Residents press Mount Clemens commission on sidewalks as city authorizes repairs for 46 properties

Mount Clemens residents pressed the City Commission to address deteriorating sidewalks and street maintenance while the commission authorized the city to repair sidewalk flags listed in the staff report if owners do not complete repairs by June 13, 2016.

The authorization, made pursuant to city code section 30.103, covers 46 properties and 195 sidewalk flags; staff said an additional 12 properties have voluntarily signed on to include 86 more flags. "This authorization will allow the city to repair the sidewalks if not completed within 30 days with the cost of repair charged to the property owner," the Community Development Director explained.

Public commenters criticized perceived downtown favoritism and called for a clearer process. Gloria Heller asked why downtown streets receive attention while neighborhood streets like Grand Avenue remain unrepaired; she cited a recent $500,000 streets grant and questioned the in-kind match and local contributions. "They get their fancy streets. They get their sign," Heller said, arguing neighborhoods were being neglected.

Several citizens raised concerns about sidewalk billing and appeals. Monica Baker described having two flat sidewalks that she says were not code violations and asked the city to "correct my bill" so she would only pay for the sections found in violation. Commissioners discussed the lack of a formal appeals committee; City Manager said the city currently has no formal sidewalk appeals process but could create one as part of a structured sidewalk program and noted $50,000 was set aside for sidewalk enforcement and repairs.

Commissioners debated program design and equitable targeting of funds. One commissioner recommended continuing to tag sidewalks throughout the year so residents who do not attend meetings are informed; another stressed following the existing ordinance citywide rather than selectively. Staff said the spring work would cost about $27,000 versus roughly $23,000 in the prior fall, and that the program's scope will be evaluated against available funding.

The commission approved the authorization on a roll-call vote. Staff said properties had already received 30-day notices and work will be encumbered in the current fiscal year. Commissioners directed staff to study program structure, outreach, and potential grant opportunities and to consider adding a formal appeals process as part of future program design.

What's next: Repairs will proceed for properties that do not act by the deadline; administration will return with program recommendations and possible grant-seeking options.