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Downtown business owners urge action after assaults, thefts and sanitation problems; commission seeks sheriff meeting
Summary
Owners of two downtown businesses told the commission repeated assaults, theft and unsanitary conditions near the park are depressing foot traffic; commissioners said they will pursue a near‑term meeting with the sheriff and consider temporary parking relief.
Business owners told the Mount Clemens City Commission during public comment that persistent safety and sanitation problems in the downtown park are harming commerce and resident comfort.
"We are having multiple assaults ... they are defecating all over the park," Eric Super, owner of a business at 61 North Walnut, said. "We're having issues ... it's time to fix this." Super said staff, customers and his family feel unsafe and described repeated incidents of theft and assaults near his establishment.
Kyle Bersikert, who identified himself as Super's partner, said he has had to call the sheriff multiple times and criticized short police responses. "They give it a quick look, and then they get back in their car and leave and the problem still is there," Bersikert said, adding that thefts from business restrooms and repeated assaults have forced staff to spend time cleaning instead of serving customers.
Commissioners responded with urgency. Several members said they will request a near‑term meeting with the Macomb County sheriff to explore steps such as increased foot patrols and other immediate measures. "We will look for some solutions there," one commissioner said. Another suggested temporarily opening additional parking to help businesses affected by construction and customer access problems.
What was requested: Business owners sought more effective law‑enforcement engagement downtown and temporary operational relief (parking) while construction and other disruptions continue.
Next steps: Commissioners agreed to pursue a special work session or a near‑term meeting with the sheriff to seek immediate responses. The commission did not adopt a formal new policy at the meeting but recorded the direction to staff and the sheriff follow‑up as a priority.
