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City and county agencies probe Palom mobile‑home park after contractors report raw sewage, condemned units
Summary
Inspectors and council members described raw sewage, animal concerns and dozens of code violations at a Dearborn Heights mobile‑home park; 16 units have been condemned and the city says it is coordinating with county public‑health and HUD/CDBG programs to house affected residents and pursue enforcement.
City officials and council members described hazardous conditions at a Dearborn Heights mobile‑home park and said they are pursuing emergency enforcement and housing options after public complaints and city inspections.
Council members and staff said multiple code enforcement tickets were issued and 16 trailers have been condemned. City Corporation Counsel Roger Foreno told the council the city has begun court action and is preparing additional legal steps, including possible use of court‑ordered remedies if the park owner does not correct unsafe conditions.
Ordinance and building staff and the city’s attorney reported evidence of raw sewage discharges, structural collapse, pest harborage, and other conditions that endanger residents. Director Kevin Abbott of the ordinance department said teams documented unlawful sewage discharge, widespread blight, unpermitted trailers and animal‑welfare concerns; animal control removed dead animals during an inspection. Abbott listed multiple older tickets and said some cases remain in the court process.
Council members said residents reported owners had pressured tenants to ‘buy’ trailers for a nominal fee while management retained titles, a step that frustrates efforts to obtain certificates of occupancy and inspections. Corporation Counsel Foreno said the city is asking the circuit court for remedies, has requested a $200,000 bond in one filing and is coordinating inspections with the Wayne County health department and state agencies.
Mayor’s staff and the city’s CDBG director said the city has contacted Wayne County and HUD/CDBG administrators to request emergency housing resources and to explore the emergency solutions grant process so displaced residents have temporary housing. Council members asked administration to move quickly to secure alternate housing rather than simply issuing notices that could leave families without shelter.
Council members and staff asked for immediate action to prevent further health risks and to stop the spread of sewage and water contamination into surrounding neighborhoods. The city said it has scheduled additional court hearings this week and will present information to the council as it becomes available.
Ending: Council members asked administration to coordinate county and federal resources for temporary housing and to return a status update to the council; several members said the conditions they saw justified urgent intervention.
