Scaled down sidewalk plan is better than none
It’s a small step in the right direction. City officials wisely decided to abandon an ambitious three-year citywide sidewalk replacement plan that would have cost homeowners a bundle of money.…
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 –…
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…
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.…
City’s finances are now at a critical crossroad
City councilmembers received an earful this week about the city’s dire financial picture. It’s a subject that’s been brought up before, but not quite at length like in Tuesday’s budget…
Schools taking smart approach to re-opening
Hamtramck Public School officials are undertaking one of the hardest decisions they have had to make: Bringing students back into classrooms during a pandemic. It’s been a year since students…
Council handed existing pot stores the gift of monopoly
One of the curious things about the city’s new marijuana ordinance is that it gives the existing cannabis dispensaries a virtual monopoly. A majority of the city council adopted the…
By doing nothing, council guarantees financial collapse
One way or another, Hamtramck, you are going to pay. Pay for what, you ask? Pay for the pension costs for firefighters and police officers. The city simply can’t afford…
Holding public office is not meant to be a money-maker
Talk about tone deaf. Last week, City Councilmember Nayeem Choudhury proposed to raise the salaries of the council and the mayor. But then, at Tuesday’s council meeting, he withdrew…
City’s financial crisis needs to more conversation
In last week’s issue, we discussed what will be the top issues facing the city in this new year. The debate over whether to allow recreational marijuana sales will continue…
