‘We used to get a portion of income tax, we used to get a portion of single business tax, we got an inventory reimbursement and they got rid of all of those and put it all on sales tax, with the promise that the world would be good.’ — Dearborn Finance Director Jim O’Connor By J. PATRICK PEPPER Times-Herald Newspapers DEARBORN — State legislators still had not reached a consensus on a plan to cut $1.2 billion from Michigan’s 2010 budget as of press time, but were expected to work through the weekend to try to come up with a … [Read more...] about Local officials brace for less state revenue
Stories
Oakwood’s Dearborn Town Center development reaches a new milestone
A special ceremony was held on Tuesday, Sept. 22, to mark the placement of the last steel beam in the structure of the Dearborn Town Center development taking shape at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Schaefer in the heart of the City’s east downtown business district. Once complete, the $70 million project will be a mixed-use development with a major Oakwood Healthcare medical facility serving as its anchor. The complex will also have retail space, office space and an assisted living facility for seniors. Oakwood Healthcare and the … [Read more...] about Oakwood’s Dearborn Town Center development reaches a new milestone
Bankrupt Detroit could make money more expensive for surrounding communities
By J. PATRICK PEPPER Times-Herald Newspapers The precarious financial situation of the city of Detroit has led to increasing speculation about the possibility of bankruptcy — a situation in which experts believe the fallout would extend well beyond the limits of the once-prosperous automotive capital. Government bankruptcies are a relative rarity. Only about 600 have occurred since a Depression-era law made it possible. Detroit city officials have continued to mention it as a possibility, however, as they try to … [Read more...] about Bankrupt Detroit could make money more expensive for surrounding communities
New fire chief to be promoted from within
By J. PATRICK PEPPER Times-Herald Newspapers DEARBORN — Almost two months after the retirement of Fire Chief Nazih Hazime, Mayor John O’Reilly Jr. said he is getting closer to finding a successor. O’Reilly said Thursday he has assembled an interview team to assist him in the selection process and should begin seeing candidates next week. While declining to name the members of the interview team, he did say it shouldn’t take “too long” to make a selection once interviews start. “The only thing that could hold us up … [Read more...] about New fire chief to be promoted from within
District 7 board candidates finalized
HEIGHTS — A race to fill two open seats on the District 7 school board will come down to four candidates. Incumbent Virginia Morgan, 64, will take on challengers Lori Fujita, 39; Cathrine Marie Bunker, 39; and Sonja Smith, 44, of the 5400 block of Polk. Bunker and Fujita both reside in the 3900 block of Syracuse. The district recently introduced four-year terms for board members and changed the election process to rotate the slate of incumbents up for election. Previously, board members were elected to six-year terms and were … [Read more...] about District 7 board candidates finalized
Councilman seeks to keep sex offenders away from trick-or-treaters
By SUE SUCHYTA Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK – A bill now being considered in the state Legislature and a City Council member’s concerns soon could lead to a local resolution to enhance children’s safety at Halloween. Councilman James Flynn became concerned last year when he learned of a registered sex offender in the city whose eye-catching Halloween display seemed destined to attract trick-or-treaters. Worried that the display would entice children to come into proximity with a registered sex offender, he … [Read more...] about Councilman seeks to keep sex offenders away from trick-or-treaters
Busy Southfield Road stretch to be rebuilt
By TOM TIGANI Sunday Times Newspapers The grief might last a little longer than a short term for some, but state officials say the eventual relief will be worth it once M-39 (Southfield Road) is rebuilt between Porter and Pinecrest streets in Lincoln Park and Allen Park. Crews began mobilizing Tuesday for the $16.5 million project, which includes rebuilding the concrete pavement and barriers and utility upgrades on the 1.75-mile stretch that lies between I-94 to the north and I-75 to the south. Mobilization includes the … [Read more...] about Busy Southfield Road stretch to be rebuilt
New junior team at Yack hopes for stand-up season
By SUE SUCHYTA Downriver Sunday Times WYANDOTTE – The newest hockey team in town is promising fans some first-season excitement. The Motor City Metal Jackets’ slogan is, “Buy a seat – but you’ll only need the edge!” Based at Yack Arena, the under-20 hockey team began its season earlier this month as part of the North American Hockey League, the oldest Junior A hockey league in the United States providing developmental opportunities for 16- to 20-year-old players aspiring to play NCAA hockey or professional ranks. The … [Read more...] about New junior team at Yack hopes for stand-up season
Officer charged with soliciting of probationer
By SUE SUCHYTA Sunday Times Newspapers WYANDOTTE – A veteran city probation officer who also operates a drug counseling business has been charged with soliciting sex from an 18-year-old probationer. Robert Samson, 60, was arraigned Tuesday on the charge in 23rd District Court in Taylor. The 18-year-old woman alleges that Samson offered to waive her class fees in a drug counseling program in exchange for sexual favors. Witnesses said that when he approached the young woman Monday, it was he who was arrested instead, as … [Read more...] about Officer charged with soliciting of probationer
City offers multiple leaf-collection options
City residents can dispose of autumn leaves by raking them into the street, placing them in curbside yard waste containers or taking them to the city recycling center. By SUE SUCHYTA Sunday Times Newspapers WYANDOTTE – City residents now have three earth-friendly ways to dispose of leaves once they finish the hard work of raking. Leaves can be raked into the street for city-scheduled sweeps, placed in curbside yard waste containers or taken to the city recycling center at 168 Grove. Cornstalks, pumpkins and garden … [Read more...] about City offers multiple leaf-collection options