City opts to take a small step in sidewalk repaving
By Charles Sercombe Not only is there an ongoing alley repaving program this year, there will now be a sidewalk replacement project. The city council initially rejected a comprehensive…
A grim view of finances
By Charles Sercombe The options for Hamtramck to pull out of an ongoing financial meltdown are few. That was the word from a budget hearing held a few weeks ago,…
Stimulus boost doesn’t address city’s core problem
Last week, the city received good news. Hamtramck, like 1,500 other communities in Michigan, is in line to receive federal dollars from the stimulus bill. We’re getting $2.1 million –…
Hamtramck historical author takes aim at crime and murder
By Alan Madlane Greg Kowalski, Executive Director of the Hamtramck Historical Museum and a prolific author sometimes fondly referred to as “The Hemingway of Hamtramck,” has yet another city-themed…
School superintendent presents a return to classroom teaching
By Jaleelah Ahmed HPS Superintedent Editor’s note: Recently, Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed sent district parents a letter, notifying them of the district’s plan to return to in-person…
Federal bucks are coming
By Charles Sercombe Hamtramck, like dozens of communities in Michigan, is set to receive a financial shot in the arm. According to a federal breakdown of where stimulus dollars are…
Let the market decide about businesses
We often hear residents complain about the empty storefronts on Jos. Campau, and the supposed failure of city leaders to attract businesses. Some folks believe that big-name companies are just…
Rolling in the dough
By Charles Sercombe The recreational marijuana business is major money-maker in the state. And Hamtramck is in line to receive a minor windfall in taxes and fees from the…
City officials try one more time for a millage increase
By Charles Sercombe A divided city council decided to give a city millage proposal one more shot with voters. At Tuesday’s regular city council meeting, the council split 3-3,…
Like it or not, a tax hike is coming
Doing nothing is not an option. Hamtramck’s financial forecast is not looking good. In about two years, the city will no longer be able to pay all of its bills.…
