Grosse Pointe Park's council tackles
abandoned properties with ordinance

The Grosse Pointe Park city council passed an ordinance at their last meeting to address the area’s growing problem with vacant and abandoned housing.

The ordinance was written to answer the concerns of many Park residents with complaints about abandoned properties and vacant homes. It requires that owners notify the city within 30 days of a newly vacant property, defined as "lacking habitual presence of human beings,"  but wouldn't cover homes where owners spend significant time elsewhere.

An initial registration fee of $250 will be assessed at the time and reassessed every six months. If the property owner is actively trying to sell or rent the parcel and if it is maintained in good condition, the fee can be waived. Failure to register, however, carries fines of up to $500.

If properties are allowed to deteriorate, the city reserves the right to condemn the property. "We recognize the economy is bad, but we don't want the area littered with rubbish because it can become a refuge for rats," said City Attorney Dennis Levasseur. 

The city’s concern over abandoned properties is serious. One home on Wayburn Road has recently been a hive of drug activity. The property was recently padlocked and is considered uninhabitable. "I am requesting the house be demolished so the city can remove all of the debris and all three of the trashcans," said neighbor Jessica Mitchell.

"We would like to be notified of the vacant homes or lots so we can turn them into gardens like the one we have on Mack and Wayburn," said Betsy Breckels, who started the Beautification Project throughout Grosse Pointe Park.

The funds from the fines will be used as general funds for the city. 

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