Residents press Mount Clemens to address overgrown lot, trash and flood impacts

Residents used the meeting’s public-comment periods to press the commission on neighborhood conditions, including an overgrown lot on Clinton River Drive, repeated trash accumulation between houses and recent basement flooding.

Ruthie Stevenson of 69 Bane Street said an unmaintained parcel along Clinton River Drive has returned to a hazardous condition after it was previously cut, and that she had witnessed people emerge from the brush and a prior near-miss when two children ran into the street. "It's a health and safety issue — we have bike riders, walkers — and it needs to be addressed before somebody gets raped, robbed and pillaged," she said, asking the city to expand enforcement authority if necessary.

Another resident described multiple households leaving trash bags and barrels on porches and between houses, attracting animals and creating unsanitary conditions. Carl (who gave a Second Street address) raised concerns about receiving a blight citation for an item scheduled for pickup the next day and asked how tax dollars are being used for enforcement and neighborhood services.

Commissioners responded by pledging follow-up. Commissioner Campbell said ownership carries responsibility and urged the city to ensure the lot is cleaned. Commissioner Forier and others apologized for delays and said staff will pursue enforcement on prominent corridors. Commissioner Mener urged affected residents to contact local nonprofit Mount Clemens Community Action for immediate assistance while the city researches reimbursement or other relief options.

The commission did not adopt new code language at the meeting; staff and commissioners said they will pursue enforcement and provide information to affected homeowners about available programs.