Dearborn Heights hears progress report on water, sewer and paving projects as residents press contractor and tree concerns

During a study session, Dearborn Heights city staff and consultant Wade Trim reviewed the status of multiple capital projects affecting drinking water, sanitary and storm sewer systems and local streets, and answered residents’ questions about contractor oversight and damaged trees and property.

The presentation covered three federal- and state-funded programs: the city’s water-meter replacement program, a lead service-line replacement project funded through Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) money, and a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) project to separate combined sewer overflows (CSO). Staff reported construction is underway on several projects, with some contracts 30–45% complete and anticipated finish dates in 2025–2026.

Why it matters: the projects affect water reliability, billing accuracy, street access and neighborhood restoration. Council members and residents said poor subcontractor oversight and incomplete restoration have left lawns, parking lots and street edges damaged; staff said contractors are on notice and that the city with its consultants will pursue punch-list work and repairs.

City staff presentation and project details

A Wade Trim project manager told the council the firm and city project teams begin each job with resident outreach and on-site inspection routines. "We start off each project by distributing flyers explaining the project and giving specific dates," the project manager said, noting a staff and field-engineer contact list is provided to affected residents. The manager said inspectors complete daily reports and photos that are compiled into monthly…