Why it May be Time for Our Family to Move on

Living in the vibrant city of Detroit has been a dream come true for us. The rich history, beautiful architecture, and the warmth of the people have always held a special place in our hearts. We love spending our days at the Eastern Market, Belle Isle, and River Walk. We especially enjoy the museums, festivals and many venues. However, our journey hasn’t been without its share of disappointments and now we are considering leaving the city in which we once hoped to raise our family. 

Divided Parcels and Confusing Tax Payments

One of our biggest concerns is the division of our property into separate parcels, resulting in the necessity to pay taxes separately for our own backyard. This practice seems illogical and has put an undue burden on us.

Inconsistent Trash Pickup Services

The inconsistency and unreliability of trash pickup services have been a constant source of frustration. Missed pickups and the subsequent additional fees have left us questioning the efficiency of the system and the quality of service we receive.

Unclear Property Tax Payments

The estimation of property taxes and the lack of clarity in the payment process have left us bewildered. Paying estimated taxes early, only to receive bills charging for both parcels all over again, has caused unnecessary stress.

Disruption and Neglect

The frequent disruption of our front yard due to ongoing pipe work has posed serious safety risks to our children. Additionally, neglected empty lots and overgrown areas in our neighborhood contribute to blight and create potential hazards.

Artistic Decorations: A Band-Aid Solution

While we appreciate efforts to address blight, the practice of allowing artists to decorate blighted areas often draws more attention to the problem rather than resolving it. We believe a more comprehensive approach is necessary, treating all neighborhoods equally and effectively combating blight.

Individual Tax Charges and Debt Accumulation

The city’s inconsistent handling of individual tax charges for outdated tax years has been frustrating. Despite being assured that the charges were resolved, we faced a levy and garnishment due to unclear payment allocation, resulting in continued debt accumulation.

Difficulty in Resolving Disputes and Receiving Services

Settling disputes and obtaining the services we pay taxes for has been an arduous process. Long delays in implementing requested measures, unresponsive phone calls for simple requests like dead animal removal, and unfounded accusations from the Humane Society regarding our nonexistent dog have left us feeling unheard and unsupported.

Exorbitant Car Insurance Rates

One additional frustration we must highlight is the disproportionately expensive car insurance rates. This financial burden further strains our ability to thrive and enjoy the benefits of living in this great city.

Conclusion

Our love for Detroit remains, but it is overshadowed by the numerous disappointments we have faced with city services. We believe that by openly discussing these issues, we can work towards a brighter future for our beloved city. We hope that city officials, community organizations, and fellow residents join us in seeking positive change, improved services, and a more supportive environment for all Detroit residents.