DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI (1/29/13) – Due in large part to the initiative of several dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers, the Southwest Dearborn Heights Neighborhood Association is bringing together residents of Dearborn Heights residing West of Telegraph Rd. and South of Michigan Ave.
Several months ago, a core group of concerned residents began meeting regularly at a local restaurant to discuss how best to combat issues of blight and unwanted rodents in the neighborhood. Then, as they saw a need and desire for greater participation, they took the necessary steps to form the association as a legal entity and begin the work of taking their message door to door.
The association’s mission is “to promote community livability and create a clean and safe community for all the residents and businesses.” It is their goal to see every resident and business located within its boundaries engaged in helping to improve the neighborhood in some way.
The group held its first general meeting on January 17, 2013 at the local Donovan VFW Hall on Van Born, which proved to be a success with well over 100 residents in attendance.
Also showing their support by participating in the event were a number of local officials including: Mayor Dan Paletko, City Treasurer John Riley, City Council Members Joseph Kosinski and Janet Badalow, TIFA Administrator Carmine Oliverio, Public Works Administrator William Zimmer, and Ordinance Officer Keith Holder.
As part of her remarks to the group, association President Carol Stuart made it clear, “We are here, the Mayor is here, and we are all in this together to make our city better.” She thanked everyone who has helped so far, including the mayor’s office and TIFA office, and said she looks forward to even more citizens becoming involved however they are able both now and in the future.
Mayor Paletko offered a few words about current and planned initiatives on the part of the city, and lead a lengthy questions-and-answers session which can be characterized as open, sincere and productive.
The association board has already scheduled more monthly meetings where residents can communicate their concerns and also listen to guest speakers on issues of public safety, health, and other topics of interest.
For more information on the Southwest Dearborn Heights Neighborhood Association, including a schedule of coming events and how to join as a supporting member, we encourage you to visit their website at: www.swdhna.com
