over delayed action. Source: Axios
$20 million Brennan Community Center at Rouge Park set for fall 2027 opening Detroit leaders and the Detroit Pistons broke ground Thursday on the $20 million Brennan Community Center at Rouge Park on the city’s west side. The 25,000-square-foot facility, funded by Pistons owner Tom Gores and the Gores Family Foundation, will include a gym, classrooms, and activity spaces for dance and reading. It will be the only indoor year-round recreation center in Detroit’s 7th District and is expected to open in fall 2027. Source: WXYZ-TV…