Resident raises sewage and mold concerns at Romulus meeting; mayor says city has limited authority

During the second public-comment period at the April 13 meeting, Senara Johnson of 6888 Armor Rule Drive described prolonged exposure to raw sewage and the presence of black mold inside and outside her manufactured home following a broken sewer connection. She said the private park owner had repaired the sewer connection but had not cleaned up contaminated material, leaving hazardous waste in yards and under homes and causing health and safety concerns for her family and neighbors.

"My family and I are breathing in these toxics each and every day," Johnson said, and she asked the mayor what recourse residents should pursue. The mayor and staff responded that manufactured-home units and park installations are primarily regulated at the state level and that the city’s direct inspection authority is limited. City staff said code enforcement against the property owner remains an option and that affected residents often pursue civil remedies; the mayor offered to meet with the resident after the meeting and provide what assistance the city can.

Councilmembers asked staff to continue to be a resource and to follow up on the complaint; the mayor noted that serious health or safety issues should be pursued through appropriate enforcement channels and recommended residents consult an attorney when necessary.

What happens next: City staff said they will continue to be a resource and will follow up; the mayor encouraged the resident to speak with the city afterward so staff can identify any code-enforcement or support steps the city can take.