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Residents press Inkster council on Malcolm X Historical Home, lost school artifacts and neighborhood blight
Summary
During public comment at the July 21 meeting residents asked why the Malcolm X Historical Home remains boarded up, described efforts to recover artifacts from the demolished Inkster High School, urged speed‑calming near a school and called for stronger enforcement against overgrown rental properties.
Residents used the public‑comment period at the July 21 Inkster City Council meeting to press for action on historic preservation, traffic safety and code enforcement.
A resident who identified themselves as Pitts said they visited the Malcolm X Historical Home and found it boarded up and overgrown. "It was very disappointing to find that the home is in the way that it's in," Pitts said, asking when the home would be opened. Mayor Nolan replied that Mr. Sims texted him saying a state historical marker is expected next week and that a grand opening is being planned around Malcolm X's birthday in early August once the marker is delivered.
Other commenters described the loss and recovery efforts for Inkster High School artifacts after the school was demolished. One speaker said volunteers retrieved trophies and photos from trash and coordinated with the Charles H. Wright Museum for storage, but later learned the items had changed hands; community members said they will pursue recovery and seek a local museum or cultural center to house artifacts.
Justin Crutchfield, a first‑time commenter and resident of Prado Court near Bridal Elementary, recounted accidents tied to speeding and asked the council to accelerate the process for installing speed bumps. "I'm asking you all as we move forward ... let's get the speed bumps installed," Crutchfield said, noting petitions collected from neighbors.
A resident raised concerns about absentee landlords and overgrown properties that depress neighborhood property values. Council responded that the city has three code‑enforcement officers and asked residents to report problem addresses so staff can investigate; a councilmember proposed organizing two volunteers per district to assist reporting and monitoring.
Fadi Tofik, representing Platinum Tires and the owner of a tire shop whose special‑land‑use request the council approved that night, introduced his business and said it will offer discounts to local churches and residents in need and invited patrons to visit the Michigan Avenue location near Henry.
Treasurer update: the treasurer briefed the council on billing issues affecting residents — summer property tax bills were mailed recently and July water bills were delayed by a transition to a new billing system; the treasurer said late fees for the affected water bills will be waived while the city merges its old and new systems and asked residents to schedule meter appointments (about 45% of customers have had new meters installed).
Next steps: residents seeking follow‑up on the Malcolm X Home or recovered school artifacts said they will coordinate with the mayor’s office and other community stakeholders; traffic‑safety and code‑enforcement requests were directed to city staff for investigation and potential action.
